Round barrows can be categorised according to their shape. Bell, bowl and disc barrows have a mound and ditch and sometimes an external bank. Pond barrows feature an artificial shallow depression surrounded by a bank. Saucer barrows have a flattened top and a surrounding ditch.

Bowl barrows are the most common in Wessex. Some studies suggest that disc barrows frequently contain female remains while bell barrows have mostly male occupants.

Although erosion has lowered the height and softened the shape of many barrows, it is often still possible to see the particular features showing which type they are.