A net is a flat shape that folds into a 3D solid. Nets are a favourite topic in school geometry, and they are also the basis of every cardboard box. This guide explains nets of a cube and cuboid, the famous 11 cube nets, and how to find surface area, with our free Box Net Generator to draw and print nets.
What is a net?
A net shows all the faces of a solid laid out flat, connected along edges, so that it can be folded into the shape without overlaps or gaps.
The 11 nets of a cube
A cube has six square faces. There are exactly 11 distinct nets of a cube (not counting rotations and reflections). They fall into families:
| Family | Description | Count |
|---|---|---|
| 1-4-1 | Four squares in a row with one square above and one below | 6 |
| 2-3-1 | Rows of 2, 3 and 1 squares | 3 |
| 2-2-2 | Three rows of two, staircase shape | 1 |
| 3-3 | Two rows of three, offset | 1 |
A common shape that is not a net is a row of five squares with one attached, or a 2 × 3 rectangle, because faces would overlap.
Cuboid nets
A cuboid (rectangular box) has three pairs of rectangular faces: L × W, L × H and W × H. Its net uses the same layouts as a cube, with rectangles of the right sizes.
Surface area from a net
Surface area = 2(LW + LH + WH)
Example: a box 6 × 4 × 3 cm:
2 × (24 + 18 + 12) = 108 cm²
Area calculations are also used for wrapping; see the Bubble Wrap Calculator.
Classroom activities
- Print nets on card, cut and fold them.
- Ask students to sort shapes into nets and non-nets.
- Challenge students to find all 11 cube nets.
From nets to real boxes
Real boxes add flaps and tabs for gluing. Read make a gift box from a net and see the Box Dieline Generator for printable templates.
Frequently asked questions
How many nets does a cube have?
11 distinct nets.
Is a 2 × 3 rectangle of squares a cube net?
No, faces would overlap when folded.
How do I find surface area from a net?
Add the areas of all faces: 2(LW + LH + WH) for a cuboid.