Standard vs. Guideline — What's the Difference?
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By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 19, 2023
A "Standard" is a fixed rule or benchmark, while a "Guideline" is a recommended practice or advice, not always mandatory.
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Difference Between Standard and Guideline
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
When discussing Standard, one implies that there is a set benchmark or criteria that has been established, often after rigorous consideration. This could be in the form of industry standards, where businesses follow certain protocols. Guidelines, on the other hand, could be seen as best practices or general advice provided to achieve an intended outcome.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
To encapsulate, the primary difference lies in the obligation and rigidity. A Standard typically needs strict adherence, whereas a Guideline allows for more flexibility and discretion based on individual or situational needs.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
A Standard and a Guideline both offer directions, but they have distinct levels of enforcement. Standards often set forth strict criteria that must be met, and in some contexts, they can be legally binding. Guidelines, in contrast, provide general directions or suggestions on how something should be approached, without necessarily being obligatory.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
One can think of a Standard as a rule that needs to be adhered to. In certain professions, standards must be maintained to ensure quality, safety, or compliance. A Guideline, meanwhile, can be perceived as advice or recommendations. While they might be based on thorough research or expert consensus, they don’t typically carry the same weight or obligation as standards.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Organizations might release Standards to ensure consistency across various processes or products. Meeting these standards can sometimes be a requisite for certification. On the contrary, Guidelines might be shared by organizations to promote best practices. They might suggest a particular approach, but alternatives are not ruled out.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Associated Consequences
Often has consequences for non-compliance
Typically no direct consequences for non-adherence
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Common Usage
Industry protocols, quality assurance
Best practices, advice for a task
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
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Definitions
Standard
A definite level of quality or attainment.
The product meets the industry standard for safety.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Guideline
A general recommendation or protocol.
The document outlines guidelines for effective team communication.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Standard
A model or example established for others to follow.
The painting set a new standard for modern art.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Guideline
An advisory document providing direction.
The city provided guidelines for sustainable construction.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Standard
A measurement reference point.
The foot was once a standard measure of length.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Guideline
A suggested course of action.
Dietary guidelines emphasize eating more vegetables and fruits.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Standard
A level of quality or attainment
The government's ambition to raise standards in schools
Their restaurant offers a high standard of service
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 15, 2019
Guideline
A reference for best practices.
The magazine's editorial guidelines ensure consistent quality.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Standard
Something used as a measure, norm, or model in comparative evaluations
The wages are low by today's standards
The system had become an industry standard
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 15, 2019
Guideline
A tool to guide decision-making.
The company's branding guidelines keep marketing materials uniform.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Standard
(especially with reference to jazz or blues) a tune or song of established popularity.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 15, 2019
Guideline
A guideline is a statement by which to determine a course of action. A guideline aims to streamline particular processes according to a set routine or sound practice.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 15, 2019
Standard
A military or ceremonial flag carried on a pole or hoisted on a rope.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 15, 2019
Guideline
A statement or other indication of policy or procedure by which to determine a course of action
Guidelines for the completion of tax returns.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 15, 2019
Guideline
A non-specific rule or principle that provides direction to action or behaviour.
He considered the Ten Commandments more as a guideline than a requirement.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 15, 2019
Guideline
A plan or explanation to guide one in setting standards or determining a course of action.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 15, 2019
Standard
Used or accepted as normal or average
It is standard practice in museums to register objects as they are acquired
The standard rate of income tax
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 15, 2019
Standard
(of a tree or shrub) growing on an erect stem of full height
Standard trees are useful for situations where immediate height is needed
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 15, 2019
Guideline
A formal rule describing how a situation must be handled; - used as a direction to administrators from superiors.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 15, 2019
Standard
Serving as or conforming to an established or accepted measurement or value
A standard unit of volume.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 15, 2019
Standard
Widely recognized or employed as a model of authority or excellence
A standard reference work.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 15, 2019
Guideline
A detailed plan or explanation to guide you in setting standards or determining a course of action;
The president said he had a road map for normalizing relations with Vietnam
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 15, 2019
Guideline
A rule or principle that provides guidance to appropriate behavior
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 15, 2019
Standard
(Linguistics) Conforming to models or norms of usage admired by educated speakers and writers
Standard pronunciation.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 15, 2019
Standard
An acknowledged measure of comparison for quantitative or qualitative value; a criterion.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 15, 2019
Standard
An object that under specified conditions defines, represents, or records the magnitude of a unit.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 15, 2019
Standard
The set proportion by weight of gold or silver to alloy metal prescribed for use in coinage.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 15, 2019
Standard
A degree or level of requirement, excellence, or attainment
Their quality of work exceeds the standards set for the field.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 15, 2019
Standard
Something, such as a practice or a product, that is widely recognized or employed, especially because of its excellence.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 15, 2019
Standard
A set of specifications that are adopted within an industry to allow compatibility between products.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 15, 2019
Standard
A long, tapering flag bearing heraldic devices distinctive of a person or corporation.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 15, 2019
Standard
An emblem or flag of an army, raised on a pole to indicate the rallying point in battle.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 15, 2019
Standard
The large upper petal of the flower of a pea or related plant. Also called banner, vexillum.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 15, 2019
Standard
A shrub or small tree that through grafting or training has a single stem of limited height with a crown of leaves and flowers at its apex.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 15, 2019
Standard
(Music) A composition that is continually used in repertoires
A pianist who knew dozens of Broadway standards.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 15, 2019
Standard
Falling within an accepted range of size, amount, power, quality, etc.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 15, 2019
Standard
(of a tree or shrub) Growing alone as a free-standing plant; not trained on a post etc.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 15, 2019
Standard
Having recognized excellence or authority.
Standard works in history; standard authors
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 15, 2019
Standard
A rule or set of rules or requirements which are widely agreed upon or imposed by government.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 15, 2019
Standard
The proportion of weights of fine metal and alloy established for coinage.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 15, 2019
Standard
(sociolinguistics) standard idiom, a prestigious or standardized language variety; standard language
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 15, 2019
Standard
An object supported in an upright position, such as a lamp standard.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 15, 2019
Standard
One of the upright members that supports the horizontal axis of a transit or theodolite.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 15, 2019
Standard
A sturdy, woody plant whose upright stem is used to graft a less hardy ornamental flowering plant on, rather then actually planting it.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 15, 2019
Standard
A tree of natural size supported by its own stem, and not dwarfed by grafting on the stock of a smaller species nor trained upon a wall or trellis.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 15, 2019
Standard
(shipbuilding) An inverted knee timber placed upon the deck instead of beneath it, with its vertical branch turned upward from that which lies horizontally.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 15, 2019
Standard
A flag; colors; a banner; especially, a national or other ensign.
His armies, in the following day,On those fair plains their standards proud display.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 15, 2019
Standard
That which is established by authority as a rule for the measure of quantity, extent, value, or quality; esp., the original specimen weight or measure sanctioned by government, as the standard pound, gallon, or yard.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 15, 2019
Standard
That which is established as a rule or model by authority, custom, or general consent; criterion; test.
The court, which used to be the standard of propriety and correctness of speech.
A disposition to preserve, and an ability to improve, taken together, would be my standard of a statesman.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 15, 2019
Standard
The proportion of weights of fine metal and alloy established by authority.
By the present standard of the coinage, sixty-two shillings is coined out of one pound weight of silver.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 15, 2019
Standard
A tree of natural size supported by its own stem, and not dwarfed by grafting on the stock of a smaller species nor trained upon a wall or trellis.
In France part of their gardens is laid out for flowers, others for fruits; some standards, some against walls.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 15, 2019
Standard
An upright support, as one of the poles of a scaffold; any upright in framing.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 15, 2019
Standard
An inverted knee timber placed upon the deck instead of beneath it, with its vertical branch turned upward from that which lies horizontally.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 15, 2019
Standard
Being, affording, or according with, a standard for comparison and judgment; as, standard time; standard weights and measures; a standard authority as to nautical terms; standard gold or silver.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 15, 2019
Standard
Hence: Having a recognized and permanent value; as, standard works in history; standard authors.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 15, 2019
Standard
Not supported by, or fastened to, a wall; as, standard fruit trees.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 15, 2019
Standard
A basis for comparison; a reference point against which other things can be evaluated;
They set the measure for all subsequent work
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 15, 2019
Standard
The ideal in terms of which something can be judged;
They live by the standards of their community
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 15, 2019
Standard
An upright pole or beam (especially one used as a support);
Distance was marked by standards every mile
Lamps supported on standards provided illumination
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 15, 2019
Standard
Conforming to or constituting a standard of measurement or value; or of the usual or regularized or accepted kind;
Windows of standard width
Standard sizes
The standard fixtures
Standard brands
Standard operating procedure
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 15, 2019
Standard
Commonly used or supplied;
Standard procedure
Standard car equipment
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 15, 2019
Standard
Established or widely recognized as a model of authority or excellence;
A standard reference work
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 15, 2019
Standard
Conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers;
Standard English
Received standard English is sometimes called the King's English
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 15, 2019
Standard
A rule or principle that is universally accepted.
Ethical standards must be upheld in journalism.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Standard
The normal requirement or expectation.
The test checks if students meet educational standards.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
FAQs
Can guidelines be informal?
Yes, guidelines can be informal suggestions or advice.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Are standards fixed or can they change?
While standards set a benchmark, they can evolve based on advancements, research, or changing needs.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Is a standard always mandatory?
Not always, but in many contexts, standards are obligatory or expected to be met.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
How are standards usually determined?
Standards are often determined by expert consensus, industry practices, or regulatory bodies.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Are guidelines based on evidence or opinion?
Guidelines can be based on evidence, research, expert consensus, or even informed opinions.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Can guidelines be enforced like standards?
Typically, guidelines are recommendations and are not enforceable like standards, though they may be strongly advised.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Is there a legal difference between standard and guideline?
In some contexts, standards can be legally binding, while guidelines are generally advisory.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Why are guidelines important?
Guidelines provide direction and best practices, helping entities make informed decisions.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Can individuals set their own guidelines?
Yes, individuals can set personal guidelines to guide their behavior or decisions.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Can an organization have both standards and guidelines?
Yes, an organization can set standards for certain aspects and offer guidelines for others.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
What's the purpose of a standard?
A standard ensures consistency, quality, safety, and often meets industry or regulatory benchmarks.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Can failing to meet a standard have consequences?
Yes, not meeting a standard can lead to consequences, including legal repercussions in some contexts.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Do standards apply universally?
While some standards might be universally accepted, others can vary by industry, region, or culture.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Is it mandatory to follow guidelines?
While guidelines offer recommended practices, they are typically not mandatory.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
What's a common example of a standard and a guideline in the workplace?
In a workplace, a standard might be a mandatory safety protocol, while a guideline could be a suggested method for team communication.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Author Spotlight
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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.