How to Make a Paper Pyramid

Co-authored by Robert Homayoon

Last Updated: June 24, 2024

Paper pyramids are fun and interesting 3D objects to make, and there are several ways that you can create them. For instance, you can make an origami pyramid that doesn’t require tape or glue, or you can make a paper pyramid using a template, some scissors, and a bit of glue or tape. Whether you are doing this for a school project or just for fun, paper pyramids can be decorated in many ways, made with different types of paper with various designs, or can even be painted or colored to look like authentic Egyptian pyramids.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Making an Origami Pyramid

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1
Find a square piece of paper. To make a pyramid, you need to start with a paper that has equal dimensions in length and width. The thicker the paper, the more durable the pyramid, but if you go too thick, the pyramid will be difficult to fold. Good paper choices include:
- Origami paper
- Construction paper
- Cardstock
First, fold and unfold it diagonally through the center from top right to bottom left, and then diagonally through the center from the top left to bottom right.^{[1]
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Look at the folds you’ve made (the paper will be folded into four triangles). Either with a pencil or in your mind, label the four folds that divide the paper into quarters as A, B, C, and D (in order, going counter-clockwise).
You want the paper in front of you so that the triangle labeled side D and A has its bottom edge facing you.
Begin by folding the left side of the triangle in half in on itself, so the outer edges of sides C and D meet. Repeat on the other side, so that the outer edges of sides A and B meet.^{[2]
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Start on one side, and fold the bottom corners in toward the center, so that each bottom corner comes to meet the top corner. Repeat on the other side.
Orient the square so it looks like a diamond, with all the folded flaps at the top and the neat bottom point facing you. On each side of the paper, fold the two side points of the diamond into the center so the bottom edge of the diamond lines up with the center edge of the square.
On each of the four kite faces, open each fold one at a time until you get a small right triangle sticking out the back of your fold. Fold this little triangle down over the front, and then refold all the original folds. Repeat with each kite face.
Fold it back and forth to create a nice crease.^{[3]
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Research source} Now, stand the kite up on the bottom tip, and gently press the center tip at the top. The paper should begin opening up and unfolding at the base at the last crease you made. Once it unfolds into a triangle, you can square off the edges of the base and the sides of your paper pyramid.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Making a Cut-Out Paper Pyramid

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1
Print or draw a pyramid template. Either use a square piece of paper to create your own template or print one off and use it as either the paper for the pyramid or a cut-out template that you can trace onto a different piece of paper.
- A proper pyramid template pattern will have a square base, and of each side of that base, there will be an attached triangle. Two or all four of these triangles will have tabs on them. Once cut out, the four triangles will come together and join at the top to form the pyramid faces.
The tabs on the side are important (so don’t cut them off) because these will be used to glue or tape the sides of the pyramid together.
3
Flip the paper over and decorate it. Now that the pattern has been cut, you have the basic shape for your pyramid, and it can now be decorated any way you like. Remember that the faces on the underside of the paper will become the outside, so be sure to decorate the right side!
- Try drawing an overlapping grid pattern to make it look like the bricks of an Egyptian pyramid.
4
Crease all the pyramid edges. After decorating, flip the pyramid back over to create creases so that the faces will come together nicely. Make sure to direct the creases inward, and don’t forget to crease the tabs as well.
- If you are using thicker paper, such as cardboard, consider using a hobby knife or scissors to gently trace the lines where the pyramid will bend and fold.
Apply glue or tape to the outside edges (the decorated side edges) of all the tabs. Bring the four faces of the pyramid together, securing them to each other by positioning the sticky tabs on the inside of the pyramid faces.^{[4]
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Research source} Gently press the sides to the tabs and allow the glue to dry.

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Question

What advice do you have for someone who's trying to get started doing origami as a beginner?

Robert Homayoon
Origami Expert
Robert Homayoon is an Origami Expert known for his engaging YouTube videos and accessible instructions. He has been teaching origami on YouTube since 2009. His channel has a following of over 676,000 subscribers, and his videos have garnered over 211 million views. Robert uses his channel to highlight his passion for teaching people origami, crafts, and how to solve puzzles. He graduated from SUNY Albany in 2007 and earned his D.M.D degree from Temple University Dental School in 2013.

Robert Homayoon

Origami Expert

Expert Answer

Get a couple of simple books that teach you the basic folds, valley folds, and mountain folds. Work on your hand coordination skills and being precise. Try to be as accurate as possible with the instructions. I find watching videos is a little bit better than reading books. But it's sometimes a good idea to watch videos and read books.

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How do I give a diameter calculation?

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The diameter is the measurement across the circle so you can use a tape measure of double the radius. To present it say d= whatever.

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How does the pyramid close in the second part?

Community Answer

Apply glue or tape to the outside edges (the decorated side edges) of all the tabs. Bring the four faces of the pyramid together, securing them to each other by positioning the sticky tabs on the inside of the pyramid faces. Gently press the sides to the tabs and allow the glue to dry.

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