Difference Between Kite and Rhombus

The main difference between a kite and a rhombus is that a rhombus has all equal sides whereas a kite has two pairs of adjacent equal sides. We can say that a rhombus is a kite but a kite may or may not be a rhombus. There are several differences between a kite and a rhombus. One basic similarity between a kite and a rhombus is that they both are quadrilaterals. We see kites and rhombuses in our daily lives.

In this article, we will explore the similarities and differences between a kite and a rhombus along with their formulas, properties and solved examples for a better understanding.

A kite is a quadrilateral with two pairs of adjacent equal sides. It has one pair of opposite equal angles and the longer diagonal bisects the shorter diagonal. The longer diagonal of a kite bisects the pair of opposite angles. On the other hand, in a rhombus, all four sides are equal, opposite angles are equal and adjacent angles are supplementary. The diagonals of a rhombus bisect each other at right angles.

In the above figure, we have a kite ACBD and a rhombus ABCD. Let us go through the table below highlighting the main differences between a kite and a rhombus:

Since we have studied the difference between kite and rhombus, let us explore the formulas of kite and rhombus. If the lengths of the sides and diagonals of a kite and rhombus are known, then their areas and perimeter are given by:

• Area of Kite: If the diagonals of a kite are p and q, then the area of the kite is given by, A = (1/2)(p × q)
• Perimeter of Kite: If the lengths of unequal sides of a kite are a and b, then the perimeter of the kite is given by, P = 2 (a + b)
• Area of Rhombus: If the diagonals of a rhombus are d₁ and d₂, then the area of the rhombus is given by, A = (1/2)(d₁ × d₂)
• Perimeter of Rhombus: If the length of a side of the rhombus is s, then the perimeter of the rhombus is given by, P = 4s

Now that we have studied the difference between kite and rhombus, let us explore the similarities between kite and rhombus. A kite and rhombus have the same formula to calculate their areas. Observe the points below highlighting the similarities between a kite and a rhombus:

• Both kite and a rhombus are quadrilaterals, that is, they both are four-sided closed figures.
• The sum of all interior angles is 360° in both kite and rhombus.
• The angles made at the intersection of diagonals are equal to 90°
• The formula to determine the area of a kite and the area of a rhombus is the same, that is, half of the product of the diagonals.

Important Notes on Difference Between Kite and Rhombus

• All rhombuses are kites but all kites are not rhombuses.
• A rhombus is a parallelogram but a kite is not.
• A kite satisfies all properties of a cyclic quadrilateral.

Related Topics on Difference Between Kite and Rhombus

• Difference Between Square and Rhombus
• Difference Between Square and Rectangle
• Difference Between Rectangle and Parallelogram
• Difference Between Rhombus and Rectangle

What is the Difference Between Kite and Rhombus in Geometry?

The main difference between a kite and a rhombus is that a rhombus has all equal sides whereas a kite has two pairs of adjacent equal sides.

What are the Properties of Kite and Rhombus?

Some of the properties of a kite and rhombus are:

• A kite has two pairs of adjacent equal sides.
• A kite has one pair of opposite angles (obtuse) that are equal.
• Opposite angles of a rhombus are congruent or equal.
• The opposite sides in a rhombus are equal and parallel.

Is a Kite a Rhombus?

No, a kite is not a rhombus as a rhombus has all four sides equal whereas a kite may not have all equal sides.

Why is Rhombus a Kite?

A rhombus is a kite as it satisfies all properties of a kite. A rhombus has two pairs of adjacent sides of equal length and is, therefore, a kite.

Is Area of Kite and Rhombus the Same?

Yes, the area of the kite and rhombus is the same as the formula for their areas is half the product of their diagonals.

What are the Similarities Between Kite and Rhombus?

Some of the similarities between kite and rhombus are:

• Both kite and a rhombus are quadrilaterals, that is, they both are four-sided closed figures.
• The sum of all interior angles is 360° in both kite and rhombus.
• The angles made at the intersection of diagonals are equal to 90°
• The formula to determine the area of a kite and the area of a rhombus is the same, that is, half of the product of the diagonals.

How to Tell the Difference Between Kite and Rhombus?

To tell the difference between kite and rhombus, we can check the lengths of their sides. If the quadrilateral has all four sides as equal and parallel, then, it is a rhombus whereas if the quadrilateral has only two pairs of adjacent equal sides, then it is a kite.