Rhombus vs. Parallelogram: What's the Difference?
Reviewed by Sawaira Riaz || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on October 12, 2023
Rhombus is a quadrilateral with all sides equal and opposite angles equal. Parallelogram is a quadrilateral with opposite sides parallel and equal.
Key Differences
A rhombus stands out in the family of quadrilaterals as it is characterized by having all four of its sides of equal length. In contrast, a parallelogram is a quadrilateral where opposite sides are parallel and equal in length, without a necessity for all sides to be equal. This characteristic difference highlights that while every rhombus is a parallelogram (due to its opposite equal and parallel sides), not every parallelogram is a rhombus, clearly distinguishing their defining features.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 12, 2023
While considering angles, a rhombus doesn’t always guarantee right angles, but it assures that opposite angles are equal. On the other side, a parallelogram ensures that adjacent angles are supplementary (adding up to 180 degrees) and opposite angles are equal, providing a geometrical distinction between the two in terms of their interior angular properties, showing that a parallelogram might sometimes encompass right angles, becoming a rectangle.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 12, 2023
In terms of diagonals, a rhombus possesses diagonals that are always perpendicular bisectors of each other and are not necessarily equal. However, a parallelogram shows a different behavior in which its diagonals bisect each other but are not necessarily perpendicular or equal, reflecting a clear differential aspect between the two quadrilaterals.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 12, 2023
Diving into symmetry, a rhombus always showcases rotational symmetry of order two, implying it appears identical after a rotation of 180 degrees. Contrarily, a parallelogram demonstrates line symmetry (or reflection symmetry) but does not guarantee rotational symmetry, giving an extra layer to their contrasting natures.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 12, 2023
Focusing on area calculations, both the rhombus and parallelogram utilize base and height in their formulas. Specifically, a rhombus multiplies its diagonals and then divides by two, while a parallelogram multiplies its base by its height. This distinction in formula application is pivotal for students and professionals in using these shapes effectively in geometrical computations and real-world applications.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 12, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Diagonals
Perpendicular bisectors and not necessarily equal.
Bisect each other, not necessarily perpendicular.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 12, 2023
Symmetry
Has rotational symmetry of order two.
Has at least one line of symmetry.
Janet White
Oct 12, 2023
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Rhombus and Parallelogram Definitions
Rhombus
In a rhombus, opposite angles are equal, providing symmetry.
The rhombus displayed equal angles opposite to each other.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Parallelogram
A parallelogram has its opposite sides parallel and equal.
The parallelogram showed equal and parallel opposite sides.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 12, 2023
Rhombus
The diagonals of a rhombus bisect each other at right angles.
The diagonals of the rhombus intersected perpendicularly.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 12, 2023
Parallelogram
In a parallelogram, opposite angles are always equal.
The parallelogram exhibited equal angles across from each other.
Sara Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
Rhombus
A rhombus has a rotational symmetry of order two.
Rotating the rhombus 180 degrees yielded the same shape.
Sara Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
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Parallelogram
The diagonals of a parallelogram bisect each other.
Diagonals of the parallelogram intersected, dividing each other in half.
Janet White
Oct 12, 2023
Rhombus
The area of a rhombus is half the product of its diagonals.
Calculating area of the rhombus used the diagonal lengths.
Janet White
Oct 12, 2023
Parallelogram
A parallelogram has at least one line of symmetry.
This parallelogram exhibited symmetry along its longer diagonal.
Harlon Moss
Oct 12, 2023
Rhombus
A rhombus is a four-sided figure with all sides of equal length.
The diamond shape in playing cards is a rhombus.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 12, 2023
Parallelogram
The area of a parallelogram is obtained by multiplying its base and height.
We used the base and height to find the area of the parallelogram.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Rhombus
An equilateral parallelogram, especially one having oblique angles. Also called rhomb.
Sumera Saeed
Dec 11, 2016
Parallelogram
(geometry) A convex quadrilateral in which each pair of opposite edges are parallel and of equal length.
Sumera Saeed
Dec 11, 2016
Parallelogram
Either of two rectangular areas (respectively the large parallelogram and the small parallelogram) abutting the goal line in front of the goal. (Since 1986 officially named the large rectangle and small rectangle, though the older names are still occasionally used.)
Sumera Saeed
Dec 11, 2016
Parallelogram
A right-lined quadrilateral figure, whose opposite sides are parallel, and consequently equal; - sometimes restricted in popular usage to a rectangle, or quadrilateral figure which is longer than it is broad, and with right angles.
Sumera Saeed
Dec 11, 2016
Parallelogram
A quadrilateral whose opposite sides are both parallel and equal in length
Sumera Saeed
Dec 11, 2016
FAQs
How do the diagonals of a parallelogram behave?
The diagonals of a parallelogram bisect each other but are not necessarily perpendicular or equal.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 12, 2023
What defines a parallelogram?
A parallelogram is a quadrilateral where opposite sides are equal and parallel.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Is a square a special case of a parallelogram?
Yes, a square is a special type of parallelogram where all sides and angles are equal.
Janet White
Oct 12, 2023
Do all rhombi have congruent diagonals?
No, a rhombus may have non-congruent diagonals that are perpendicular bisectors.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 12, 2023
How is the area of a parallelogram determined?
The area of a parallelogram is found by multiplying its base and height: A = base * height.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 12, 2023
Can a parallelogram be a rhombus?
A parallelogram can be a rhombus if all its sides are of equal length.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 12, 2023
Do all parallelograms have congruent diagonals?
No, parallelograms do not necessarily have congruent diagonals.
Sara Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
How do angles behave in a rhombus?
In a rhombus, opposite angles are equal, and adjacent angles are supplementary.
Janet White
Oct 12, 2023
How do angles behave in a parallelogram?
In a parallelogram, opposite angles are equal, and adjacent angles are supplementary.
Harlon Moss
Oct 12, 2023
How do the diagonals of a rhombus behave?
The diagonals of a rhombus are perpendicular bisectors of each other and may be unequal.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 12, 2023
What is the perimeter of a rhombus?
The perimeter of a rhombus is four times the length of one side (P = 4s).
Janet White
Oct 12, 2023
What is a rhombus?
A rhombus is a quadrilateral with all sides equal in length and opposite angles equal.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 12, 2023
How can we calculate the area of a rhombus?
The area of a rhombus is calculated as half the product of its diagonals: (d1 * d2) / 2.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 12, 2023
Can a rhombus be a parallelogram?
Yes, since a rhombus has opposite sides parallel and equal, it is a type of parallelogram.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 12, 2023
What type of symmetry does a parallelogram have?
A parallelogram has at least one line of symmetry.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 12, 2023
Is a square a special case of a rhombus?
Yes, a square is a special case of a rhombus where all angles are right angles.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 12, 2023
What type of symmetry does a rhombus have?
A rhombus has rotational symmetry of order two.
Janet White
Oct 12, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Reviewed by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
