A hexagonal prism is a three-dimensional geometric shape with two parallel hexagonal bases connected by six rectangular faces. The hexagonal bases are regular, meaning all sides and angles are equal. This shape is part of the family of prisms, which are defined by having two identical bases and rectangular sides. The volume of a hexagonal prism can be calculated using the formula V = \frac3\sqrt{3}2 \times a^2 \times h , where a is the length of a side of the hexagon and h is the height of the prism. Hexagonal prisms are commonly found in nature and architecture, such as in the structure of honeycombs and geodesic domes.