Height vs. Altitude: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Published on October 31, 2023
"Height" is the measurement from base to top, while "altitude" measures elevation above a given level, especially sea level.
Difference Between Height and Altitude
"Height" and "altitude" both refer to the vertical dimension of an object or point, but they have distinct contexts and implications. "Height" describes the measurement of something from its base to its top. This can apply to living things, objects, or even abstract concepts. For instance, we talk about the height of a tree, a building, or a person.
Muazma Batool
Oct 31, 2023
In contrast, "altitude" is a term often used to indicate the elevation of a point above a specific reference, typically the Earth's sea level. It's a term that's frequently associated with geographic and aviation contexts. When pilots talk about flying at an altitude of 30,000 feet, they're referring to the elevation above sea level, not the distance from the plane's base to its top.
Muneeza Rehman
Oct 31, 2023
Moreover, while "height" can be relative depending on what the base is, "altitude" has a more standardized reference point, especially when talking about locations on Earth. For instance, the height of a mountain might be measured from its base, but its altitude is its summit's elevation above sea level.
Muazma Batool
Oct 31, 2023
Another distinction lies in their applications. "Height" has a broader usage and can be applied in everyday contexts, from measuring the stature of individuals to describing the vertical extent of waterfalls. "Altitude", on the other hand, finds its primary use in aviation, geography, and mountaineering, where precise measurements above a specific level, like sea level, are crucial.
Muneeza Rehman
Oct 31, 2023
In essence, while both "height" and "altitude" gauge vertical dimensions, "height" is general and can be relative, whereas "altitude" has a more specific and standardized context, especially related to the elevation above a set point.
William
Oct 31, 2023
Height vs. Altitude Comparison Chart
Definition
Measurement from base to top
Elevation above a reference, often sea level
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Oct 31, 2023
Context
General and can be relative
Specific to geographical and aviation scenarios
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Oct 31, 2023
Standard Reference
Can vary, depending on the object's base
Commonly sea level
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Oct 31, 2023
Usage Example
Describing stature or tallness of objects
Indicating elevations in aviation or mountaineering
Muazma Batool
Oct 31, 2023
Height vs. Altitude Definitions
◉Altitude
Height of an object or point in the atmosphere.
The plane cruises at an altitude of 35,000 feet.
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Sep 15, 2023
◉Height
Measurement of someone or something from base to top.
The height of the building is 200 feet.
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Sep 15, 2023
◉Altitude
Measurement in geography indicating elevation.
The altitude of the peak is above the tree line.
Elijah
Sep 15, 2023
◉Height
Peak or zenith of a condition or state.
She was at the height of her career.
Muazma Batool
Sep 15, 2023
◉Altitude
Specific elevation of a place in relation to sea level.
Living at high altitudes can affect breathing.
Lucas
Sep 15, 2023
◉Altitude
Elevation above sea level or ground.
The city has an altitude of 5,000 feet.
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Sep 15, 2023
◉Height
Elevation above a given level, as of the sun or a star above the horizon; altitude.
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May 03, 2023
◉Altitude
The height of a thing above a reference level, especially above sea level or above the earth's surface.
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May 03, 2023
◉Height
The condition or attribute of being relatively or sufficiently high or tall
Height is an advantage in basketball.
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May 03, 2023
◉Height
A hill, mountain, or other piece of ground that stands out from the surrounding land.
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May 03, 2023
◉Altitude
(Astronomy) The angular distance above the observer's horizon of a celestial object.
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May 03, 2023
◉Altitude
(Mathematics) The perpendicular distance from the base of a geometric figure to the opposite vertex, parallel side, or parallel surface.
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May 03, 2023
◉Height
The highest or uppermost point; the summit or apex
finally reached the height of the mountain.
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May 03, 2023
◉Altitude
The absolute height of a location, usually measured from sea level.
As the altitude increases, the temperature gets lower, so remember to bring warm clothes to the mountains.
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May 03, 2023
◉Height
The highest or most advanced degree; the zenith
at the height of her career.
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May 03, 2023
◉Altitude
(geometry) The distance measured perpendicularly from a figure's vertex to the opposite side of the vertex.
The perpendicular height of a triangle is known as its altitude.
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May 03, 2023
◉Altitude
(astronomy) The angular distance of a heavenly body above our Earth's horizon.
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◉Height
(Obsolete) Arrogance; hauteur
"He returned me a very resolute answer, and full of height" (Oliver Cromwell).
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May 03, 2023
◉Height
The distance of something above the ground or some other chosen level.
We flew at a height of 15 000 meters.
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May 03, 2023
◉Altitude
Space extended upward; height; the perpendicular elevation of an object above its foundation, above the ground, or above a given level, or of one object above another; as, the altitude of a mountain, or of a bird above the top of a tree.
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May 03, 2023
◉Height
(phonetics) A quality of vowels, indicating the vertical position of the tongue relative to the roof of the mouth; in practice, the first formant, associated with the height of the tongue.
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May 03, 2023
◉Altitude
The elevation of a point, or star, or other celestial object, above the horizon, measured by the arc of a vertical circle intercepted between such point and the horizon. It is either true or apparent; true when measured from the rational or real horizon, apparent when from the sensible or apparent horizon.
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May 03, 2023
◉Height
The vertical distance from the ground to the highest part of a standing person or animal (withers in the case of a horse).
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May 03, 2023
◉Altitude
The perpendicular distance from the base of a figure to the summit, or to the side parallel to the base; as, the altitude of a triangle, pyramid, parallelogram, frustum, etc.
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May 03, 2023
◉Height
The highest point or maximum degree.
She's at the height of her career.
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May 03, 2023
◉Altitude
Height of degree; highest point or degree.
He is [proud] even to the altitude of his virtue.
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May 03, 2023
◉Altitude
Elevation of spirits; heroics; haughty airs.
The man of law began to get into his altitude.
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May 03, 2023
◉Altitude
elevation especially above sea level or above the earth's surface;
the altitude gave her a headache
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May 03, 2023
◉Altitude
the perpendicular distance from the base of a geometric figure to opposite vertex (or side if parallel)
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May 03, 2023
◉Height
The condition of being high; elevated position.
Behold the height of the stars, how high they are!
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May 03, 2023
◉Altitude
angular distance above the horizon (especially of a celestial object)
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May 03, 2023
◉Height
The distance to which anything rises above its foot, above that on which in stands, above the earth, or above the level of the sea; altitude; the measure upward from a surface, as the floor or the ground, of an animal, especially of a man; stature.
[Goliath's] height was six cubits and a span.
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May 03, 2023
◉Altitude
Vertical distance measurement in aviation.
To avoid turbulence, the pilot changed altitude.
Nolan
Sep 15, 2023
◉Height
Degree of latitude either north or south.
Guinea lieth to the north sea, in the same height as Peru to the south.
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May 03, 2023
◉Height
That which is elevated; an eminence; a hill or mountain; as, Alpine heights.
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May 03, 2023
◉Height
Elevation in excellence of any kind, as in power, learning, arts; also, an advanced degree of social rank; preëminence or distinction in society; prominence.
Measure your mind's height by the shade it casts.
All would in his power hold, all make his subjects.
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May 03, 2023
◉Height
Progress toward eminence; grade; degree.
Social duties are carried to greater heights, and enforced with stronger motives by the principles of our religion.
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May 03, 2023
◉Height
Utmost degree in extent; extreme limit of energy or condition; as, the height of a fever, of passion, of madness, of folly; the height of a tempest.
My grief was at the height before thou camest.
[He] spake these same words, all on hight.
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May 03, 2023
◉Height
the vertical dimension of extension; distance from the base of something to the top
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May 03, 2023
◉Height
the highest level or degree attainable;
his landscapes were deemed the acme of beauty
the artist's gifts are at their acme
at the height of her career
the peak of perfection
summer was at its peak
...catapulted Einstein to the pinnacle of fame
the summit of his ambition
so many highest superlatives achieved by man
at the top of his profession
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May 03, 2023
◉Height
elevation especially above sea level or above the earth's surface;
the altitude gave her a headache
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May 03, 2023
◉Height
Vertical extent of an object.
The waterfall had an impressive height.
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Sep 15, 2023
◉Height
Degree of intensity.
The argument reached its height when both parties yelled.
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Sep 15, 2023
Height vs. Altitude Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use height for mountains?
Yes, but it may refer to the mountain's total vertical extent, not just its elevation above sea level.
Jonathan
Oct 31, 2023
What's the basic difference between height and altitude?
Height is from base to top; altitude is elevation above a point, typically sea level.
Muazma Batool
Oct 31, 2023
Is altitude always about geography?
Mostly, but it's also crucial in aviation.
Muazma Batool
Oct 31, 2023
Can height refer to a state or condition?
Yes, like being at the "height" of one's career.
Levi
Oct 31, 2023
Do pilots discuss the height of a plane?
They generally refer to the plane's altitude, not height.
Jonathan
Oct 31, 2023
Which term is broader in application?
Height has a broader range of applications.
Muneeza Rehman
Oct 31, 2023
In mountaineering, which term is used?
Altitude is commonly used to indicate elevation above sea level.
William
Oct 31, 2023
Can altitude relate to objects other than Earth?
Yes, one might discuss the altitude of a spacecraft above a planet's surface.
Olivia
Oct 31, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
