↔️ Understanding Reflectional Symmetry in Letters
What is Reflectional Symmetry?
Reflectional symmetry (also called line symmetry or mirror symmetry) occurs when one half of a shape is a mirror image of the other half. For letters, we consider two types:
- Vertical symmetry: The left and right halves are mirror images (like the letter A)
- Horizontal symmetry: The top and bottom halves are mirror images (like the letter B)
Letters with Vertical Line Symmetry
These 11 letters look the same when mirrored left-to-right: A, H, I, M, O, T, U, V, W, X, Y. If you fold the letter vertically down the middle, both sides match perfectly.
Letters with Horizontal Line Symmetry
These 9 letters look the same when mirrored top-to-bottom: B, C, D, E, H, I, K, O, X. If you fold the letter horizontally across the middle, the top and bottom match.
Letters with Both Types of Symmetry
Only 4 letters have both vertical AND horizontal symmetry: H, I, O, X. These special letters also have rotational symmetry - they look the same when rotated 180°!
Why Does This Matter?
- Logo design - symmetrical letters feel balanced and professional
- Ambigrams - words that read the same upside down use symmetrical letters
- Mirror writing - Leonardo da Vinci famously wrote in mirror script
- Math education - teaching geometry and transformation concepts
- Typography - understanding letter structure for font design
Words Using Only Symmetrical Letters
Some English words can be written using only letters with vertical symmetry: TOMATO, YOUTH, TAXI, MAYHEM, MOTTO, MATH, AMITY, ATTIC, VIVID, and many more!