The two main types of magnetization in permanent magnets are axial and diametric. This terminology makes most sense when talking about discs, cylinders, and ring magnets. Axial magnets have north and south poles that are on the flat surfaces of the magnet. Diametric magnets have north and south poles that are on the rounded edges of the magnet.

Some examples of axially magnetized magnets are the two left magnets in Figure 2-1 and the two left magnets in Figure 2-2.

Some examples of diametrically magnetized magnets are the two right magnets in Figure 2-1 and the two right magnets in Figure 2-2.

Other magnet types are typically referred by shape, such as block and sphere magnets (Figure 2-3 and Figure 2-4), or by unique polarity, for example a multipole ring magnet (Figure 2-5).