The oblong can be a rectangle if it has all angles equal to 90 degrees, aligning with mathematical properties. Meanwhile, every rectangle is, by default, an oblong since it adheres to the oblong’s primary characteristic of having one dimension longer than the other.

In architecture and design, oblong is used to describe spaces or objects that have a stretched appearance, while rectangle is used when precise dimensions and angles are important, such as in building layouts or room designs.

In mathematics and geometry, Rectangular is a more specific term, with precise requirements for the angles and the lengths of opposite sides. Oblong is a broader term, often used in common language, that encompasses more shapes, including elongated circles or even squares stretched in one dimension. While a square can be considered a specific ...

By letting pupils know that there are two types of rectangle — square and non-square (oblong) — we can start to mathematise with more insight and accuracy. The best maths teaching helps children to think about ‘ rectangle ‘ as the family name and ‘ square ‘ or ‘ oblong ‘ as the first name.

A rectangle with four sides of equal length is a square. The term oblong is occasionally used to refer to a non-square rectangle. A rectangle with vertices ABCD would be denoted as ABCD.