Shape Codes
Work out the code for a shape based on its features.
What is Shape Codes?
Shape code questions show you several shapes alongside their codes. Each part of the code represents a specific feature of the shape (such as its type, size, or shading). You need to crack the code system and work out the code for a new shape.
For example, a code might use the first letter for shape type (C for circle, S for square) and the second letter for shading (W for white, B for black). A white circle would be coded CW.
Step-by-Step Method
List the features of each coded shape
For each shape with a known code, write down all its features: type, size, shading, number of elements, etc.
Compare shapes with similar codes
Find two shapes that share part of their code. The shared code element corresponds to the shared feature.
Build the code key
Work out what each position in the code represents and what each letter/number means.
Code the target shape
Apply your code key to the new shape to determine its code.
Worked Examples
A large black circle has code XP. A large white circle has code XQ. A small black circle has code YP. What is the code for a small white circle?
Working
- Large black circle = XP, Large white circle = XQ.
- Both are large – they share X. So X = large.
- The difference is shading: black = P, white = Q.
- Small black circle = YP. Y must mean small.
- Small white circle: small = Y, white = Q.
A white triangle has code AF. A white square has code BF. A black triangle has code AG. What is the code for a black square?
Working
- White triangle = AF, White square = BF. Both white, share F. So F = white.
- Triangle = A, Square = B.
- Black triangle = AG. A = triangle, so G = black.
- Black square: B (square) + G (black) = BG.
Common Mistakes
Assuming the code positions correspond to features in an obvious order (e.g. first letter = shape type).
Do not guess – compare the coded shapes systematically to work out what each code position means.
Mixing up which code letter represents which feature.
Write your code key clearly and check each mapping against all the given examples before coding the target.
Top Tips
- Start by comparing two shapes that differ in only one feature – the code difference tells you what that feature is coded as.
- Common coded features: shape type, size, shading, number of sides, and orientation.
- Codes often have 2-3 positions, each representing one feature.
- If you are unsure about a mapping, check it against all given coded shapes before using it.
Ready to practise?
Put these techniques into action with our free practice papers.
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