What is congruent?

Congruent shapes are identical in both size and shape, even if one is turned, flipped or moved to a different place. If you could cut one out and lay it perfectly on top of the other, they are congruent. Shapes that are the same shape but different sizes are similar, not congruent.

Examples

• Two squares with 4 cm sides are congruent.
• A shape and its mirror image are congruent.
• A 3 cm square and a 5 cm square are not congruent (different sizes).

Quick facts

• Congruent shapes match exactly when placed on top of each other.
• Turning or flipping a shape does not change whether it is congruent.