How Many Sides Does an Octagon Have?

By Staff WriterLast Updated April 08, 2020

An octagon has eight sides. The word derives from the Greek words “okto” meaning “eight” and “gonia” meaning “angle.” In many countries throughout the world, an example of an octagon seen in everyday life is the red “Stop” sign.

In Christianity, the baptismal fonts are often octagonal in shape. This shape is to represent the eight days between the arrival of Christ in Jerusalem and His resurrection and rebirth eight days later. In Islam, an octagon is often placed in the center of a garden. The shape represents a transition between a square, which represents the earth, and a circle, which represents heaven.