Each kolam has a definite number of dots. There are a few ways to lay out the dots to make a kolam pattern. Any kolam would belong to any of the categories described below.

1. Some kolams are designed with dots laid out parallel to each other in a set number of rows - such as 4 rows of 4 dots each. In this category of kolams, there are dots originating vertically in one row at the center of the kolam. After a few more parallel rows, they end with the final row on both the right and left side of the center row (with a set number of dots for that particular kolam).
   

   There're dots originating horizontally in one row at the center of the kolam and after a few more parrallel rows, they end with the final row on both the top and the bottom side of the center row(with a set number of dots for that particular kolam).
   

2. To begin with, the center row of dots is laid out, and the subsequent rows have interlaced dots in rows radiating towards the opposite sides of the center instead of rows which run parallel. The subsequent rows have either ascending or descending number of dots.
   

3. There is a category of kolam which is drawn with no dots absolutely which could also be called a Rangoli. They are drawn with lines or curves which more or less look like geometrical and symmetrical shapes/patterns or symbols.