Hexagonal Pyramid
A hexagonal pyramid is a different kind of pyramid that exists. A hexagonal pyramid has the base in the shape of a hexagon along with isosceles triangles as the faces that combine the pyramid together at the apex. Let us learn more about the concept of a hexagonal pyramid in this article.
| 1. | Hexagonal Pyramid Definition |
| 2. | Hexagonal Pyramid Properties |
| 3. | Volume of a Hexagonal Pyramid |
| 4. | Surface Area of a Hexagonal Pyramid |
| 5. | Hexagonal Pyramid Net |
| 6. | FAQs on Hexagonal Pyramid |
Hexagonal Pyramid Definition
A hexagonal pyramid is a 3D shaped pyramid that has the base shaped like a hexagon along with the sides or faces in the shape of isosceles triangles that form the hexagonal pyramid at the apex or the top of the pyramid. A hexagonal pyramid has a base with 6 sides along with 6 isosceles triangular lateral faces. The other name for a hexagonal pyramid is Heptahedron. A hexagonal pyramid consists of 7 faces, 12 edges, and 7 vertices. An image of a hexagonal pyramid is given below for your reference.
Hexagonal Pyramid Properties
Just like any other pyramid, a hexagonal pyramid also has unique properties that differentiate it from the other pyramids. Let's see what are those properties:
- A hexagonal pyramid has the base of a polygon-shaped figure known as a hexagon
- A hexagonal pyramid consists of 6 isosceles triangles as the faces that are erected against the base and combined to the apex
- There are 7 vertices in total in a hexagonal pyramid where 6 is at the base of the pyramid and one at the top
- A hexagonal pyramid has 12 edges i.e. 6 connecting the triangle edges to the main vertex and the 6 edges of the base
- In total, a hexagonal pyramid has 7 faces, one for each side of the triangle along with one base
Volume of Hexagonal Pyramid
To calculate the volume of a hexagonal pyramid, we need to know three major aspects of the hexagonal pyramid i.e. the apothem which is measured from the center of the base to any point on the side of the base, second is the length of the base, and third is the height which is the height of the pyramid from the apex to the base. Hence, the formula to calculate the hexagonal pyramid volume is:
Volume of Hexagonal Pyramid = (abh) cubic units
Where,
- a is the apothem of the pyramid
- b is the base
- h is the height
When the apothem of the hexagonal pyramid is not mentioned and when the triangles are equilateral triangles, we can use another alternative formula which is:
Volume of hexagonal Pyramid = (√3/2) × a2 × h cubic units, where a is the side of the base and h is the height of the hexagonal pyramid
Surface Area of a Hexagonal Pyramid
Before we calculate the surface area of a hexagonal pyramid, we also need to know its base. The surface area of the hexagonal pyramid can be calculated when we have the slant height of the pyramid which is the height from the apex to any point on the boundary of the base of the pyramid. Hence, let us see both the formula of the hexagonal pyramid - base area and surface area.
Base Area of Hexagonal Pyramid = 3ab square units
Surface Area of Hexagonal Pyramid = (3ab + 3bs) square units
Where,
- a is the apothem of the pyramid
- b is the base
- s is the slant height of the pyramid
Hexagonal Pyramid Net
A hexagonal pyramid consists of 7 faces, 7 vertices, and 12 edges. The net of the hexagonal pyramid is formed with a hexagon-shaped base consists of 6 sides along which 6 triangles are formed by connecting the edges of the base. These triangles are called the lateral faces of the pyramid. When the pyramid is flattened, the 6 triangles and one hexagon base are seen i.e 6 faces and one face in the base. See the below image as reference:
Hexagonal Pyramid Related Topics
Listed below are few interesting topics that are related to the concept of a hexagonal pyramid. Have a look!
FAQs on Hexagonal Pyramid
What is a Hexagonal Pyramid?
A hexagonal pyramid is a 3D shape with the base of a hexagon combined with 6 triangles against the sides of a hexagon erected to form a pyramid at its apex. These triangles can be either an isosceles triangle or an equilateral triangle and they are called lateral faces. A hexagonal pyramid consists of 7 vertices, 7 faces, and 12 edges.
What is the Formula to Find the Volume of a Hexagonal Pyramid?
The formula to calculate the volume of a hexagonal pyramid is, Volume of Hexagonal Pyramid = (abh) cubic units, where a is the apothem of the pyramid, b is the base, and h is the height.
What is the Formula to Find the Surface Area of a Hexagonal Pyramid?
The formula to find the surface area of a hexagonal pyramid is, Surface Area of Hexagonal Pyramid = (3ab + 3bs) square units, where a is the apothem of the pyramid, b is the base, and s is the slant height of the pyramid.
What is the Formula to Find the Volume of Hexagonal Pyramid with Equilateral Triangles?
When the faces of the hexagonal pyramid are equilateral triangles and the apothem is not mentioned, the following formula is used to calculate the volume of a hexagonal pyramid.
Volume of hexagonal Pyramid = (√3/2) × a2 × h cubic units, where a is the side of the base and h is the height of the hexagonal pyramid.
What is the Formula to Find the Base Area of the Hexagonal Pyramid?
The formula to find the base area of a hexagonal pyramid is, Base Area of Hexagonal Pyramid = 3ab square units, where a is the apothem of the pyramid and b is the base length.
What is the Net of a Hexagonal Pyramid?
The net of a hexagonal pyramid is formed with 6 triangles attached along the sides of the hexagon-shaped base. There are 7 faces in total i.e. 6 faces of the triangle and one base which is seen clearly when the pyramid is flattened.
Does a Hexagonal Pyramid Have 12 Edges?
Every pyramid has its own characteristics and properties that are unique to them. A hexagonal pyramid does have 12 edges with the base shaped like a polygon.