An arch is a curved structure that spans horizontally rather than vertically, and this trick has influenced architecture for more than 4,000 years. The Gateway Arch in St. Louis is 630 feet (192 meters) tall, the tallest arch ever, according to the National Park Service. This one structure shows the length of the arch design since the earliest stone doorways. This guide explains in simple terms each of the majour categories of arches, which should be helpful if you are just beginning your architectural career or simply seeking inspiration for a new arch design for your home improvement project.

Table of Contents

What is an Arch?

An arch is a curved structure made using wedge-shaped blocks to resist the forces of a wall or roof from pushing straight down to its supports, called abutments. This is different from a flat beam, which will eventually sag under load. The curve diffuses force horizontally, allowing them to cover a wider opening with less material, making them look like they were used in Roman aqueducts to a modern arch gate.

Arch design is based on three fundamental terms:

Keystone: the wedge-shaped stone that is placed last to hold all the other stones in place at the top center of an arch.
Voussoir: any of the wedge-shaped bricks or stones which make up the curved structure of the arch.
Impost: the point where the curve of the arch starts.

The 4 Main Types of Arches in Architecture

In modern architecture there are over 20 different types of arches, but almost all of them are derived from four basic types of arch.

Round Arch: A complete half circle, invented by Roman engineers. It’s also evenly distributed and still one of the most stable shapes that can be used in construction where it still works well with a house arch design, which is designed to look solid and traditional.
Pointed Arch: An arch with a sharp tip, characteristic of Gothic architecture. It supports loading downward instead of outward, allowing taller walls to be built, with bigger windows.
Segmental Arch: A shallow curve of less than a half circle. It is very strong against forces that are applied side to side; this is why it is used by bridge builders and is used for a low wide kitchen arch design.
Flat Arch: This does not look quite straight, but instead has some lift in the middle, making it suitable for openings that have low head heights like a small living room arch design.

All of the other forms of arch listed below are variations of these 4 basic forms.

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The Different Types of Arches Are

Beyond the four core forms, there are dozens named arch styles developed in architecture, each for a different structural or decorative purpose. Here are 30 of the most popular ones.

1. Round Arch

A continuous half circle, perfected by the Romans for bridges and aqueducts.

2. Segmental Arch

A shallow arc under half a circle, chosen for bridges for its thrust resistance.

3. Flat Arch

Nearly horizontal with a slight internal rise, used where headroom is limited.

4. Triangular Arch

Two flat stones set at about 45 degrees, meeting at the top.

5. Horseshoe Arch

Also called the Moorish arch, its curve continues below the diameter line.

6. Multifoil Arch

Small circular lobes cut into the inner curve, common in mosques and tombs.

7. Trefoil Arch

Outlined by three overlapping circles, used mainly on Gothic church portals.

8. Ogee Arch

An S-shaped curve rising to a point, part concave and part convex.

9. Pointed Trefoil Arch

A three-lobed trefoil outline with a slight point at the peak.

10. Lancet Arch

A narrow, tall pointed arch shaped like a spearhead, tied to Early English Gothic work.

11. Equilateral Arch

Drawn from two equal arcs matching the opening’s width, for a balanced profile.

12. Drop Arch

A pointed arch flatter than the equilateral form, its arcs drawn from closer centers.

13. Tudor Arch

A wide, low four-centered arch typical of late English Gothic doorways.

14. Four-Centered Arch

Any arch drawn from four separate arcs, giving a flatter, wider profile.

15. Inflexed Arch

A reversed ogee curve that bows outward before meeting at the apex.

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16. Parabolic Arch

Follows the curve of a parabola for maximum structural efficiency, as in the Gateway Arch.

17. Elliptical Arch

Wider and flatter than a semicircle, favored in Renaissance and Baroque facades.

18. Relieving Arch

Sits above a flat arch or lintel to redirect wall weight around it.

19. Stilted Arch

A semicircular arch raised on short vertical sections before the curve begins.

20. Basket-Handle Arch

A flattened, elongated curve blending several arcs into one smooth profile.

21. Venetian Arch

A rounded main curve with added pointed or decorative detailing at the crown.

22. Moorish Arch

Related to the horseshoe arch, with a curve past the widest point of the opening.

23. Rampant Arch

Springs from two different heights rather than a level base, common on stairways.

24. Corbel Arch

Built by stacking overlapping stones that step inward, rather than true voussoirs.

25. Shouldered Arch

A flat top resting on curved brackets, giving the look of an arch.

26. Horseshoe Pointed Arch

Blends the narrowed curve of the horseshoe arch with a pointed apex.

27. Splayed Arch

Wider on one face of the wall than the other, tapering through the thickness.

28. Depressed Arch

A general term for any low, flattened pointed arch, including the Tudor form.

29. Skewed Arch

Built at an angle to the wall or tunnel it passes through.

30. Catenary Arch

Follows the curve of a hanging chain, inverted for pure compression.

Which Arch is the Strongest

The strongest arch depends on the type of load it carries:

Segmental arch: the strongest for resisting horizontal thrust, the outward force that pushes supports apart. Its shallow curve sends more load sideways to the abutments, which is why it remains the standard choice for bridges.
Round arch: the strongest for evenly spread vertical loads, since it creates pure compression with almost no bending stress.
Pointed arch: best suited to tall structures that need minimal outward push.
Parabolic arch: the benchmark for efficiency across large spans.

There is no single strongest arch overall, since the right choice depends on the load and the span.

Arches Classified by Material

The strength and final appearance of an arch depends on the type of material used in its construction:

Stone arches: use precisely shaped wedge units from finely dressed ashlar for grand Roman work, rougher rubble stone for smaller or less formal openings.
Brick arches: They are available in a variety of types, such as the standard rectangular brick, the site-cut brick and the gauged brick which allows thin, clean joints. Brick is suitable for a hallway arch designs project or a house arch design update, as it can be shaped more easily than stone.
Concrete arches: are either precast offsite or in place as a single piece. Most of the big span arches that are in use today, such as bridges and industrial roofs, are built from monolithic concrete, which has steel reinforcement.

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Conclusion

Despite its simplicity, the arch continues to be one of the most efficient tools in architecture, transferring the load of a wall or roof to a curve that is pleasing to the eye. When it comes to building, reading and planning, it is important to know the difference between a round arch and a Tudor arch, or which is the better choice of arch design for a door or gate.

It is easy to read about arch types and utilizing that knowledge on actual projects is another thing. To stay updated on the evolution of the AEC world, explore BuildAmbit’s learning programs that help build industry-relevant skills. The courses are based on actual project workflows and thus you will learn what the industry actually expects from you.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the purpose of keystones in an arch?

A keystone is the stone at the apex and centre of an arch that secures the other stones in place.

2. What makes segmental arch one of the strongest arches?

Its shallow curve sends more load sideways to the supports, resisting outward thrust effectively.

3. What is the difference between the lancet arch and other pointed arches?

Arcs of its structure are wider than the width of the arch and thus tall and spear shaped.

4. How does the multifoil arch enhance architectural design?

It is scalloped with decorative detail and was also used for load-bearing openings in mosques and palaces.

5. In architecture, what are the 4 main types of arches?

There are four primary kinds: the round, the pointed, the segmental, and the flat arch, and most other designs are based on these.

6. What is the difference between Gothic and Roman arches?

A Roman arch is a complete semicircle which spreads the load evenly outward, and a Gothic arch is a pointed arch which directs the load down for taller walls.

7. What is a series of arches called?

In Roman and Gothic architecture, an arcade is a line of arches resting on columns or piers.

8. What is the name of the stone at the top of an arch?

It is called the keystone and is the last block to be built to lock other blocks in place.

9. What is the difference between a flat arch and a segmental arch?

A flat arch is almost straight, with only a small rise. A segmental arch curves more clearly and it can handle heavier loads.

10. What arch style is common in Islamic architecture?

Many Islamic buildings use the horseshoe arch, the pointed arch, and the multifoil arch.

11. What are the three arch types in the foot?

This is about the human body, not buildings. The foot has a medial arch, a lateral arch, and a transverse arch. These foot arches help support body weight when you walk.

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