What you'll learn
Plans and elevations are 2D drawings that show what a 3D solid looks like from different directions. In this guide you will learn what the plan, front elevation and side elevation are, how to draw them from a 3D shape, how to build a 3D shape from its views, and how to use isometric paper. These spatial-reasoning skills appear in GCSE geometry questions.
Key terms and definitions
Plan — the view looking down on a solid from directly above.
Front elevation — the view of a solid from the front.
Side elevation — the view of a solid from the side.
Isometric drawing — a 3D drawing on a triangular grid that keeps lengths to scale.
2D representation — a flat drawing of a 3D object.
Core concepts
The three views
A 3D solid can be shown by three 2D views:
- The plan is the view from directly above (a bird's-eye view).
- The front elevation is the view from the front.
- The side elevation is the view from the side.
Each shows the outline you would see looking along that direction.
Drawing plans and elevations
To draw a view, imagine looking at the solid from that direction and draw the outline you see, including any internal edges where the depth changes (often shown as lines within the shape). Lengths should match the solid's dimensions. For a cuboid, all three views are rectangles of the appropriate sizes.
Showing changes in height
When a solid has steps or different heights, the views show lines where the surface level changes. For example, an L-shaped block seen from the front shows the step as a line. These internal lines are important for an accurate drawing.
Building a solid from its views
Given the plan and elevations, you can work out the 3D shape. The plan gives the footprint (base shape and size), and the elevations give the heights and profile. Combining them reconstructs the solid. This reverse process tests your spatial understanding.
Isometric drawing
An isometric drawing represents a 3D solid on a triangular grid, keeping edge lengths to scale. Vertical edges are drawn vertically, and horizontal edges follow the 30° grid lines. Isometric drawings give a realistic 3D impression while preserving measurements.
Worked examples
Example 1: Views of a cuboid
What are the plan and elevations of a 4 × 3 × 2 cuboid?
The plan (from above) is a 4 × 3 rectangle; the front elevation is 4 × 2; the side elevation is 3 × 2 — all rectangles matching the relevant dimensions.
Example 2: A cylinder
Describe the plan and front elevation of a cylinder standing upright.
The plan (from above) is a circle; the front elevation is a rectangle (height × diameter).
Example 3: Step in a solid
An L-shaped solid is viewed from the front. What feature appears?
A line showing the step where the height changes, dividing the outline into the two levels.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Mixing up plan and elevation. The plan is from above; elevations are from the front and side.
Omitting internal lines. Show lines where the surface level or depth changes.
Wrong dimensions. Match each view's sizes to the correct edges of the solid.
Confusing front and side views. Be clear about which direction you are looking from.
Not using isometric grid lines correctly. Verticals stay vertical; other edges follow the 30° lines.
Exam technique for Plans and Elevations
Label each view — plan, front elevation, side elevation.
Draw outlines from each direction, including internal step lines.
Keep dimensions accurate to match the solid.
Reconstruct solids by combining the footprint (plan) with the heights (elevations).
Use isometric paper carefully for 3D drawings.
Quick revision summary
Plans and elevations are 2D views of a 3D solid. The plan is the view from directly above, the front elevation is from the front, and the side elevation is from the side — each is the outline you see looking along that direction, with internal lines marking where the height or depth changes. To draw them, imagine looking from each direction and draw the outline to the correct dimensions (a cuboid gives three rectangles; an upright cylinder gives a circle plan and a rectangle elevation). To build a solid from its views, use the plan for the footprint and the elevations for the heights and profile. Isometric drawings show solids on a triangular grid, keeping verticals vertical and other edges along the 30° lines, preserving lengths. The common errors are confusing the views, omitting step lines, and wrong dimensions. Label each view, draw accurate outlines with internal lines, match the dimensions, and combine views to reconstruct solids.