Angles
(KS2, Year 6)

The Lesson

An angle is created by two rays that have a common end point, called the vertex.

The angle is also a measure of the rotation between the two rays. Angles can be measured in degrees (°) or in radians.

How to Identify an Angle

Angles are often identified using Greek letters (α, β, γ, θ, ψ). The letter theta θ is often used.

In geometric figures, points are often labelled with capital letters. Consider the angle made between points ABC, where the vertex is A and AB and AC are the rays:

The angle can be identified as the angle A, or by ∠BAC, where the middle of the 3 letters is the vertex.

How to Measure an Angle

An angle is measured by the shortest rotation between the two rays. Angles are often measure in degrees, denoted °. There are 360 degrees in a full rotation. Angles can also be measured in radians. There are 2π radians in a full rotation. Angles can be measured directly using a protractor:

Angles can also be calculated using geometry and trigonometry.

Types of Angles

The different types of angles are:

	Type of Angle	Description
	Acute	Less than 90°
	Right	90°
	Obtuse	Greater than 90° but less than 180°
	Straight	180°
	Reflex	Greater than 180°
	Full	360°

Interactive Game on the Types of Angles

Here is an interactive game to help you learn about the types of angles.

• Click on an angle so it drops into the correct "bucket."
• In total, there are 10 angle to clear.
• If an angle drops into the wrong "bucket," you will lose one of your three lives.
• Good luck!

Parts of an Angle

An angle is created by two rays meeting at a common endpoint, the vertex.

• A ray is a line which starts from a point.
• A vertex is the point where the two rays meet.

What's in a Name?

Angle comes from the Latin word "angulus" meaning "corner". It has the same root as the word "ankle", because the foot forms a corner with the leg.

Drag and Drop Game

Here is a drag-and-drop game to help you learn about the types of angles.