What is the Difference Between Congruent and Similar?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

The main difference between congruent and similar shapes lies in their sizes and angles. Here is a summary of their differences:

  • Congruent shapes have both the same shape and the same size. They can be identified by measuring the lengths of the sides and the angles between them. If the shapes have the same size and shape, they are congruent.
  • Similar shapes have the same shape but not necessarily the same size. They have the same angle measures, but their corresponding side lengths are proportional, not equal.

In other words, congruent shapes are similar but also have the same size, while similar shapes only have the same shape and proportional side lengths, but not necessarily the same size. All congruent shapes are similar, but not all similar shapes are congruent.

Comparative Table: Congruent vs Similar

Here is a table comparing the differences between congruent and similar shapes:

Property Congruent Shapes Similar Shapes
Definition Congruent shapes are identical in shape and size, and can be superimposed. Similar shapes have the same shape but may be different in size.
Angles Congruent shapes have the same angles. Similar shapes have the same angles.
Sides Congruent shapes have the same side lengths. Similar shapes have proportional side lengths, but not necessarily the same length.
Superimposability Congruent shapes can be superimposed. Similar shapes cannot necessarily be superimposed.
Congruence vs. Similarity Congruent shapes are always similar, but not all similar shapes are congruent. Similar shapes can be congruent if they are the same size, but if the sizes are different, they are not congruent.

In summary, congruent shapes have the same shape and size, while similar shapes have the same shape but may differ in size. Congruent shapes can be superimposed, whereas similar shapes may not be able to be superimposed. All congruent shapes are similar, but not all similar shapes are congruent.