what's the difference between essay and report

• Key Differences

Know the Differences & Comparisons

Difference Between Essay and Report

On the other hand, an essay can be understood as a piece of writing, on a specific topic or subject, which expresses the author’s own ideas and knowledge about the subject.

The basic difference between essay and report is that while an essay is argumentative and idea-based, reports are informative and fact-based. Now, let us move further to understand some more points of differences.

Content: Essay Vs Report

Comparison chart, definition of essay.

An essay can be understood as a comprehensive literary composition, written in a narrative style and presents a particular topic, supports an argument and highlights the writer’s view or ideology. An essay is used to check a person’s outlook and understanding on specific matters and also his/her ability to describe and argue in a way which convinces the reader or informs him/her about a specific topic.

One can make use of learned materials, along with his/her own research, to write an essay effectively. It includes both narrative and subjective thoughts. Further, an essay supports a single idea at a time, for which several components need to be covered in it so as to appear logical and chronological.

It can be a learned argument, observation of day to day life, literary criticism, political manifestos, recollections, and reflections of the writer. It starts with a question and attempts to answer or give suggestions to the problem, on the basis of the existing theories or the writer’s personal opinion and assessment.

While writing an essay, it must be kept in mind that the approach used by the writer should be positive, even if the topic of argument is negative.

Definition of Report

The report implies a well structured factual document which is created and presented after conducting an independent enquiry, research or investigation on a specific subject. It serves as a basis for problem-solving and decision making.

Reports are prepared for a definite purpose and contain relevant information in a proper format, for a particular audience. It is used to identify, observe and analyse the issues, events, findings, that occurred practically, i.e. in real life.

A report is designed with the aim of informing the reader about the event, situation or issue, in a very simple and objective manner, while enabling them to get the desired information quickly and easily. It provides recommendations for future actions. Information collected from research, or from carrying out a project work is presented in a clear and concise manner, under a set of headings and subheadings, that helps the reader to get the desired information quickly and easily.

Characteristics of an Ideal Report

• It must be clear and concise.
• It is written in easy language which the readers can understand easily.
• It has to be appropriate and accurate.
• It should be well drafted and organised, with specific sections, headings and sub-headings.

A report summary can be provided orally, however detailed reports are usually in the form of written documents. It contains – Title Page, Acknowledgement, Authorization Letter, Table of Contents, Executive Summary, Introduction, Discussion, Results, Conclusion, Recommendations and References.

Moreover, Cover letter, Copyright notice, Bibliography, Glossary and Appendices may also form part of a report.

Key Differences Between Essay and Report

The difference Between report and essay is discussed here in detail:

• An essay is a brief literary composition, which is used to describe, present, argue, and analyse the idea or topic. Conversely, a report is a formal and concise document consisting of findings from the practical research. It aims at investigating and exploring the problem under study.
• An essay is written on the basis of subjective analysis of theories and past research, by other people and own ideas, on the concerned subject. As against, a report is objective and factual, which is based on past research, as well as present data and findings.
• An essay talks about general facts and events along with the writer’s personal ideas and views, on the topic in a non-fictional manner. On the contrary, a report contains information which the reader can use to identify the facts or support in decision making or solving issues if any.
• When it comes to sections, a report usually contains different sections, with catchy headings which may attract the attention of the audience. As against, an essay does not have any section, its flow is continuous. However, it is divided into cohesive paragraphs.
• A report uses tables, charts, graphs, diagrams, statistics and many more for a clear and better presentation of the information. But, in the case of essays, they are not used.
• The conclusion in an essay is based on the writer’s personal opinion and views on the topic itself which must be optimistic, and it does not provide any recommendations for future actions. On the other hand, a report gives an independent conclusion, but it may contain the opinion of the experts or previous researchers and recommendations are included, about how the research can be improved and extended.

In a nutshell, Essays are descriptive, subjective and evaluative, whereas, a report is descriptive, objective and analytical. Essays are mainly used in an academic context, whereas reports are preferred in the field of research.

The report is used to present the researched information in a written format, to the audience. Conversely, essays are used to identify what the writer knows about the topic and how well the writer understand the question.

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Anna H. Smith says

November 26, 2020 at 3:22 pm

Thank you for explaining this so eloquently. Excellent post, I will keep this handy and refer to it often from now on, the information is so clear and so insightful, thanks for giving a clear difference. It’s a very educative article.!

Presley Dube says

November 20, 2021 at 3:43 pm

very useful to me thank you.

Leonard says

August 8, 2022 at 2:52 pm

Thanks for sharing such nice information about this topic.

Ignatius Phiri says

March 20, 2023 at 10:39 pm

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Reports and essays: key differences

Know what to expect

Explore the main differences between reports and essays and how to write for your assignments

You'll complete assignments with different requirements throughout your degree, so it's important to understand what you need to do for each of them. Here we explore the key differences between reports and essays. 

This page describes general features of academic reports and essays. Depending on your subject you may use all of these features, a selection of them, or you may have additional requirements. 

There is no single right way to write a report or essay, but they are different assignments. At a glance: 

• Reports depend heavily on your subject and the type of report.
• Essays usually have specific content and a planned structure with a focus on sense and flow. You subject might need different types of information in your introduction –  some disciplines include a short background and context here, while others begin their discussion, discuss their resources or briefly signpost the topic.

Differences between reports and essays

This table compares reports and essays and provides an outline of the standard structure for each. Your assignment will also depend on your discipline, the purpose of your work, and your audience – so you should check what you need to do in your course and module handbooks, instructions from your lecturer, and your subject conventions.

Table adapted from Cottrell, 2003, p. 209.

The structure of reports

Most reports use an IMRaD structure: Introduction, Methods, Results and Discussion.

Below are some common sections that also appear in reports. Some sections include alternative headings.

1. Table of contents

Your contents shows the number of each report section, its title, page number and any sub-sections. Sub-section numbers and details start under the section title, not the margin or the number.

2. Abstract or Executive summary

This brief summary of the report is usually the last thing you write.

3. Introduction

Your introduction describes the purpose of the report, explains why it necessary or useful, and sets out its precise aims and objectives.

4. Literature review

This describes current research and thinking about the problem or research question, and is often incorporated into the introduction.

5. Methods or Methodology

This describes and justifies the methods or processes used to collect your data.

6. Results or Findings

This section presents the results (or processed data) from the research and may consist of mainly tables, charts and or diagrams.

7. Discussion, or Analysis, or Interpretation

This section analyses the results and evaluates the research carried out.

8. Conclusion

The conclusion summarises the report and usually revisits the aims and objectives.

9. Recommendations

In this section the writer uses the results and conclusions from the report to make practical suggestions about a problem or issue. This may not be required.

10. Appendices

You can include raw data or materials that your report refers to in the appendix, if you need to. The data is often presented as charts, diagrams and tables. Each item should be numbered : for example, write Table 1 and its title; Table 2 and its title, and so on as needed.

Structure of essays

Introduction.

Your essay introduction contextualises and gives background information about the topic or questions being discussed, and sets out what the essay is going to cover.

Your essay body is divided into paragraphs. These paragraphs help make a continuous, flowing text.

The conclusion summarises the main points made in the essay. Avoid introducing new information in your conclusion.

Bibliography or Reference list

This is a list of the resources you've used in your essay. This is usually presented alphabetically by authors’ surname.

Reference for the Table of Distinctions above: 

Cottrell, S. (2003).  The Study Skills Handbook  (2nd ed.). Basingstoke: Palgrave.

Download our report and essay differences revision sheet

Download this page as a PDF for your report and essay revision notes.

Key features of academic reports

Basic essay structure

Writing clear sentences

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• How it works

What is the Difference Between Essays and Reports?

Published by Alaxendra Bets at August 19th, 2021 , Revised On August 23, 2023

What is the difference between essays and reports? Report writing is a specialised skill that your academic tutor would like you to develop.

Whether you are writing a report in university or business, report writing skills are equally important to get your message across to the readers effectively.

Generally, your academic tutor decides what form of writing you must undertake and will provide the layout requirements in the assignment brief.

However, as you move towards university-level study, you will have the freedom of choice to decide what form of writing you must undertake to address the problem question .

This means that you will need a critical evaluation of what form of writing will be the most appropriate for you, considering a given academic assignment’s requirements.

Whether you are a student or a professional, it is important to understand the key differences between an  essay and a report to work out why you should prefer one form of writing over the other.

This article lists the most notable differences between a report and an essay, so whenever you are unsure about which form of writing is the most suitable, you will know exactly what decision is right or wrong.

Difference Between Essays and Reports – Purpose

Purpose of a report.

Typically you will be  asked to write a report  if you must present an  analysis of practical research results. All reports start with the topic background, research aim, and objectives to provide details of what your work will examine.

You may also include a  hypothesis  in your report if you are testing a proposition with your research. Depending on your topic’s nature and the report writing guidelines laid out by your tutor, you may also have to include a separate section for future recommendations in your report.

Purpose of an Essay

On the other hand, Essays find answers to a question using the researcher’s own critical evaluation of the existing theories. An essay does not directly include any practical research because it only uses the existing literature material.

Difference Between Essays and Reports – Content

The report starts with introducing the topic and lists the aim and objectives your practical research will address.

It quickly moves to report chronological actions such as gathering data and presenting findings from primary research activities and laboratory experiments before the writer finally provides an assessment of the results in the conclusion  and recommendations for future sections.

The  content of an essay  depends on the  essay question  you need to answer. Whether your essay must be evaluative,  argumentative ,  narrative , discursive, or descriptive  will be determined by the nature of your essay question.

However, in general, all essays involve a synthesis of knowledge obtained from existing literature on the given question and the writer’s personal arguments and opinions based on the evidence collected during research.

Whether you have been asked to write an essay or a report, ResearchProspect writers can help you achieve the highest academic grade. We have a large team of academic writers who can meet every bit of your requirements regardless of your academic level and the academic subject.

Difference Between Essays and Reports – Formatting

A report and an essay format are similar as both include an  introduction ,  main body , and  conclusion sections. Reports include methodology and analysis in the main body and have a fixed structure.

It is recommended to check your school’s formatting guidelines if you are unsure how to format your report. Further, you can get our professional report writing service that will help you achieve your desired grades.

If you are writing an essay, the essay question’s critical evaluation will determine the  structure you must follow in your essay.

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Difference Between Essays and Reports in a Table

Despite describing these differences, it may not be easy to distinguish between an essay and a report. For example , in some academic disciplines, essays are structured like reports, with headings separating the different parts of an essay. The best practice regarding the style and format suitable to your academic discipline would be to consult your academic tutor.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do you differentiate between an essay or a report.

An essay is a concise piece of writing that presents an argument, opinion, or analysis with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. A report is a structured document that conveys information, often including data, findings, and recommendations, typically with headings, sections, and sometimes visual aids.

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An expository essay requires the writer to take a balanced approach to the subject matter rather than justifying a particular point of view.

The length of an academic essay depends on your level and the nature of subject. If you are unsure how long is an essay then this article will guide you.

The paragraphs in the main body of an essay is where you develop the central argument. Here is all you need to know about how to write paragraph for essay.

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• How It Works

Essay vs. Report: What's the Difference?

Key Differences

Comparison chart, tone and style, inclusion of opinion, essay and report definitions, what is the primary aim of an essay, are reports subjective, how is a report typically structured, can essays contain personal opinions, is a report a detailed account, are essays longer than reports, what's the tone of a report, are essays always formal, should essays be persuasive, can an essay be a literary composition, can essays explore philosophical concepts, do essays have a rigid structure, can reports include tables and figures, who is the typical audience for an essay, what's the main objective of a report, do reports always result from research, who typically reads a report, can a report be spoken, is critical thinking essential in essay writing, do reports make recommendations.

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• Reports vs essays

Students are sometimes unclear about different genres of assessment tasks.

Students often ask the question "What is the difference between a report and an essay?" This short video explains what a report is in academic writing, how it is used in different situations, and the structure of a report including executive summary, introduction, findings and conclusion.

What is a report?

A report is a piece of writing that tells you about some experience, event, or situation. This could include just doing research on some topic, a practical experiment, some issue that has arisen in a company/organisation, or a system, or even a piece of equipment, maybe.

Reports are often problem-based, but not always. It describes what you have found out, and it goes deeper - it explains and analyses what you have found out. Reports are very structured and there is an expected format. They always have sections and headings.

Have a look at this report outline:

“The aim of this report was to investigate Unilab staff attitudes to the use of mobile phones in staff and team meetings. A staff survey and policies on mobile phone use from a number of similar companies were analysed. There was significant support for a clear company policy on mobile phone use, including their banning in certain situations. The results of this research reflected the findings from similar studies. The report concluded that personal mobile phones should not be turned on during all staff meeting times.”

Most reports have executive summaries. In some disciplines, we call it an “abstract”. They are not the same as the introduction. An executive summary summarises the whole report. That means that there will be a sentence or two representing each section of the report. You always write it after you have completed the full report. Have a look at how the writer summarises each main section in one sentence (refer to executive summary above). As you can see, it’s got a very definite structure drawn from the larger report. It is very different to the introduction which just talks about the broad context, the purpose of the report, and what is going to be covered in the following sections. It gives the reader an idea of what is ahead – it does not give the overview like the executive summary.

The other important sections are the Findings and Discussion. This is where you would describe and then analyse your findings. Your findings will be reporting what you have discovered during your research, or your experiment, or an observation you have made. In the discussion section, you must delve deeper: you have to analyse and make sense of these findings and not just state what they are.

Finally, in the conclusion, you summarise your findings or use your findings or to come out with a more unified understanding or outcome. In some disciplines like business, you might be asked to give solutions or recommendations to overcome a problem that you have noticed. Recommendations might have their own section or be included in the conclusion, too.

For more information about reports, try the tutorials. Thanks for watching!

The table below shows the main differences between reports and essays.

• Provides objective information: Can be constructed collaboratively.
• Highly structured into sections identified using headings.
• Sections can be read in isolation of the most of the text: the reader can dip in and out.
• Objective report and analysis of facts.
• Grounded in practice but often links to theory.
• For a specific audience.
• Includes tables, graphs and diagrams.
• Dot points used for conciseness.
• Presents a particular writer's claim or argument.
• Structured by paragraphing with key points identified in topic sentences.
• Paragraphs are read in the context of the whole: the reader starts at the beginning and reads the entire text.
• Subjective argument or interpretation.
• Grounded in theory but sometimes linked to practice.
• For a generalised audience.
• Meaning is conveyed through text.
• Meaning constructed through sentences.
• Purpose of reports and sources to use
• Overall structure of a report
• Sample report structures

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Report writing

• Introduction

What is a report?

What makes a successful report, how are reports read, checklist for successful reports.

• Types of Report
• Structuring your report
• Writing up your report

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• Maths Support A guide to Maths Support resources which may help if you're finding any mathematical or statistical topic difficult during the transition to University study.

• Academic Phrasebank Use this site for examples of linking phrases and ways to refer to sources.
• Academic writing LibGuide Expert guidance on punctuation, grammar, writing style and proof-reading.
• Reading and notemaking LibGuide Expert guidance on managing your reading and making effective notes.
• Guide to citing references Includes guidance on why, when and how to use references correctly in your academic writing.

Students often ask, "What's the difference between an essay and a report?" It can be confusing because university assignments can mix the features of both (e.g. an essay that allows sub-headings) and some assignments may not officially be called a report, but seem very "report-like" in their structure and criteria.

The guidance on this page will explain some of the key differences between essays and reports, and how the main features of reports make them economical to read. Understanding how reports are read and the features that make them effective will help you in any report-style assignment.

A report is a piece of informative writing that describes a set of actions and analyses any results in response to a specific brief. A quick definition might be: "This is what I did and this is what it means." You may be given an assignment which is not called a report but shares many of the same features; if so, aspects of this guide will be helpful.

It may help to know some of the key differences between reports and essays:

• Badly structured
• Inappropriate writing style
• Incorrect or inadequate referencing
• Doesn't answer the brief
• Too much/too little/irrelevant material
• Expression not clear
• Doesn't relate results to purpose
• Unnecessary use of jargon

How can you make sure your report does what it's meant to do, and does it well?

Make sure you know which sections your report should have and what should go in each . Reports for different disciplines and briefs will require different sections: for instance, a business report may need a separate Recommendations section but no Methods section. Check your brief carefully to make sure you have the correct sections. See the page on 'Structuring your report' in this guide to learn more about what goes where.

Remember that reports are meant to be informative : to tell the reader what was done, what was discovered as a consequence and how this relates to the reasons the report was undertaken. Include only relevant material in your background and discussion.

A report is an act of communication between you and your reader. So  pay special attention to your projected reader , and what they want from the report. Sometimes you will be asked to write for an imaginary reader (e.g. a business client). In this case it's vital to think about why they want the report to be produced (e.g. to decide on the viability of a project) and to make sure you respond to that. If it's your tutor, they will want to know that you can communicate the processes and results of your research clearly and accurately, and can discuss your findings in the context of the overall purpose.

Write simply and appropriately . Your method and findings should be described accurately and in non-ambiguous terms. A perfectly described method section would make it possible for someone else to replicate your research process and achieve the same results. See the page in this guide on 'Writing up your report' for more on this.

Spend time on your discussion section . This is the bit that pulls the whole piece together by showing how your findings relate to the purpose of the report, and to any previous research.

Every idea and piece of information you use that comes from someone else's work  must be acknowledged with a reference . Check your brief, or department handbook for the form of referencing required (usually a short reference in the body of the text, and a full reference in the Reference List at the end).

Be clear about the scope of the report . The word count will help you to understand this. For instance, a 5000 word report will be expected to include a lot more background and discussion than a 1000 word report - this will be looking for more conciseness in the way you convey your information.

This is not to suggest that you should spend less time on writing up your findings. But it does show that the sections you may think of as less important (like the  abstract or introduction ) are actually often the places a reader gets their first impressions. So it's worth getting them right.

• Does it answer the needs of the projected reader?
• Has the material been placed in the appropriate sections?
• Has all the material been checked for accuracy?
• Are graphs and tables carefully labelled?
• Is data in graphs or tables also explained in words and analysed?
• Does the discussion/conclusion show how the results relate to objectives set out in the introduction?
• Has all irrelevant material been removed?
• Is it written throughout in appropriate style (i.e. no colloquialisms or contractions, using an objective tone, specific rather than vague)?
• Is it jargon-free and clearly written?
• Has every idea taken from or inspired by someone else's work been acknowledged with a reference?
• Have all illustrations and figures taken from someone else's work been cited correctly?
• Has it been carefully proof-read to eliminate careless mistakes?
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Core Differences

We Provide Comparison for All Terms

10 Difference between Essay and Report (With Table)

What is the main difference between essay and report? An essay pertains to a literary technique wherein nearly all aspects of a subject are thoroughly explored or articulated. A report serve as the documentation and comprehensive analysis of the discoveries and suggestions derived from practical research.

In the realm of academic writing, students frequently come across two prevalent types of assignments: essays and reports. While these assignments share certain resemblances, they also possess marked distinctions.

This piece aims to delve into the contrasting characteristics of essays and reports, with a particular emphasis on their objectives, structures, and writing approaches.

Difference between Essay and Report with Table

What is essay.

An essay is a written composition that presents a focused and organized discussion or exploration of a particular topic, idea, or argument. Essays are a common form of academic, literary, and creative writing and are characterized by several key features:

Thesis Statement : An essay typically begins with a clear and concise thesis statement that outlines the main argument or purpose of the essay.

Structure : Essays follow a specific structure, including an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. This structure allows for the logical presentation of ideas and arguments.

Supporting Evidence : Arguments and claims in an essay are supported by evidence, which may include examples, data, quotes, or references to authoritative sources.

Coherence : Essays are expected to be coherent, with ideas flowing logically from one point to the next. Transitions and topic sentences help maintain this coherence.

Analysis : Essays often involve critical thinking and analysis, where the writer evaluates, interprets, or critiques the topic or subject matter.

Clarity and Conciseness : Effective essays are clear, concise, and free from unnecessary jargon or verbosity. They communicate ideas effectively to the intended audience.

Variety of Types : Essays come in various forms, such as argumentative, persuasive, expository, narrative, and descriptive, each with its own unique characteristics and objectives.

What Is Report?

A report is a formal and structured document that presents information, data, findings, or recommendations on a specific topic, issue, or problem. Reports are typically written for a targeted audience, such as business professionals, government officials, researchers, or stakeholders, and they serve various purposes:

Information Dissemination : Reports convey objective and factual information, often gathered through research, investigation, or analysis.

Problem-Solving : Some reports are designed to address specific problems or challenges, offering solutions or recommendations.

Decision-Making : Reports provide the necessary data and analysis to support informed decision-making processes.

Documentation : They serve as records of events, actions, or research, preserving information for future reference.

Accountability : Reports may be used to document the performance or progress of projects, organizations, or individuals, ensuring accountability.

Main Difference between Essay and Report

• An essay serves as a concise literary composition for presenting and analyzing ideas, while a report is a formal document that communicates research findings.
• Essays blend subjective analysis with personal ideas, while reports maintain objectivity by relying on past research and current data.
• Essays incorporate general facts and the writer’s opinions in a non-fictional manner. Conversely, reports offer information that aids in identifying facts or supports decision-making and problem-solving.
• Reports are structured with sections featuring engaging headings, while essays follow a continuous flow but are divided into coherent paragraphs.
• Reports use visuals like tables, charts, graphs, and statistics for clarity, whereas essays typically do not include such elements.
• Essay conclusions reflect the writer’s personal opinions and tend to be optimistic, lacking recommendations for future actions. Reports provide impartial conclusions, potentially including expert opinions and recommendations for further research and improvement.

Similarities between Essay and Report

• Both are written documents.
• They require clear and coherent writing.
• Proper grammar, punctuation, and style are essential in both.
• Both may require citations and references.
• They serve as means of conveying information or ideas.
• Both should have a well-organized structure.
• An introduction and conclusion are common elements in both.

In conclusion, while essays and reports are both written forms of communication, they serve distinct purposes and exhibit notable differences in their characteristics and structures.

Essays are primarily vehicles for presenting, analyzing, and discussing ideas or viewpoints, often incorporating subjective analysis and personal opinions.

In contrast, reports are formal documents intended to convey objective information, research findings, or recommendations, maintaining objectivity and utilizing data and past research.

The structural variances are evident, with essays featuring a continuous flow of text divided into paragraphs, while reports are organized into sections with informative headings for clarity. Additionally, reports often employ visual aids like charts and tables, enhancing data presentation.

Finally, their conclusions differ significantly, as essays express personal opinions and optimism, while reports provide impartial conclusions with recommendations for further research or action.

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Differences between reports and essays

A report is a piece of informative writing that describes a set of actions and analyses any results in response to a specific brief. A quick definition might be: “This is what I did and this is what it means.”

You may also have assignments which are not called reports but which are still pieces of informative writing; for instance, some dissertations and project write-ups fall into this category.

A good way to understand the key features of reports is to see how they differ from essays as a type of academic writing.

Report Writing: Differences between reports and essays

• What's in this guide
• Elements of a report

Differences between reports and essays

• Steps to writing a report

What is a report? 

The main purpose for a report is to be informative. .

• The biggest difference between reports and essays is the structure used
• An essay is usually written in continuous text, but a report is broken into sections
• Essays discuss ideas, but reports present the information that is available on a subject
• The purpose of an essay is to make a convincing argument for a position, or discuss opinions, but a report outlines facts and figures and may give recommendations.

A report has:

1.  Defined structure:  information is organised under headings

2.  Independent sections: a report contains stand-alone sections, to which a reader can refer selectively

3.  Unbiased conclusions:  reports are written objectively

For some subjects, you may have a more specific report structure, such as a lab report, or a business report.  Most reports follow a section and sub-section structure.  The challenge is to arrange the information in a way that is easy to follow. 

Your report will have a specific purpose and audience, which will influence how you arrange the information to communicate clearly.  Read carefully through your assessment question to make sure you are following the expected structure, including the right content, and incorporating the right sections. 

Acknowledgements

The information in this guide has been adapted (with permission) from the University of Newcastle Library guide to report writing

Images sourced from Unsplash.com , by RawPixel

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• Last Updated: Nov 14, 2023 12:53 PM
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Home » Language » Difference Between Essay and Report

Difference Between Essay and Report

Main difference – essay vs report.

Essay and report writing is an area that confuses many people .  Despite having some similarities, they both are written in different styles. Both Essays and Reports must be written in a formal academic style while carefully checking grammar, spelling, and presentations. There are some common features in essay and report writing as both start with an introduction, body with discussions and analysis, and finally conclusions that demonstrate writer’s analytical thinking ability. However, there are some significant differences between Essays and Reports, and writers should be well aware of these differences before starting to write. The main difference between these two types of writings is their purpose ; an essay presents writer’s personal ideas and opinions about a certain topic while a report provides unbiased information about a certain issue.

What is an Essay

Essay is a piece of writing that describes, analyzes and evaluates a certain topic or an issue . An essay generally contains a combination of facts, statistics and writer’s personal view and opinions. An  essay can be categorized into various types, depending on the nature of the title and the style of the author. Descriptive, Narrative, Argumentative, Persuasive, and Expository are some of these types of Essays. Though there is no strict format for essay writing, an essay generally includes an introduction, body, and conclusion. Essays are mostly used in the field of Education and are usually about academic subjects.

What are the Different Types of Essays

How to write an essay, what is a report.

A report is a systematic, well-organised document that defines and analyses a certain issue or a problem . The primary aim of a report is to provide information. A report is divided into several sections, headings, and sub-headings. A report is divided into sections in this manner so that anyone can scan the document and find quickly, the specific information he/she needs. Reports are used in different fields, and various types of reports written for different purposes can be found in our day to day life. Reports are generally written for practical purposes. Academic reports, Business reports, Laboratory reports are examples of such reports. Another significant feature that can be observed in a report is that the writer indicates recommendations,  solutions to the issue at the end of the report. Graphs, tables, sentences in bullet points can also be used in report writing.

Let us now look at the difference between essay and report separately. One of the main difference between essay and report is the purpose. An essay is written to present writer’s personal ideas and opinions while a report is written to provide information about a certain issue. Another significant difference between essay and report is the format. A report is divided into sections, headings, and sub-headings, but an essay is never divided into sections and headings; it has interconnecting paragraphs. The conclusion of a report is unbiased and recommendations are provided at the end while the conclusion of an essay depends heavily on the opinion of the author. A report contains graphs and tables while an essay rarely contains graphs and tables. An appendix can be attached to the report for further reference. One of the most efficient features of a report, is that  the information can be found quickly by scanning the headings and sections but, in an essay, it is difficult to find a specific information without reading the whole essay.

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How does an essay differ from a report?

Essays and reports differ in terms of  layout and focus

Essays traditionally, don’t have headings; instead writers develop and sustain an extended argument throughout the text, moving from logically connected paragraphs to create a text that makes sense to the reader. Nowadays it is fairly common for students to use headings and sub-headings in essays if it makes sense to do so. However, your lecturer may have a layout preference for essays without headings, so if you're not sure check with your lecturer or module handbook.

Reports are divided into sections with headings and sub-headings so that the reader can find specific information easily. Business reports often present information visually using graphs, tables and diagrams. Your module handbook will often give you a structure to follow.

An essay tends to focus on concepts, issues and/or theory. The focus of a report is more concrete: the report looks at an issue in a real-world context. Essays, especially business essays, often use real-world examples to illustrate a concept or theory but a conceptual, or abstract, idea is the focus. Business reports often focus on a case study organisation and draw on relevant literature to understand the company.

However essays and reports are similar in many ways. They both:

• Require  critical reading of relevant literature
• Integrate ideas from the  literature into the text
• Demonstrate  critical analysis
• Have a clear structure, written in paragraphs
• Are written in an  academic style
• Cite and reference sources using  Harvard

The Difference between an Essay and a Report

You're probably never going to curl up with a good report to read in the same way you would a good narrative essay, but reports are important as background sources of information when making an argument in an essay. What's the difference? There are several.

The commons types of essays describe their purpose: persuasive, expository, narrative, and descriptive. Essays are written to make arguments, present factual information in written format, tell a story, or describe the topic.

A report presents factual information in the way an expository essay would, but in very different ways. Expository essays generally use words to lay out their information while a report relies less on words and more on numbers and data.

An essay is traditionally structured using an introductory paragraph that includes the writer's thesis statement, which presents the essay writer's focus for their paper. At least three body paragraphs with topic sentences that relate back to and flesh out the thesis statement, plus a conclusion paragraph that sums up the writer's points complete the essay.

Reports have no universal structure as a rule, and the structure will likely depend on a professor's or employer's preferences. A report writer may include bullet points, graphs, charts, and tables to lay out data and illustrate their findings. Reports often do include an introduction and conclusion, but instead of body paragraphs that define the argument or point of the essay, a report writer presents data and then uses their written words to explain the data and what can be inferred from it rather than requiring abstract thought.

Additionally, reports generally include sections, subsections, headings, and a clear separation of ideas, while an essay traditionally requires a writer to show their organization of thoughts using only their words.

Reaching A Conclusion

An essay writer presents their thoughts on a topic and writes a conclusion about those thoughts. It is up to the writer to determine the points they'll use to explain their reasoning and to describe how they came to that conclusion.

A report writer is usually expected to draw conclusions about the data they present and make recommendations based on that data. Reports leave little to the imagination and require very specific research. A report writer will not be flexing any creative muscles since the information they're required to include is based more on numbers and results than what the writer feels is important to explain about the topic.

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What is the difference between an essay and a report.

Reports are typically used to present the findings from a particular project, experiment, or investigation in a systematic way. Essays are used to develop a discussion of a topic or build an argument.

Reports present information in a different way from an essay. Whilst essays are generally quite fluid in terms of structure, enabling the author to explore a topic through a series of paragraphs, a report will be highly structured with section headings and subheadings that have a clear function. Reports often use tables, bullet points and graphics to present information.

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Wondering What’s The Difference Between Essay and Report? 

The Distinction Between a Report and an Essay are essentially formal, official documents that include information on a certain topic of research. It consists of the researcher’s written presentation and analysis of the data, conclusions, and outcomes that were discovered while conducting the study utilizing a variety of techniques, including surveys, interviews, experiments, and observation.

Conversely, an essay may be defined as a written composition about a certain topic or subject that conveys the author’s personal thoughts and understanding of the subject. Reports are fact-based and instructive, but essays are argumentative and idea-based. This is the fundamental difference between essay and report. Let’s go now to comprehend a few additional elements of distinction.

Table of Contents

Essay and Report Comparison Chart

Meaning of an essay.

An essay is a full literary piece that is written in a narrative manner, focuses on a certain topic, offers an argument, and emphasizes the writer’s ideology or point of view. An essay is used to evaluate a person’s perspective, comprehension of certain issues, and ability to explain and argue in a way that persuades or educates the reader on a certain subject.

To write an essay successfully, one can combine their own research and learning information. It contains both subjective and narrative ideas. Additionally, an essay only supports one point at a time, and in order for it to seem logical and chronological, it must address a number of related topics.

It might be an informed debate, a day-to-day observation, literary critique, a political manifesto, the writer’s memories, or musings. It begins with a query and makes an effort to address the issue or offer recommendations based on accepted ideas as well as the author’s own judgment and evaluation.

It is important to remember that, even while writing on a bad subject, an essay writer should adopt a positive tone.

Meaning of a Report 

The term “report” refers to a factual document that has been organized and produced following independent study, research, or inquiry on a particular topic. It provides a foundation for making decisions and addressing problems.

Reports are written with a specific goal in mind and are tailored to a certain audience, providing pertinent information in an appropriate style. It is employed to recognize, track down, and evaluate problems, occurrences, and discoveries that transpired in practice, or in real life.

The purpose of a report in academics is to provide the reader with objective, straightforward information on a scenario, incident, or issue while making it simple and quick for them to obtain the information they need. It offers suggestion s for further steps. The material gathered from conducting research or working on a project is organized into headings and subheadings that make it easy and quick for the reader to find the information they need.

If you are creating a dissertation or thesis report you can easily hir e dissertation help UK online and get better work done on your final report.

Qualities of the Perfect Report

• It needs to be succinct and unambiguous
• It is written in simple language that is easy for readers to grasp
• It must be exact and suitable
• It needs to be properly formatted, with distinct parts, headers, and subheadings

A report summary can be given verbally, however printed papers are typically used for extensive reports. Title Page, Authorization Letter, Acknowledgment, Executive Summary, Table of Contents, Discussion, Results, Conclusion, Suggestions, and References are all included.

Additionally, a report may include a cover letter, a copyright notice, an appendix, a glossary, and a bibliography.

Important Distinctions Between Reports and Essays

Here, the key distinction between an essay and a report is covered in detail:

• An essay is a short piece of writing that is intended to explain, argue, convey, and analyze a concept or subject. On the other hand, a report is a formal, succinct document that summarizes the results of the applied research. Its goal is to look into and examine the issue being researched.
• An essay is produced based on the author’s subjective appraisal of theories and previous study on the topic, as well as thoughts from other individuals. In contrast, a report is factual and impartial, drawing on both current and historical facts and study.
• An essay discusse s a topic in a non-fictional way while presenting basic information, historical events, and the author’s personal opinions. On the other hand, a Report in Academics includes data that the reader may utilize to determine the truth or obtain assistance in making decisions or resolving any problems.
• A report’s sections are often divided into several categories with attention-grabbing headers to draw in readers. In contrast, an essay has one continuous flow and no sections. It is, nonetheless, broken up into logical paragraphs.
• A dissertation feedback report presents the information in a clearer and better way by using tables, charts, graphs, diagrams, statistics, and many other visual aids. However, they are not utilized when writing essays.
• An essay’s conclusion should be hopeful and should be based on the writer’s personal opinions and ideas on the subject; it should not offer suggestions for further action. A report, on the other hand, provides an independent conclusion but may also include suggestions for how the study might be expanded and enhanced, as well as the viewpoint of experts or past researchers.

More Differences: 

The four common essay types—descriptive, narrative, explanatory, and persuasive—describe their goals. Essays can be written to explain a topic, tell a tale, make arguments, or give factual facts in writing.

Factual material is presented in reports in a manner similar to that of expository essays, but with significant differences. While reports rely more on numbers and facts and less on language to convey their information, expository essays often employ words to do so.

The standard format for an essay is an introduction that contains the thesis statement, which summarizes the essay writer’s main points. The essay is finished with a minimum of three body paragraphs that contain subject sentences that support and elaborate on the thesis statement, as well as a conclusion paragraph that summarizes the writer’s main ideas.

There isn’t a standard format for reports; instead, it usually depends on the requirements set by the company or lecturer. A report writer may use tables, graphs, charts, and bullet points to organize data and present conclusions. Report writers offer facts and then use their written words to clarify the data and what may be gleaned from it, rather than demanding abstract reasoning, as is the case with paragraphs in the body that define the thesis or purpose of the essay.

Furthermore, reports typically have sections, subsections, titles, and a distinct division of concepts, but essays typically call on the writer to organize their ideas solely through language.

Getting to a Conclusion

An essayist gives their ideas on a subject and then concludes the essay with those ideas. The writer must decide which arguments to make to support their position and detail how they arrived at that decision.

It is often expected of a report writer to draw inferences from the facts they provide and offer suggestions in light of those conclusions. Reports need highly detailed research and don’t offer much room for interpretation. Since the material necessary to be included depends more on outcomes and data than on what the writer believes is vital to express about the issue, a report writer won’t be using much of their creative muscles.

In the end, reports are descriptive, objective, and analytical, whereas essays are descriptive, subjective, and evaluative. Reports are chosen in the realm of research, while essays are typically employed in academic settings. The purpose of Academic Reports is to provide the audience with the investigated data in a written manner. Essays, on the other hand, are meant to demonstrate the writer’s knowledge of the subject and level of comprehension of the issue.

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The purpose of a report

A report is a practical document that describes, details or analyses something so that the reader can make decisions or take specific action concerning it. A report can be written about anything; a business issue, a recent event, a piece of research, however it is likely to be one or more of the following in character:

Informative Defining or establishing the facts surrounding a current situation

Explanatory Exploring and explaining a situation and suggesting a range of possible actions

Persuasive Investigating a problem and recommending a specific course of action

The difference between reports and essays

As a part of the assessment for your course, you may be required to write both reports and essays; this table highlights the main differences between the two:  

FAQs: Academic Skills

What is the difference between an essay and a report.

Essays differ from reports in a number of ways:

• Essays require the writer to argue, defend or justify a point of view with respect to a particular topic or question.  
• An essay includes an introduction, body paragraphs and a conclusion.
• In essays, headings are not normally used, so each new idea needs to be introduced within the paragraph structure.
• In essays, bullet points and short phrases should be avoided.  Each new sentence should link to the previous one and each paragraph should link to the previous or next one. 
• A Report is used to provide concise information, and in some cases, opinions on a specific subject.
• A report usually includes an executive summary, introduction, body paragraphs, a conclusion and recommendations. However, report structure and format may vary depending on the intended audience. Please consult your assessment brief or learning facilitator if you are unsure.
• Each section has a heading.
• The recommendations may be listed in bullet point format.
• Academic Skills
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• Last Updated Jul 21, 2021
• Answered By Library Torrens

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Difference Between Essay and Report

When in college, you will expect to receive various assignments that require a different approach when writing. One of the assignments is essay and report writing which might confuse many students. Although their structure is almost similar, their content differs and you should not confuse one with the other.

Essays are divided into different categories according to their purpose but reports present factual facts about something and are backed by data and numbers. Essays give more details using words but reports have lesser words. Here are the main differences.

• 2 Where to get help with essay or report writing 
• 3 Writing format
• 4 Biases in conclusion
• 5 Use of figures and diagrams
• 6 Conclusion

Students are encouraged on  reading essays to improve writing  and understand the various types of essays and their purposes. Essays are divided into four categories, namely the argumentative essay, an expository, narrative, and descriptive. Each type serves a certain purpose and a writer must stay within that purpose in the writing process. The writer presents their ideas about a topic.

A report does not rely on a personal idea but it entirely presents information concerning an issue. The information provided must the backed by facts and one of the best ways to present the facts is to use numbers and data.

Where to get help with essay or report writing 

Essays and reports have major differences but despite this fact, most students cannot outrightly tell their differences. This is because some academic fields have writing style requirements for reports and essays that sometimes make one look like the other. Whether you’ve been assigned a college essay or report, you can  buy thesis paper  on StudyClerk and avoid confusion. When you buy a thesis online, you make your education experience better. You just need to search thesis papers for sale to get the best paper writer online.

Writing format

The general format for writing a report and an essay might look similar but there is a big difference. In an essay, the writer starts with an introduction where they tell the reader a few details about the topic. A thesis statement is usually included within the introduction.

The writer goes on to write the body of the essay and uses paragraphs. Each paragraph transitions into the next and it could contain between three to five paragraphs, with each covering a specific point. The writer summarizes the essay in the concluding statement and then adds references.

The format of a report is different and starts with an executive summary, where a writer gives a summary of the report. An index page follows, which contains the table of contents and then the introduction comes next. It discusses the origin and the components of the main heading. The main report is contained in the body and the conclusion depicts the measures taken and the projections. The references come after the conclusion, followed by the appendix. In general, a report has sections, headings, and subheadings but an essay is divided into paragraphs.

Biases in conclusion

The  conclusion of an essay  contains biases because it is written according to what the writer feels is their best opinion concerning the topic. Even though the majority might be in support of a topic, the writer is free to think otherwise and take a different view. They might decide to provide personal recommendations but they are not bound to do so.

A report cannot be biased because it is based on real data, statistics, or information. The writer doesn’t report about what they feel is best for the topic but reports strictly on what the facts say. In conclusion, the writer is bound to give recommendations based on the facts they provided in the body.

Use of figures and diagrams

Because a report must be based on facts and not opinions, a writer provides evidence to the facts using several ways. They create tables with figures, they  use graphs and illustrations . At some point, they even use bullet points and use numbered or labeled headings and subheads.

An essay does not require facts to prove a point but only relies on the power of a writer to persuade their audience, argue a point, narrate a story, or describe a situation. They don’t require to use tables, bullets, figures, or graphs to prove their points.

A student who writes an essay presents their point of view and convinces their audience to agree with it. They give a conclusion that is biased based on their personal opinion. The writer of a report must give facts and back them with tables, figures, and graphs. The conclusions they give cannot be biased because it’s not about their opinion but facts. They must give recommendations to their audience.

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Writing Reports and Research Papers: A Comparison

Writing reports and research papers are two of the most common forms of academic writing for students. However, these types of documents differ in purpose, structure and style. This article provides an overview of how to approach each type when composing a paper or report, highlighting their similarities as well as differences between them. In addition to outlining key points on structuring both reports and research papers according to accepted academic conventions, it also focuses on developing a meaningful understanding between the two genres that will help create coherent written documents with appropriate depth for different contexts. Furthermore, this analysis offers insight into ways one can combine elements from both styles in order to meet specific communicative needs effectively within any given project’s parameters.

I. Introduction

Ii. definition of a report and research paper, iii. similarities between reports and research papers, iv. differences between reports and research papers, v. structure of the two types of documents, vi. writing styles for reports and research papers, vii. conclusion.

As a form of academic writing, research papers and reports have their own distinctive features. Research papers focus on providing an analysis of the current literature in order to contribute new insight into existing knowledge. On the other hand, Reports are written for various purposes such as documenting investigation results or summarizing research findings from others.

• Research Paper : A research paper is typically longer than other forms of writing and contains evidence-based arguments backed up by reliable data sources. It should also include well-structured discussion sections based upon relevant theories that support your argument.
• Report : In contrast to a research paper, reports are generally shorter documents with less detailed content and limited theoretical discussion. They may be used for conveying information about specific phenomena related to business activities or experiments conducted during laboratory practice sessions.

What Are Reports and Research Papers? Reports and research papers are two distinct forms of written communication used in the academic realm. Although both can be utilized for providing information on a given subject, there are fundamental differences between the two that make them suitable for different purposes.

A report , typically structured in sections or chapters, is intended to present findings from an investigation into a specific issue. It may summarize data obtained through interviews or surveys, observations made at a certain event or location, results from laboratory experiments and much more. A report provides factual information about the topic under consideration and seeks to explain its significance without making judgements or recommendations.

Conversely, a research paper presents evidence gathered by an author during their own study of particular subject matter. Its purpose is not only to provide readers with data but also analyze it critically using various approaches such as comparison or argumentation; thereby forming conclusions about it which might suggest implications for future investigations. The content may originate partially (or wholly) from outside sources such as other works related to similar topics; however they must be appropriately referenced according too accepted standards like APA 6th Edition format .

Common Threads Reports and research papers have certain characteristics that tie them together. While reports are typically shorter than research papers, both include an introduction to the topic, a discussion of findings and ideas related to the topic, as well as a conclusion or summary section. Both documents also require thorough organization and use of sources for credibility purposes. In this way, they provide readers with an opportunity to learn more about their given subject in depth.

Distinct Characteristics However, there are still important differences between the two types of written work. Reports focus more on factual information while research papers delve deeper into analysis by synthesizing facts from multiple perspectives. Furthermore, reports usually involve fewer external sources than those used within academic writing like in a typical research paper assignment; instead relying heavily upon data collected internally such as through surveys or interviews conducted during the project process itself.

• Reports: fact-focused with few external sources.
• Research Papers: Analysis-driven using many outside sources.

In academic writing, reports and research papers have some distinct differences. Both types of documents require the same level of comprehensive evaluation; however, a report will present summaries in an organized fashion while a research paper is more analytical and requires further exploration.

• Writing Style : Reports use formal language to provide short overviews with objective accuracy. Research papers employ creative techniques that include critical analysis.
• Purpose : Reports offer factual information for decision-making purposes or to document existing conditions. Conversely, research papers address topics through evidence-based arguments.

Documents can come in many shapes and sizes. In the academic world, two of the most common types are research papers and reports. Both serve their purpose but have some distinct differences.

• A research paper is an analysis of a topic that includes thorough examination of evidence from various sources to make arguments.

Style Guide When writing a report or research paper, it is essential to keep in mind the style guide that you will be following. Depending on your field of study and area of interest, there are several possible style guides to follow, such as APA (American Psychological Association) and MLA (Modern Language Association). Be sure to familiarize yourself with whichever guide you will be using before beginning your project.

Research Paper vs Report It can often be difficult for students to understand the difference between a research paper and a report when both require similar levels of critical thinking skills. A research paper focuses more heavily on gathering evidence from different sources while drawing connections among various pieces of information gathered throughout the process; reports rely more heavily on facts already present without too much interpretation or analysis. Reports tend to take an objective stance when presenting data whereas papers may delve into deeper analysis regarding how certain phenomena interact with each other over time.

In summary, this project has highlighted the differences between research papers and reports. Research papers are longer, in-depth documents that involve academic research to uncover new knowledge or provide critical analysis of existing ideas. Reports are shorter summaries used to communicate information about a specific topic.

The two document types have different purposes but both require careful consideration when constructing them. When writing a research paper you must remain objective, while when creating a report it is acceptable to give your opinion as long as it is well supported with evidence from reliable sources. No matter what type of document you’re producing though, keep an eye on accuracy and clarity throughout.

English: The comparison between writing reports and research papers has been an ongoing discussion in academic circles for many years. This article provides a useful overview of the similarities and differences between these two types of writings, as well as considerations when deciding which approach to take. Ultimately, the best approach depends on the purpose of the document and the audience it will reach. Whether creating a report or research paper, understanding both approaches is essential to effective communication within academia.

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Gender pay gap in U.S. hasn’t changed much in two decades

The gender gap in pay has remained relatively stable in the United States over the past 20 years or so. In 2022, women earned an average of 82% of what men earned, according to a new Pew Research Center analysis of median hourly earnings of both full- and part-time workers. These results are similar to where the pay gap stood in 2002, when women earned 80% as much as men.

As has long been the case, the wage gap is smaller for workers ages 25 to 34 than for all workers 16 and older. In 2022, women ages 25 to 34 earned an average of 92 cents for every dollar earned by a man in the same age group – an 8-cent gap. By comparison, the gender pay gap among workers of all ages that year was 18 cents.

While the gender pay gap has not changed much in the last two decades, it has narrowed considerably when looking at the longer term, both among all workers ages 16 and older and among those ages 25 to 34. The estimated 18-cent gender pay gap among all workers in 2022 was down from 35 cents in 1982. And the 8-cent gap among workers ages 25 to 34 in 2022 was down from a 26-cent gap four decades earlier.

The gender pay gap measures the difference in median hourly earnings between men and women who work full or part time in the United States. Pew Research Center’s estimate of the pay gap is based on an analysis of Current Population Survey (CPS) monthly outgoing rotation group files ( IPUMS ) from January 1982 to December 2022, combined to create annual files. To understand how we calculate the gender pay gap, read our 2013 post, “How Pew Research Center measured the gender pay gap.”

The COVID-19 outbreak affected data collection efforts by the U.S. government in its surveys, especially in 2020 and 2021, limiting in-person data collection and affecting response rates. It is possible that some measures of economic outcomes and how they vary across demographic groups are affected by these changes in data collection.

In addition to findings about the gender wage gap, this analysis includes information from a Pew Research Center survey about the perceived reasons for the pay gap, as well as the pressures and career goals of U.S. men and women. The survey was conducted among 5,098 adults and includes a subset of questions asked only for 2,048 adults who are employed part time or full time, from Oct. 10-16, 2022. Everyone who took part is a member of the Center’s American Trends Panel (ATP), an online survey panel that is recruited through national, random sampling of residential addresses. This way nearly all U.S. adults have a chance of selection. The survey is weighted to be representative of the U.S. adult population by gender, race, ethnicity, partisan affiliation, education and other categories. Read more about the ATP’s methodology .

Here are the questions used in this analysis, along with responses, and its methodology .

The  U.S. Census Bureau has also analyzed the gender pay gap, though its analysis looks only at full-time workers (as opposed to full- and part-time workers). In 2021, full-time, year-round working women earned 84% of what their male counterparts earned, on average, according to the Census Bureau’s most recent analysis.

Much of the gender pay gap has been explained by measurable factors such as educational attainment, occupational segregation and work experience. The narrowing of the gap over the long term is attributable in large part to gains women have made in each of these dimensions.

Related: The Enduring Grip of the Gender Pay Gap

Even though women have increased their presence in higher-paying jobs traditionally dominated by men, such as professional and managerial positions, women as a whole continue to be overrepresented in lower-paying occupations relative to their share of the workforce. This may contribute to gender differences in pay.

Other factors that are difficult to measure, including gender discrimination, may also contribute to the ongoing wage discrepancy.

Perceived reasons for the gender wage gap

When asked about the factors that may play a role in the gender wage gap, half of U.S. adults point to women being treated differently by employers as a major reason, according to a Pew Research Center survey conducted in October 2022. Smaller shares point to women making different choices about how to balance work and family (42%) and working in jobs that pay less (34%).

There are some notable differences between men and women in views of what’s behind the gender wage gap. Women are much more likely than men (61% vs. 37%) to say a major reason for the gap is that employers treat women differently. And while 45% of women say a major factor is that women make different choices about how to balance work and family, men are slightly less likely to hold that view (40% say this).

Parents with children younger than 18 in the household are more likely than those who don’t have young kids at home (48% vs. 40%) to say a major reason for the pay gap is the choices that women make about how to balance family and work. On this question, differences by parental status are evident among both men and women.

Views about reasons for the gender wage gap also differ by party. About two-thirds of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents (68%) say a major factor behind wage differences is that employers treat women differently, but far fewer Republicans and Republican leaners (30%) say the same. Conversely, Republicans are more likely than Democrats to say women’s choices about how to balance family and work (50% vs. 36%) and their tendency to work in jobs that pay less (39% vs. 30%) are major reasons why women earn less than men.

Democratic and Republican women are more likely than their male counterparts in the same party to say a major reason for the gender wage gap is that employers treat women differently. About three-quarters of Democratic women (76%) say this, compared with 59% of Democratic men. And while 43% of Republican women say unequal treatment by employers is a major reason for the gender wage gap, just 18% of GOP men share that view.

Pressures facing working women and men

Family caregiving responsibilities bring different pressures for working women and men, and research has shown that being a mother can reduce women’s earnings , while fatherhood can increase men’s earnings .

Employed women and men are about equally likely to say they feel a great deal of pressure to support their family financially and to be successful in their jobs and careers, according to the Center’s October survey. But women, and particularly working mothers, are more likely than men to say they feel a great deal of pressure to focus on responsibilities at home.

About half of employed women (48%) report feeling a great deal of pressure to focus on their responsibilities at home, compared with 35% of employed men. Among working mothers with children younger than 18 in the household, two-thirds (67%) say the same, compared with 45% of working dads.

When it comes to supporting their family financially, similar shares of working moms and dads (57% vs. 62%) report they feel a great deal of pressure, but this is driven mainly by the large share of unmarried working mothers who say they feel a great deal of pressure in this regard (77%). Among those who are married, working dads are far more likely than working moms (60% vs. 43%) to say they feel a great deal of pressure to support their family financially. (There were not enough unmarried working fathers in the sample to analyze separately.)

About four-in-ten working parents say they feel a great deal of pressure to be successful at their job or career. These findings don’t differ by gender.

Gender differences in job roles, aspirations

Overall, a quarter of employed U.S. adults say they are currently the boss or one of the top managers where they work, according to the Center’s survey. Another 33% say they are not currently the boss but would like to be in the future, while 41% are not and do not aspire to be the boss or one of the top managers.

Men are more likely than women to be a boss or a top manager where they work (28% vs. 21%). This is especially the case among employed fathers, 35% of whom say they are the boss or one of the top managers where they work. (The varying attitudes between fathers and men without children at least partly reflect differences in marital status and educational attainment between the two groups.)

In addition to being less likely than men to say they are currently the boss or a top manager at work, women are also more likely to say they wouldn’t want to be in this type of position in the future. More than four-in-ten employed women (46%) say this, compared with 37% of men. Similar shares of men (35%) and women (31%) say they are not currently the boss but would like to be one day. These patterns are similar among parents.

Note: This is an update of a post originally published on March 22, 2019. Anna Brown and former Pew Research Center writer/editor Amanda Barroso contributed to an earlier version of this analysis. Here are the questions used in this analysis, along with responses, and its methodology .

What is the gender wage gap in your metropolitan area? Find out with our pay gap calculator

• Gender & Work
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