The 6 Common Face Shapes Explained

A clear comparison of oval, round, square, oblong, heart and diamond face shapes.

Oval

Usually a little longer than wide, with balanced transitions between forehead, cheeks and jaw.

Round

Often closer to equal width and height, with softer curves through the cheeks and jaw.

Square

A broader outline with a more defined jaw and a relatively similar width through the upper and lower face.

Oblong

Noticeably longer than wide, often with a fairly consistent width through the cheek and jaw area.

Heart

Generally wider through the upper face and narrower toward the jaw and chin.

Diamond

Typically widest around the cheekbones, with a narrower forehead and jaw.

Why comparison matters

The difficult cases are usually the ones between categories. Oval versus oblong, round versus square, and heart versus diamond are common comparisons. Looking at several proportions together is more reliable than matching one feature to a chart.

A quick comparison table

The table below is a practical shortcut, not a scientific definition.