Level vs. Standard — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 27, 2024
Level refers to a specific stage or degree within a hierarchical or graduated system, focusing on progression, whereas standard implies a benchmark or a norm that defines or evaluates quality or compliance.
Difference Between Level and Standard
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Level is commonly associated with stages or tiers in a system, indicating progression from one stage to another, such as in education or skill assessment. On the other hand, standard is used to refer to established norms or criteria that are intended to ensure uniformity and quality across various entities or processes.
When discussing educational achievements, levels denote distinct educational stages or achievements, such as levels of mastery in a subject. Whereas, standards in education would refer to the minimum requirements or benchmarks students are expected to meet at each educational level.
In terms of complexity and depth, levels can be seen as more dynamic, often indicating a relative position within a scale or sequence. In contrast, standards are typically static, providing a reference point against which performances or products can be measured.
Levels are inherently hierarchical; for example, in video games or professional qualifications, progressing from one level to the next is a sign of advancement. Conversely, standards serve as a foundation for consistency and compliance, such as ISO standards in manufacturing.
While levels are about moving upward or forward, standards are about achieving or maintaining a set quality. This difference is crucial in fields like project management, where the level of project completion might be evaluated against standard quality benchmarks.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
A specific stage or degree in a hierarchical system.
A benchmark or norm that ensures quality or compliance.
Purpose
To indicate progression or ranking.
To ensure uniformity and assess conformity.
Usage Context
Education levels, skill levels, game levels.
Quality standards, industry standards, safety standards.
Nature
Hierarchical and progressive.
Static and regulatory.
Impact
Reflects advancement or development.
Ensures quality, reliability, and consistency.
Compare with Definitions
Level
A stage in a process or hierarchy.
She reached level three in her language course.
Standard
A level of quality or achievement, especially one that people generally consider normal or acceptable.
The restaurant's high standards ensure customer satisfaction.
Level
Flat or even height or surface.
Make sure the picture hangs level.
Standard
An idea or thing used as a measure, norm, or model in comparative evaluations.
This software is the standard for graphic design.
Level
To make or become flat or even.
They leveled the ground before building.
Standard
Officially recognized requirements.
The equipment must meet safety standards.
Level
A position on a scale of amount, quantity, or extent.
Water levels in the reservoir have been rising.
Standard
The upright part on which a flag is supported.
The flag was attached to a sturdy standard.
Level
Degree of strength, concentration, or intensity.
The medication is available in several dosage levels.
Standard
Typical or expected behavior or circumstances.
The standard procedure involves three safety checks.
Level
A horizontal plane or line with respect to the distance above or below a given point
The front garden is on a level with this floor
Standard
A level of quality or attainment
The government's ambition to raise standards in schools
Their restaurant offers a high standard of service
Level
A position on a scale of amount, quantity, extent, or quality
Debt rose to unprecedented levels
A high level of unemployment
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
Level
(in a video game) each of a series of stages of increasing difficulty through which a player may progress, completing one stage in order to reach the next
I've now reached level 106 on Candy Crush Saga
Standard
(especially with reference to jazz or blues) a tune or song of established popularity.
Level
An instrument marked with a line parallel to the plane of the horizon for testing whether things are horizontal.
Standard
A military or ceremonial flag carried on a pole or hoisted on a rope.
Level
A flat tract of land
The Somerset Levels
Standard
A tree or shrub that grows on an erect stem of full height.
Level
Having a flat, horizontal surface
We had reached level ground
Standard
An upright water or gas pipe.
Level
At the same height as someone or something else
His eyes were level with hers
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
Level
Having the same relative position; not in front of or behind
The car backed rapidly until it was level with me
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
Level
Calm and steady
The cold, level gaze he had given her
Standard
Serving as or conforming to an established or accepted measurement or value
A standard unit of volume.
Level
Give a flat and even surface to
Contractors started levelling the ground for the new power station
Standard
Widely recognized or employed as a model of authority or excellence
A standard reference work.
Level
Begin to fly horizontally after climbing or diving
He quickly levelled off at 1500 ft
Standard
Acceptable but of less than top quality
A standard grade of beef.
Level
Make (something, especially a score in sport) equal or similar
Woods sliced the ball into the net to level the score
Ardsley deservedly levelled with two minutes remaining
Standard
Normal, familiar, or usual
The standard excuse.
Level
Aim (a weapon)
He levelled a pistol at us
Standard
Commonly used or supplied
Standard car equipment.
Level
Be frank or honest with (someone)
When are you going to level with me?
Standard
(Linguistics) Conforming to models or norms of usage admired by educated speakers and writers
Standard pronunciation.
Level
Ascertain differences in the height of (land).
Standard
An acknowledged measure of comparison for quantitative or qualitative value; a criterion.
Level
Relative position or rank on a scale
The local level of government.
Studying at the graduate level.
Standard
An object that under specified conditions defines, represents, or records the magnitude of a unit.
Level
A relative degree, as of achievement, intensity, or concentration
An unsafe level of toxicity.
A high level of frustration.
Standard
The commodity or commodities used to back a monetary system.
Level
A natural or proper position, place, or stage
I finally found my own level in the business world.
Standard
The set proportion by weight of gold or silver to alloy metal prescribed for use in coinage.
Level
Position along a vertical axis; height or depth
A platform at knee level.
Standard
A degree or level of requirement, excellence, or attainment
Their quality of work exceeds the standards set for the field.
Level
A horizontal line or plane at right angles to the plumb.
Standard
Something, such as a practice or a product, that is widely recognized or employed, especially because of its excellence.
Level
The position or height of such a line or plane.
Standard
A set of specifications that are adopted within an industry to allow compatibility between products.
Level
A flat, horizontal surface.
Standard
A requirement of moral conduct
The standards of polite society.
Level
A land area of uniform elevation.
Standard
The ensign of a chief of state, nation, or city.
Level
An instrument for ascertaining whether a surface is horizontal, vertical, or at a 45° angle, consisting essentially of an encased, liquid-filled tube containing an air bubble that moves to a center window when the instrument is set on an even plane. Also called spirit level.
Standard
A long, tapering flag bearing heraldic devices distinctive of a person or corporation.
Level
Such a device combined with a telescope and used in surveying.
Standard
An emblem or flag of an army, raised on a pole to indicate the rallying point in battle.
Level
A computation of the difference in elevation between two points by using such a device.
Standard
The colors of a mounted or motorized military unit.
Level
Having a flat, smooth surface
A level countertop.
Standard
Chiefly British A grade level in elementary schools.
Level
Being on a horizontal plane
A level field.
Standard
A pedestal, stand, or base.
Level
Being at the same height or position as another; even.
Standard
The large upper petal of the flower of a pea or related plant. Also called banner, vexillum.
Level
Being at the same degree of rank, standing, or advantage as another; equal.
Standard
One of the narrow upright petals of an iris.
Level
Being or relating to a specified rank or standing. Often used in combination
A lower-level administrator.
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.
Level
Exhibiting no abrupt variations; steady
Spoke in a level tone.
Standard
(Music) A composition that is continually used in repertoires
A pianist who knew dozens of Broadway standards.
Level
Rational and balanced; sensible
Came to a level appraisal of the situation.
Keeps a level head in an emergency.
Standard
Falling within an accepted range of size, amount, power, quality, etc.
Level
Filled evenly to the top
A level tablespoon of the medicine.
Standard
(of a tree or shrub) Growing alone as a free-standing plant; not trained on a post etc.
Level
To make horizontal, flat, or even
Leveled the driveway with a roller.
Leveled off the hedges with the clippers.
Standard
Having recognized excellence or authority.
Standard works in history; standard authors
Level
To place on the same rank; equalize.
Standard
Of a usable or serviceable grade or quality.
Level
To tear down (a building, for example); raze.
Standard
Having a manual transmission.
Level
To knock down, as with a blow; lay low
Leveled the opponent with an uppercut.
Standard
As normally supplied (not optional).
Level
To aim along a horizontal plane
Leveled the gun at the target.
Standard
(linguistics) Conforming to the standard variety.
Level
To direct emphatically or forcefully toward someone
Leveled charges of dishonesty.
Standard
A principle or example or measure used for comparison.
Level
To measure the different elevations of (a tract of land) with a level.
Standard
A level of quality or attainment.
Level
To bring persons or things to an equal level; equalize.
Standard
Something used as a measure for comparative evaluations; a model.
Level
To aim a weapon horizontally.
Standard
A musical work of established popularity.
Level
(Informal) To be frank and open
Advised the suspect to level with the authorities.
Standard
A rule or set of rules or requirements which are widely agreed upon or imposed by government.
Level
Along a flat or even line or plane.
Standard
The proportion of weights of fine metal and alloy established for coinage.
Level
The same height at all places; parallel to a flat ground.
This table isn't quite level; see how this marble rolls off it?
Standard
(sociolinguistics) standard idiom, a prestigious or standardized language variety; standard language
Level
At the same height as some reference; constructed as level with.
We tried to hang the pictures so that the bottom of the frames were level with the dark line in the wallpaper.
Standard
A bottle of wine containing 0.750 liters of fluid.
Level
Unvaried in frequency.
His pulse has been level for 12 hours.
Standard
(India) Grade level in primary education.
I am in fifth standard.
Level
Unvaried in volume.
His voice has been unchanged. It has been level for 12 hours.
Standard
A vertical pole with something at its apex.
Level
Calm.
He kept a level head under stress.
He kept a level gaze.
Standard
An object supported in an upright position, such as a lamp standard.
Level
In the same position or rank.
Standard
The flag or ensign carried by a military unit.
Level
Straightforward; direct; clear.
Standard
One of the upright members that supports the horizontal axis of a transit or theodolite.
Level
Well balanced; even; just; steady; impartial.
A level head; a level understanding
Standard
Any upright support, such as one of the poles of a scaffold.
Level
(phonetics) Of even tone; without rising or falling inflection; monotonic.
Standard
A sturdy, woody plant whose upright stem is used to graft a less hardy ornamental flowering plant on, rather then actually planting it.
Level
(physics) Perpendicular to a gravitational force.
The earth's oceans remain level in relation to the pull of gravity.
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.
Level
A tool for finding whether a surface is level, or for creating a horizontal or vertical line of reference.
Hand me the level so I can tell if this is correctly installed.
Standard
The sheth of a plough.
Level
A distance relative to a given reference elevation.
By the end of the day, we'd dug down to the level of the old basement floor.
Standard
A manual transmission vehicle.
Level
Degree or amount.
The sound level is much too high; this hurts my ears.
We've reached a new level of success.
Standard
(botany) The upper petal or banner of a papilionaceous corolla.
Level
Achievement or qualification.
She achieved a high level of distinction.
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.
Level
(computer science) Distance from the root node of a tree structure.
Standard
A large drinking cup.
Level
(video games) One of several discrete segments of a game, generally increasing in difficulty and representing different locations in the game world.
It took me weeks to get to level seven.
Watch out for the next level; the bad guys there are really overpowered.
Standard
(historical) A collar of mail protecting the neck.
Level
A numeric value that quantifies a character, ability, or item's experience and power.
My half-orc barbarian reached fifth level before he was squashed by a troll.
Standard
(slang) An expression of agreement
Level
A floor of a multi-storey building.
Take the elevator and get off at the promenade level.
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.
Level
(British) An area of almost perfectly flat land.
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.
Level
A school grade or year.
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.
Level
To adjust so as to make as flat or perpendicular to the ground as possible.
You can level the table by turning the pads that screw into the feet.
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.
Level
To destroy by reducing to ground level; to raze.
The hurricane leveled the forest.
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.
Level
To progress to the next level.
I levelled after defeating the dragon.
Standard
The upper petal or banner of a papilionaceous corolla.
Level
To aim or direct (a weapon, a stare, an accusation, etc).
He levelled an accusation of fraud at the directors.
The hunter levels the gun before taking a shot.
Standard
An upright support, as one of the poles of a scaffold; any upright in framing.
Level
To direct or impose (a penalty, fine, etc) at or upon (someone).
Standard
An inverted knee timber placed upon the deck instead of beneath it, with its vertical branch turned upward from that which lies horizontally.
Level
(sports) To make the score of a game equal.
Standard
The sheth of a plow.
Level
(figurative) To bring to a common level or plane, in respect of rank, condition, character, privilege, etc.
To level all the ranks and conditions of men
Standard
A large drinking cup.
Level
To adjust or adapt to a certain level.
To level remarks to the capacity of children
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.
Level
To speak honestly and openly with.
Standard
Hence: Having a recognized and permanent value; as, standard works in history; standard authors.
Level
A line or surface to which, at every point, a vertical or plumb line is perpendicular; a line or surface which is everywhere parallel to the surface of still water; - this is the true level, and is a curve or surface in which all points are equally distant from the center of the earth, or rather would be so if the earth were an exact sphere.
Standard
Not supported by, or fastened to, a wall; as, standard fruit trees.
Level
A horizontal line or plane; that is, a straight line or a plane which is tangent to a true level at a given point and hence parallel to the horizon at that point; - this is the apparent level at the given point.
Standard
A basis for comparison; a reference point against which other things can be evaluated;
They set the measure for all subsequent work
Level
An approximately horizontal line or surface at a certain degree of altitude, or distance from the center of the earth; as, to climb from the level of the coast to the level of the plateau and then descend to the level of the valley or of the sea.
After draining of the level in Northamptonshire.
Shot from the deadly level of a gun.
Standard
The ideal in terms of which something can be judged;
They live by the standards of their community
Level
Hence, figuratively, a certain position, rank, standard, degree, quality, character, etc., conceived of as in one of several planes of different elevation.
Providence, for the most part, sets us on a level.
Somebody there of his own level.
Be the fair level of thy actions laidAs temperance wills and prudence may persuade.
Standard
A board measure = 1980 board feet
Level
A uniform or average height; a normal plane or altitude; a condition conformable to natural law or which will secure a level surface; as, moving fluids seek a level.
When merit shall find its level.
Standard
The value behind the money in a monetary system
Level
An instrument by which to find a horizontal line, or adjust something with reference to a horizontal line.
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
Level
A horizontal passage, drift, or adit, in a mine.
Standard
Any distinctive flag
Level
Even; flat; having no part higher than another; having, or conforming to, the curvature which belongs to the undisturbed liquid parts of the earth's surface; as, a level field; level ground; the level surface of a pond or lake.
Ample spaces o'er the smoothAnd level pavement.
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
Level
Coinciding or parallel with the plane of the horizon; horizontal; as, the telescope is now level.
Standard
Commonly used or supplied;
Standard procedure
Standard car equipment
Level
Even with anything else; of the same height; on the same line or plane; on the same footing; of equal importance; - followed by with, sometimes by to.
Young boys and girlsAre level now with men; the odds is gone.
Everything lies level to our wish.
Standard
Established or widely recognized as a model of authority or excellence;
A standard reference work
Level
Straightforward; direct; clear; open.
A very plain and level account.
Standard
Conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers;
Standard English
Received standard English is sometimes called the King's English
Level
Well balanced; even; just; steady; impartial; as, a level head; a level understanding. [Colloq.]
Standard
Regularly and widely used or sold;
A standard size
A stock item
Level
Of even tone; without rising or falling inflection.
Level
To make level; to make horizontal; to bring to the condition of a level line or surface; hence, to make flat or even; as, to level a road, a walk, or a garden.
Level
To bring to a lower level; to overthrow; to topple down; to reduce to a flat surface; to lower.
And their proud structures level with the ground.
He levels mountains and he raises plains.
Level
To bring to a horizontal position, as a gun; hence, to point in taking aim; to aim; to direct.
Bertram de Gordon, standing on the castle wall, leveled a quarrel out of a crossbow.
Level
Figuratively, to bring to a common level or plane, in respect of rank, condition, character, privilege, etc.; as, to level all the ranks and conditions of men.
Level
To adjust or adapt to a certain level; as, to level remarks to the capacity of children.
For all his mind on honor fixed is,To which he levels all his purposes.
Level
To be level; to be on a level with, or on an equality with, something; hence, to accord; to agree; to suit.
With such accommodation and besortAs levels with her breeding.
Level
To aim a gun, spear, etc., horizontally; hence, to aim or point a weapon in direct line with the mark; fig., to direct the eye, mind, or effort, directly to an object; as, he leveled a gun at the bandit and fired.
The foeman may with as great aim level at the edge of a penknife.
The glory of God and the good of his church . . . ought to be the mark whereat we also level.
She leveled at our purposes.
Level
A position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality;
A moderate degree of intelligence
A high level of care is required
It is all a matter of degree
Level
A relative position or degree of value in a graded group;
Lumber of the highest grade
Level
A specific identifiable position in a continuum or series or especially in a process;
A remarkable degree of frankness
At what stage are the social sciences?
Level
Height above ground;
The water reached ankle level
The pictures were at the same level
Level
Indicator that establishes the horizontal when a bubble is centered in a tube of liquid
Level
A flat surface at right angles to a plumb line;
Park the car on the level
Level
Structure consisting of a room or set of rooms comprising a single level of a multilevel building;
What level is the office on?
Level
An abstract place usually conceived as having depth;
A good actor communicates on several levels
A simile has at least two layers of meaning
The mind functions on many strata simultaneously
Level
Aim at;
Level criticism or charges at somebody
Level
Tear down so as to make flat with the ground;
The building was levelled
Level
Make level or straight;
Level the ground
Level
Direct into a position for use;
Point a gun
He charged his weapon at me
Level
Talk frankly with; lay it on the line;
I have to level with you
Level
Become level or even;
The ground levelled off
Level
Having a horizontal surface in which no part is higher or lower than another;
A flat desk
Acres of level farmland
A plane surface
Level
Not showing abrupt variations;
Spoke in a level voice
She gave him a level look
Level
Being on a precise horizontal plane;
A billiard table must be level
Level
Oriented at right angles to the plumb;
The picture is level
Level
Of the score in a contest;
The score is tied
Common Curiosities
What is the main difference between a level and a standard?
Level refers to stages within a system that show progression, while standard is about norms that define quality or consistency.
How do levels affect performance evaluation?
Levels help in assessing progression and development by marking specific stages achieved by an individual or entity.
What is the purpose of setting standards?
To ensure that products, services, or performances meet established quality and safety benchmarks.
Are standards always related to quality?
Primarily, but they can also refer to conditions for conformity or efficiency in various contexts.
Can levels exist without standards?
Yes, levels can exist purely to indicate progression or ranking, independent of any quality benchmarks or standards.
Can one level be considered a standard?
Not typically; levels indicate position within a progression, not the quality benchmarks that standards denote.
What happens when standards are not met?
Non-compliance can result in penalties, loss of certification, or inferior product quality.
Why are levels important in education?
They help structure the educational process, allowing for systematic assessment and progression of students.
Can standards change over time?
Yes, as technologies advance and norms evolve, standards can be updated to reflect new realities.
How are standards developed?
Standards are often developed by regulatory bodies or through consensus in industry groups, reflecting best practices and requirements.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Rumble vs. Tumble
Next Comparison
Come vs. VisitAuthor 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
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
