This feature relates to the overall shape of the pileus as viewed side-on or in cross section. Ignore any modifications of the pileus centre (see Pileus centre shape).

This feature should be assessed using fruit-bodies that are fully mature and expanded but not too old. On young fruit-bodies the mature shape may not have developed properly; old fruit-bodies may become irregular or contorted.

Fruit-bodies may vary considerably in shape between specimens. Choose an average shape for this feature.

Choose this state if: the pileus is more or less rounded or, if somewhat conical, then with a blunt, rounded apex. It may vary from more or less hemispherical to quite shallowly curved.

This state includes such shapes as hemispherical, convex, plano-convex, broadly convex, conico-convex and campanulate.

If the middle of the pileus is flat but the edges are curved, choose this state

If the pileus is distinctly conical and has a definite, pointed apex, see Pileus shape: conical. If the pileus is much higher than wide, see Pileus shape: cylindrical to parabolic.