Difference Between Parallelogram vs Rhombus

If you are just starting out with more complex math, the chances are that you will have a challenging time figuring out the distinction between rhombus and parallelogram. Well, if you have that obstacle, you are not alone because many experts faced the same hurdle at some point in their careers. Indeed, the two are shapes that occur every now and then.

They also have similar features. Hence, they are referred to as quadrilaterals (or quads) because they have 4 sides. Even though they have their striking similarities, the two shapes have distinctions, which are more noticeable when one closely examines their properties.

In this guide, we will dissect what those differences are. However, we will start this parallelogram vs rhombus guide by defining the terms.

Definition of a Parallelogram

A parallelogram is a 4-sided geometric figure whose sides are parallel with opposite sides equal to each other in length. This is not just any shape as the edges form angles at the points of intersection. The sum of interior angles that they form with each other is 360 degrees.

One interesting thing about the shape is that there is a formula for calculating its area and perimeter. Before we move on to the difference between parallelogram and rhombus, we have to break down the basic formulae. For instance, you can calculate a parallelogram’s area using the formula below.

Area = base (b) x height (h)

For diagonals, ½ d1d2, where d1d2 are the diagonals’ lengths

On the other hand, you can calculate the perimeter using the following formula.

2 (b + h), where “b” is the base and “h” is the height

Definition of a Rhombus

A rhombus is a quadrilateral whose sides are equal to each other. The sum of the internal angles within a rhombus is 360 degrees. In some mathematical parlance, the shape is also known as a slanting square.

Another point to note is that all the sides are slanting and equal in length, which informs its other name. Note that a square is also a rhombus because it has 4 equal sides as well. To calculate the perimeter, you have 4 x length of one side or 4A, where A is the length of the side. Similarly, the area is A = b x h.

Main Difference Between Parallelogram vs Rhombus

The table below offers a clear distinction between them. You can come back to reference it in the future if you have any questions.

Basis of comparison	Parallelogram	Rhombus
Meaning	This is a quadrilateral whose opposite sides are equal to each other.	This is a quadrilateral with the appearance of a slanting square and 4 equal sides.
Equality	Each of the 2 parallel sides are equal.	All 4 sides are equal.
Calculating the perimeter	2(a + b) Where a and b are height and base respectively	4a Where a is a side
Origin of terms	This is a Greek word that means parallel lines.	This term is a Latin word that means “to continue turning something around.”
Angle formed at intersection	Congruent triangles are formed at the point where diagonals bisect each other.	At the point where the diagonals intersect each other, a scalene triangle is formed because they intersect at a right angle.
Calculating the area	½ d1d2 or ab/2	base x height

Difference Between Parallelogram and Rhombus: Conclusion

Indeed, we have made concerted efforts towards simplifying the ambiguity around the difference between rhombus and parallelogram. Sure, the distinction is one of the obstacles you have to overcome in the quest to understand geometry.

From the foregoing, calculations involving the two quadrilaterals are straightforward. Despite that, they are challenges that students come across in everyday geometry class. If you always had a challenge with these shapes, we strongly believe that this guide will help you overcome it.

When it comes to rhombus vs parallelogram, many students tend to have a problem with the calculations involving diagonals. We even covered that in this guide to give you the most thorough information. Now, you are ready to handle with ease math problems involving these two shapes.