Horizontal vs. Vertical — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Published on September 18, 2023
Horizontal refers to the orientation parallel to the Earth's surface or the x-axis, while vertical pertains to the orientation perpendicular to the Earth's surface or along the y-axis.
Difference Between Horizontal and Vertical
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
In computing, the orientation of data or display can also be described as horizontal or vertical. Data arrays can be organized horizontally (in rows) or vertically (in columns). When you change your phone's orientation from portrait to landscape, you're switching from a vertical display to a horizontal one.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 18, 2023
Horizontal and vertical are terms often used to describe orientation or direction. In geometry, a horizontal line runs left to right and is parallel to the x-axis, whereas a vertical line runs up and down and is parallel to the y-axis. In everyday language, horizontal could refer to something like the horizon, which appears "flat" to our perspective. Vertical, on the other hand, is like a tree standing upright.
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Sep 18, 2023
In business, the terms horizontal and vertical are used to describe types of market integration. A horizontal integration involves merging companies that are at the same stage of production, whereas vertical integration involves companies at different stages of production, like a car manufacturer acquiring a tire company. The former aims to expand reach, while the latter aims to streamline the production process.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 18, 2023
Finally, in photography, the terms horizontal and vertical are used to describe the layout of images. A horizontal photograph is wider than it is tall, and it captures more of the surroundings. A vertical photograph is taller than it is wide and often captures subjects that are standing or elongated objects like skyscrapers.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 18, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Direction in Landscape
Left-to-right or East-to-West
Up-and-down or North-to-South
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Business Integration
Companies at the same stage
Companies at different stages
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Definitions
Horizontal
Business: "Horizontal integration involves companies at the same stage of production."
The two software companies engaged in a horizontal merger.
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Sep 15, 2023
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Vertical
Geometry: "In geometry, vertical lines are parallel to the y-axis."
The vertical axis on the graph shows the amount.
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Sep 15, 2023
Horizontal
Geometry: "In geometry, horizontal lines are parallel to the x-axis."
The horizontal axis on the graph shows time.
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Vertical
Business: "Vertical integration involves companies at different stages of production."
The car company achieved vertical integration by acquiring a tire manufacturer.
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Horizontal
Computing: "Horizontal data arrays are organized in rows."
The Excel sheet displayed the data in a horizontal manner.
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Vertical
Photography: "A vertical photograph is taller than it is wide."
The skyscraper was captured perfectly in a vertical shot.
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Sep 15, 2023
Horizontal
Photography: "A horizontal photograph is wider than it is tall."
The landscape looked stunning in the horizontal frame.
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Vertical
Direction: "Vertical refers to an up-and-down orientation."
The tree grew in a vertical direction.
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Horizontal
Occupying or restricted to the same level in a hierarchy
A horizontal study of verbal ability.
A horizontal transfer by an employee.
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Vertical
Relating to or involving all stages from production to sale
Vertical integration.
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Horizontal
(Medicine) Of or relating to transmission of infection by contact with or physical proximity to an infected individual or fomite.
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Vertical
Of or relating to a business model that offers a specific product or service to a specific customer base rather than offering a wide range of products or services in a wider market.
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Horizontal
Something, such as a line, plane, or object, that is horizontal.
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Vertical
Relating to or composed of elements at different levels, as of society.
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Horizontal
Perpendicular to the vertical; parallel to the plane of the horizon; level, flat.
Horizontal lines
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Vertical
(Medicine) Of or relating to transmission of a disease or condition from parent to offspring, either through genetic inheritance or through circumstances occurring between conception and birth.
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Horizontal
(wine) Involving wines of the same vintages but from different wineries.
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Vertical
Standing, pointing, or moving straight up or down; parallel to the local direction of gravity; along the direction of a plumb line; perpendicular to something horizontal.
Vertical lines
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Vertical
In a two-dimensional Cartesian co-ordinate system, describing the axis y oriented normal (perpendicular, at right angles) to the horizontal axis x.
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Vertical
In a three-dimensional co-ordinate system, describing the axis z oriented normal (perpendicular, orthogonal) to the basic plane xy.
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Horizontal
A Tasmanian shrub or small tree whose main trunk tends to lean over and grow horizontally, Anodopetalum biglandulosum
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Vertical
(wine tasting) Involving different vintages of the same wine type from the same winery.
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Vertical
(music) Of an interval: having the two notes sound simultaneously.
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Horizontal
Parallel to the horizon; on a level; as, a horizontalline or surface.
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Horizontal
Measured or contained in a plane of the horizon; as, horizontal distance.
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Horizontal
Parallel to or in the plane of the horizon or a base line;
A horizontal surface
A vertical camera angle
The monument consists of two vertical pillars supporting a horizontal slab
Measure the perpendicular height
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Horizontal
Direction: "Horizontal refers to a left-to-right orientation."
The horizon appears horizontal to the observer.
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Vertical
(marketing) A vertical market.
We offer specialised accounting software targeting various verticals.
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Vertical
Of or pertaining to the vertex; situated at the vertex, or highest point; directly overhead, or in the zenith; perpendicularly above one.
Charity . . . is the vertical top of all religion.
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Vertical
Perpendicular to the plane of the horizon; upright; plumb; as, a vertical line.
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Vertical
A vertical structural member as a post or stake;
The ball sailed between the uprights
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Vertical
At right angles to the plane of the horizon or a base line;
A vertical camera angle
The monument consists of two vertical pillars supporting a horizontal slab
Measure the perpendicular height
An inclined plane
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Vertical
Upright in position or posture;
An erect stature
Erect flower stalks
For a dog, an erect tail indicates aggression
A column still vertical amid the ruins
He sat bolt upright
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Sep 14, 2023
Vertical
Computing: "Vertical data arrays are organized in columns."
The database used a vertical storage format.
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Sep 15, 2023
FAQs
What is Horizontal Integration in Business?
It involves merging companies at the same stage of production.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 18, 2023
How is Horizontal different from Vertical?
Horizontal is parallel to the x-axis, while vertical is parallel to the y-axis.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 18, 2023
What does Horizontal mean?
Horizontal refers to orientation parallel to the Earth's surface or x-axis.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 18, 2023
Are Horizontal and Vertical Relative Terms?
Yes, their meaning can depend on the context or point of reference.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 18, 2023
What does Vertical mean in Computing?
It refers to data or layouts organized in columns.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 18, 2023
Can a Line be both Horizontal and Vertical?
No, a line cannot be both; it's either horizontal or vertical.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 18, 2023
What does Vertical mean?
Vertical pertains to orientation perpendicular to the Earth's surface or y-axis.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 18, 2023
How do Horizontal and Vertical differ in Photography?
Horizontal photographs are wider, while vertical photographs are taller.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 18, 2023
What does Horizontal mean in Computing?
It refers to data or layouts organized in rows.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 18, 2023
Is the Horizon Horizontal?
Yes, the horizon appears horizontal from most vantage points.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 18, 2023
What is Vertical Integration in Business?
It involves merging companies at different stages of production.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 18, 2023
Can Horizontal and Vertical be used metaphorically?
Yes, for example, "horizontal thinking" refers to creativity, while "vertical thinking" refers to analytical skills.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 18, 2023
What does Horizontal mean in Mathematics?
It refers to lines or planes parallel to the x-axis.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 18, 2023
What does Vertical mean in Mathematics?
It refers to lines or planes parallel to the y-axis.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 18, 2023
Is a Tree Vertical?
Generally, a healthy tree grows in a vertical direction.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 18, 2023
Author Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content editor at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
