Circles vs Squares: The Geometry of Efficiency

Circles are mathematically efficient. But do they pack the space best?

Packing is simply the art of filling a space with shapes. Squares are the

kings of tiling. They fill exactly one hundred percent. Circles are different. They always leave

empty gaps between them. Even the best staggered hexagonal packing still leaves small

gaps. In fact, the maximum coverage is only about ninety point seven

percent. However, circles excel at enclosing the most area within a

boundary. This makes them perfect for pressure tanks, as they have

no stress points. That is why we use squares for boxes and circles for containers.