States of Matter Diagram
Free printable states of matter diagram — a labeled illustration showing how the particles are arranged in a solid, a liquid and a gas. Download a high-resolution PDF or PNG for Letter paper.
The three states of matter
Matter is anything that takes up space, and it usually exists in three states: solid, liquid and gas. Here is what happens at each labeled part of the diagram:
| State | What it does |
|---|---|
| Solid | The particles are packed tightly in a fixed pattern, so a solid keeps its own shape. |
| Liquid | The particles are close but can slide past each other, so a liquid flows and takes the shape of its container. |
| Gas | The particles are far apart and move freely, so a gas spreads out to fill any space. |
Companion worksheet
A free fill-in worksheet with an answer key, built from the labels above — students match each state to its description, then answer a couple of short questions. Great for a quick check after using the diagram.
How to print
Choose Download PDF for a ready-to-print file that fits US Letter paper (8.5 × 11") in landscape, or Download PNG for the high-resolution image.
Frequently asked questions
What are the three states of matter?
The three common states of matter are solid, liquid and gas.
Why does a solid keep its shape but a gas does not?
In a solid the particles are locked tightly together, so it holds its shape. In a gas the particles are far apart and move freely, so the gas spreads out to fill whatever space it is in.
What paper size should I print this on?
The diagram is sized for standard US Letter paper (8.5 × 11") in landscape orientation. Use "Download PDF" for a print-ready file that fits the page automatically.