Round
A continuous rounded tip with a compact outline.
Short to medium · Soft and practicalSeven shapes.
Your own preference.
Compare the tip, taper and length. These original drawings are conversation starters, not filing templates.
Square
Straight sidewalls and a flat tip with defined corners.
Short to long · Clean and graphicSquoval
A flatter tip softened at the corners.
Short to medium · An easy middle groundOval
A rounded tip that continues into gently curved sides.
Medium · A softer elongated lineAlmond
Tapered sides meet at a rounded, narrow peak.
Medium to long · A tapered silhouetteCoffin
Tapered sidewalls finish at a flat tip; also called ballerina.
Long · A defined statementStiletto
Long, strongly tapered sides meet at a pointed tip.
Long · A pointed statementUse this chart to put a name to an outline, then compare what that outline asks of your preferred length. The drawings isolate the tip and sidewalls. They are deliberately simple so polish, camera angle and nail art do not hide the difference.
Read three parts of the outline
First look at the tip: curved, flat or pointed. Next look at the sides: mostly straight or tapering inward. Finally compare how far the nail extends beyond the fingertip. Two photographs can carry the same shape name while looking quite different because one has a much longer free edge.
Our seven labels follow common salon language described by OPI and Essie. They are useful vocabulary, not precise engineering specifications. Bring a clear reference when the distinction matters. A picture labelled almond can be quite rounded; a picture labelled oval may have a noticeable taper.
Start with a pair, not seven decisions
Choose the two outlines whose tips appeal to you. Round and squoval are a useful first comparison for a short result. Oval and almond show how a narrower tip changes a curved silhouette. Square and coffin show the difference between straight and tapering sidewalls.
Keep both drawings at a similar scale when comparing. A longer illustration often looks more dramatic simply because it has more length. Before asking for that effect, decide whether you also want the extra free edge in daily life.
Let the actual nail set the limits
OPI describes round, square and squoval as options for shorter lengths, while almond, coffin and stiletto use more length to show their outline clearly. This does not mean a short nail needs extensions. You can choose a different silhouette or wait to discuss the intended shape with a nail professional.
The chart cannot tell how much of your nail can be filed or whether a product system is appropriate. Do not file deeply into attached sidewalls to copy a narrow drawing. The illustration is a conversation aid, not a filing template or structural assessment.
Turn the chart into a clear request
Write down the name, desired length and one thing you like about the tip. For example: “Short squoval, with a flatter tip and gently softened corners.” That communicates more than a shape name alone.
Use the quiz if you want help choosing a comparison pair. Use the local sketch tool to position an outline over a hand photo. The sketch remains a stylized plan; it cannot predict a finished manicure.
Sources & further reading
Our guides use published sources. They do not replace an assessment of your actual nails.