Shape-selective catalysis is a catalytic reaction that depends on the product molecules, the size of the reactants, and the pore structure and size of the catalyst.

For example, a catalytic process using zeolites is shape-selective catalysis. Molecules with pore sizes greater than 260-740 pm are not able to penetrate the zeolite and undergo the reaction. This implies the dependence of this process on the type of reactants and catalysts.