Quarter vs. Half — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 26, 2024
A quarter represents one-fourth of a whole, while a half signifies one-half, indicating a division into two equal parts.
Difference Between Quarter and Half
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Quarters divide something into four equal parts, each constituting 25% of the total. In contrast, a half results from dividing a whole into two equal segments, with each half representing 50%.
In financial and academic contexts, a quarter often refers to a three-month period or a term within a year, whereas a half can denote a six-month period or the division of an academic year.
When it comes to measurements and time, quarters are used to describe smaller portions or periods, such as a quarter of an hour (15 minutes). Conversely, a half refers to larger divisions, such as half an hour (30 minutes).
In sports, quarters and halves are used to structure the game time differently across various sports. For example, basketball games are typically divided into quarters, while soccer matches are split into halves.
Comparison Chart
Fraction
1/4 or 25% of a whole
1/2 or 50% of a whole
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Representation
Divides something into four equal parts
Divides something into two equal parts
Contextual Use
Financial quarters, academic terms, 15 minutes
Six-month periods, half an hour, academic year halves
In Sports
Basketball quarters, quarters in American football
Halves in soccer, halves in rugby
Measurement
Used for smaller portions or periods
Used for larger divisions
Compare with Definitions
Quarter
One-fourth part of a year; three months.
The company reports its earnings every quarter.
Half
Partially or to the extent of a half;
He was half hidden by the bushes
Quarter
Fifteen minutes of an hour.
Let's meet a quarter past the hour.
Half
Thirty minutes of an hour.
The meeting starts at half past the hour.
Quarter
A term in some academic institutions.
The winter quarter begins in January.
Half
Can describe a semi-annual term or period.
The fiscal half ended with positive growth.
Quarter
A quarter can also refer to a region or part of a city.
The French Quarter is a well-known area in New Orleans.
Half
Signifies a 50% portion or division.
Half of the students passed the exam.
Quarter
Twenty-five percent of a whole.
He owns a quarter of the shares.
Half
Used in sports to describe one of two main periods of play.
The team played better in the second half.
Quarter
Each of four equal or corresponding parts into which something is or can be divided
A page and a quarter
A quarter of a mile
She cut each apple into quarters
Half
One of two equal parts that together constitute a whole.
Quarter
One fourth of a pound weight (avoirdupois, equal to 4 ounces).
Half
One part approximately equal to the remaining part.
Quarter
The haunches or hindquarters of a horse
They have strong, muscular quarters
Half
(Informal) A 50-cent piece.
Quarter
A part of a town or city having a particular character or use
A beautiful port city with a fascinating medieval quarter
Half
One of the two playing periods into which certain games are divided.
Quarter
The direction of one of the points of the compass, especially as a direction from which the wind blows.
Half
A halfback.
Quarter
Rooms or lodgings, especially those allocated to people in military or domestic service
They lived in RAF married quarters
Half
Chiefly British A school term; a semester.
Quarter
Pity or mercy shown towards an enemy or opponent who is in one's power
The riot squad gave no quarter
Half
Half an hour
A half past one.
Quarter
Each of four or more roughly equal divisions of a shield separated by vertical and horizontal lines.
Half
Being one of two equal parts.
Quarter
Divide into four equal or corresponding parts
Peel and quarter the bananas
Half
Being approximately a half.
Quarter
Be stationed or lodged in a specified place
Many were quartered in tents
Half
Partial or incomplete
Gave me a half smile.
Quarter
Range over or traverse (an area) in every direction
We watched a pair of kingfishers quartering the river looking for minnows
Half
To the extent of exactly or nearly 50 percent
The tank is half empty.
Quarter
Display (different coats of arms) in quarters of a shield, especially to show arms inherited from heiresses who have married into the bearer's family
Edward III quartered the French royal arms with his own
Half
Not completely or sufficiently; partly
Only half right.
Quarter
One of four equal parts.
Half
One of two usually roughly equal parts into which anything may be divided, or considered as divided.
I ate the slightly smaller half of the apple.
You don’t know the half of it.
Of the passengers on the plane, half were English.
The cake was delicious: half was vanilla and half was chocolate.
Quarter
A coin equal to one fourth of the dollar of the United States and Canada.
Half
(sports) One of the two opposite parts of the playing field of various sports, in which each starts the game.
Quarter
One fourth of an hour; 15 minutes.
Half
Half of a standard measure, chiefly: (British) half a pint of beer or cider.
Quarter
One fourth of a year; three months
Sales were up in the second quarter.
Half
(preceded by “a” or a number) The fraction obtained by dividing 1 by 2.
Three-quarters minus a quarter is a half.
Quarter
An academic term lasting approximately three months.
Half
Any of the three terms at Eton College, for Michaelmas, Lent, and summer.
Quarter
One fourth of the period of the moon's revolution around Earth.
Half
(slang) A half sibling.
Quarter
One of the two phases of the moon at which the moon, as viewed from Earth, appears to be half illuminated by the sun. The quarter phases mark the quarter and three-quarter points of the moon's revolution about the Earth.
Half
A child ticket.
Quarter
(Sports) One of four equal periods of playing time into which some games, such as football and basketball, are divided.
Half
(sports) abbreviated form for half marathon.
Quarter
One fourth of a yard; nine inches.
Half
(numismatic slang) half-dollar
Quarter
One fourth of a mile; two furlongs.
Half
Consisting of a half (½, 50%).
A half kilo
A half hour
A half dollar
Quarter
One fourth of a pound; four ounces.
Half
Consisting of some indefinite portion resembling a half; approximately a half, whether more or less; partial; imperfect.
A half truth
Quarter
One fourth of a ton; 500 pounds. Used as a measure of grain.
Half
(of a sibling) Having one parent (rather than two) in common.
Quarter
Chiefly British A measure of grain equal to approximately eight bushels.
Half
(of a relative other than a sibling) Related through one common grandparent or ancestor rather than two.
Quarter
One fourth of a hundredweight; 25 pounds.
Half
In two equal parts or to an equal degree.
Quarter
One fourth of a British hundredweight; 28 pounds.
Half
In some part approximating a half.
Quarter
One of the four major divisions of the compass.
Half
Partially; imperfectly.
Half done
Half persuaded
Half conscious
He does sometimes half wish to change his life, but it is too difficult.
Quarter
One fourth of the distance between any two of the 32 divisions of the compass.
Half
Practically, nearly.
Quarter
One of the four major divisions of the horizon as determined by the four major points of the compass.
Half
To halve.
Quarter
A region or an area of the earth thought of as falling into such a specific division of the compass.
Half
Half past; a half-hour (30 minutes) after the last hour.
The time is 9:30; it is half nine.
Quarter
(Nautical) The general direction on either side of a ship located 45° off the stern.
Half
A half-hour to (preceding) the next hour.
In some countries, "half seven" means 6:30.
Quarter
The upper portion of the after side of a ship, usually between the aftermost mast and the stern.
Half
(theatre) A call reminding performers that the performance will begin in thirty minutes.
Quarter
The part of a yard between the slings and the yardarm.
Half
Consisting of a moiety, or half; as, a half bushel; a half hour; a half dollar; a half view.
Quarter
(Heraldry) Any of four equal divisions of a shield.
Half
Consisting of some indefinite portion resembling a half; approximately a half, whether more or less; partial; imperfect; as, a half dream; half knowledge.
Assumed from thence a half consent.
Quarter
One leg of an animal's carcass, usually including the adjoining parts.
Half
In an equal part or degree; in some part approximating a half; partially; imperfectly; as, half-colored, half done, half-hearted, half persuaded, half conscious.
Their children spoke halfin the speech of Ashdod.
Quarter
Either side of a horse's hoof.
Half
Part; side; behalf.
The four halves of the house.
Quarter
The part of the side of a shoe between the heel and the vamp.
Half
One of two equal parts into which anything may be divided, or considered as divided; - sometimes followed by of; as, a half of an apple.
Not half his riches known, and yet despised.
A friendship so completePortioned in halves between us.
Quarter
Quarters A place of residence, especially the buildings or barracks used to house military personnel or their dependents.
Half
To halve. [Obs.] See Halve.
Quarter
Often quarters A proper or assigned station or place, as for officers and crew on a warship.
Half
One of two equal parts of a divisible whole;
Half a loaf
Half an hour
A century and one half
Quarter
Often Quarter A specific district or section, as of a city
The French Quarter.
Half
In various games or performances: either of two periods of play separated by an interval
Quarter
Often quarters An unspecified person or group
Information from the highest quarters.
Half
Consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity;
A half chicken
Lasted a half hour
Quarter
Mercy or clemency, especially when displayed or given to an enemy.
Half
Partial;
Gave me a half smile
He did only a half job
Quarter
Being one of four equal or equivalent parts.
Half
(of siblings) related through one parent only;
A half brother
Half sister
Quarter
Being one fourth of a standard or usual value.
Quarter
To divide into four equal or equivalent parts.
Quarter
To quartersaw.
Quarter
To divide or separate into a number of parts.
Quarter
To dismember (a human body) into four parts.
Quarter
(Heraldry) To divide (a shield) into four equal areas with vertical and horizontal lines.
Quarter
To mark or place (holes, for example) a fourth of a circle apart.
Quarter
To locate and adjust (one machine part) at right angles to its connecting part within the machine.
Quarter
To furnish with housing
Quartered the troops in an old factory building.
Quarter
To traverse (an area of ground) laterally back and forth while slowly advancing forward.
Quarter
To take up or be assigned lodgings.
Quarter
To cover an area of ground by ranging over it from side to side.
Quarter
A fourth part of something.
Quarter
(in general sense) Each of four equal parts into which something can be divided; a fourth part.
A quarter of an hour.
Quarter
A measure of capacity used chiefly for grain or coal, varying greatly in quantity by time and location.
Quarter
A fourth part of a pound; approximately 113 grams.
Quarter
(historical) A measure of length; originally a fourth part of an ell, now chiefly a fourth part of a yard.
Quarter
A fourth part of the night; one of the watches or divisions of the night.
Quarter
A fourth part of the year; 3 months; a term or season.
Quarter
(time) A fourth part of an hour; a period of fifteen minutes, especially with reference to the quarter before or after the hour.
Quarter
A fourth part of a hundredweight.
Quarter
(heraldry) A fourth part of a coat of arms, or the charge on it, larger than a canton and normally on the upper dexter side, formed by a perpendicular line from the top meeting a horizontal line from the side.
Quarter
(North America) A quarter-dollar, divided into 25 cents; the coin of that value minted in the United States or Canada.
Quarter
(sport) One of four equal periods into which a game is divided.
Quarter
A quarter of an acre or 40 roods.
Quarter
Place or position.
Quarter
A region or place.
Quarter
Each of four parts into which the earth or sky is divided, corresponding to the four cardinal points of the compass.
Quarter
A division or section of a town or city, especially having a particular character of its own, or associated with a particular group etc.
Quarter
One's residence or dwelling-place; in plural rooms, lodgings, especially as allocated to soldiers or domestic staff.
Quarter
A topic or area of endeavour.
Quarter
(nautical) The aftmost part of a vessel's side, roughly from the last mast to the stern.
Quarter
(farriery) The part on either side of a horse's hoof between the toe and heel, the side of its coffin.
Quarter
(often plural) A section (of a population), especially one having a particular set of values or interests.
Opposition to the policy came from an unexpected quarter, as well as from certain quarters which had historically opposed it
All quarters of the socialist movement; praise from Conservative quarters
Quarter
(obsolete) Relations between people.
Quarter
Short forms.
Quarter
A quarterback.
Quarter
A quartermaster; a quartermaster sergeant.
Quarter
A quarterfinal.
Quarter
Pertaining to an aspect of a quarter.
Quarter
(chiefly) Consisting of a fourth part, a quarter (4, 25%).
A quarter hour; a quarter century; a quarter note; a quarter pound
Quarter
(chiefly) Related to a three-month term, a quarter of a year.
A quarter day is one terminating a quarter of the year.
A quarter session is one held quarterly at the end of a quarter.
Quarter
(transitive) To divide into quarters; to divide by four.
Quarter
(transitive) To provide housing for military personnel or other equipment.
Quarter the horses in the third stable.
Quarter
(intransitive) To lodge; to have a temporary residence.
Quarter
(transitive) To quartersaw.
Quarter
(obsolete) To drive a carriage so as to prevent the wheels from going into the ruts, or so that a rut shall be between the wheels.
Quarter
One of four equal parts into which anything is divided, or is regarded as divided; a fourth part or portion; as, a quarter of a dollar, of a pound, of a yard, of an hour, etc.
Scouts each coast light-armed scour,Each quarter, to descry the distant foe.
Quarter
A division of a town, city, or county; a particular district; a locality; as, the Latin quarter in Paris.
Quarter
Proper station; specific place; assigned position; special location.
Swift to their several quarters hasted thenThe cumbrous elements.
The banter turned as to what quarters each would find.
Quarter
A station or encampment occupied by troops; a place of lodging for soldiers or officers; as, winter quarters.
He magnified his own clemency, now they were at his mercy, to offer them quarter for their lives.
Cocks and lambs . . . at the mercy of cats and wolves . . . must never expect better quarter.
Quarter
Friendship; amity; concord.
In quarter, and in terms like bride and groom.
I knew two that were competitors for the secretary's place, . . . and yet kept good quarter between themselves.
Quarter
To divide into four equal parts.
Quarter
To divide; to separate into parts or regions.
Then sailors quartered heaven.
Quarter
To furnish with shelter or entertainment; to supply with the means of living for a time; especially, to furnish shelter to; as, to quarter soldiers.
They mean this night in Sardis to be quartered.
Quarter
To furnish as a portion; to allot.
This isle . . . He quarters to his blue-haired deities.
Quarter
To arrange (different coats of arms) upon one escutcheon, as when a man inherits from both father and mother the right to bear arms.
Quarter
To lodge; to have a temporary residence.
Quarter
To drive a carriage so as to prevent the wheels from going into the ruts, or so that a rut shall be between the wheels.
Every creature that met us would rely on us for quartering.
Quarter
One of four equal parts;
A quarter of a pound
Quarter
A district of a city having some distinguishing character;
The Latin Quarter
Quarter
One of four periods of play into which some games are divided;
Both teams scored in the first quarter
Quarter
A unit of time equal to 15 minutes or a quarter of an hour;
It's a quarter til 4
A quarter after 4 o'clock
Quarter
One of four periods into which the school year is divided;
The fall quarter ends at Christmas
Quarter
A fourth part of a year; three months;
Unemployment fell during the last quarter
Quarter
One of the four major division of the compass;
The wind is coming from that quarter
Quarter
A quarter of a hundredweight (25 pounds)
Quarter
A quarter of a hundredweight (28 pounds)
Quarter
A United States coin worth one fourth of a dollar;
He fed four quarters into the slot machine
Quarter
An unspecified person;
He dropped a word in the right quarter
Quarter
The rear part of a ship
Quarter
Piece of leather that comprises the part of a shoe or boot covering the heel and joining the vamp
Quarter
Provide housing for (military personnel)
Quarter
Pull (a person) apart with four horses tied to his extremities, so as to execute him;
In the old days, people were drawn and quartered for certain crimes
Quarter
Divide into quarters;
Quarter an apple
Quarter
Divide by four; divide into quarters
Common Curiosities
In sports, how do quarters differ from halves?
Some sports, like basketball, use quarters to divide the game, while others, like soccer, use halves.
What is the difference between a quarter and a half?
A quarter divides a whole into four equal parts (25% each), while a half splits it into two equal parts (50% each).
Can a year be divided into quarters and halves?
Yes, a year can be divided into four quarters (three months each) or two halves (six months each), often used in financial and academic contexts.
How do quarters and halves apply to time?
Quarters can refer to 15 minutes of an hour, while halves denote 30 minutes.
Why are financial reports often released quarterly?
Quarterly reports provide a timely update on a company's financial health, allowing for more frequent assessment by investors and stakeholders.
Can I own a quarter of a company?
Yes, owning a quarter of a company means holding 25% of its shares or equity.
How are quarters used in business beyond financial reports?
Quarters help in setting short-term goals, budgeting, and project planning.
Why might a student prefer a quarter system over a semester system?
The quarter system can offer more flexibility in course selection and the opportunity to take more courses over the academic year.
What does it mean to work half-time?
Working half-time typically means working half the hours of a full-time position, often equated to 20 hours a week.
How does understanding quarters and halves help in daily life?
This understanding aids in time management, financial planning, and academic scheduling.
How do academic quarters differ from semesters?
Quarters divide the academic year into four parts, while semesters divide it into two, affecting the duration and number of courses taken.
Is there a significant difference in planning for quarters vs. halves?
Yes, planning for quarters involves more frequent assessment and adjustment, while halves allow for longer-term strategies.
Can a city be divided into quarters?
Yes, some cities are historically divided into quarters based on geographic or cultural lines.
Are there any sports that use both halves and quarters?
No, sports typically use one system or the other to structure game time for simplicity and tradition.
What does "a quarter to" and "half past" mean in telling time?
"A quarter to" refers to 15 minutes before the hour, while "half past" means 30 minutes after the hour.
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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.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer 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.
