Math Playground
Geometry

Euler's formula

V − E + F = 2. The hidden law every convex polyhedron obeys.

Take any convex polyhedron — count its vertices, its edges and its faces. Whatever shape you picked, the answer is always the same: V − E + F = 2.

Euler's polyhedron formula
V − E + F = 2

Check it on the Platonic solids

  • Tetrahedron — V=4, E=6, F=4 → 4−6+4 = 2 ✓
  • Cube — V=8, E=12, F=6 → 8−12+6 = 2 ✓
  • Octahedron — V=6, E=12, F=8 → 6−12+8 = 2 ✓
  • Dodecahedron — V=20, E=30, F=12 → 20−30+12 = 2 ✓
  • Icosahedron — V=12, E=30, F=20 → 12−30+20 = 2 ✓

Euler's formula is true for any shape topologically equivalent to a sphere — even sliced or dented. For a torus (a donut), the answer is 0. The 2 is hiding the topology of the surface.