Manual vs. Handbook: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 5, 2023
A manual provides detailed instructions or procedures, while a handbook is a concise reference guide on a subject or for a particular field.
Key Differences
A manual tends to delve into a subject or product with extensive detail, ensuring thorough guidance. In contrast, a handbook provides a more succinct overview, encapsulating key points without extensive procedural detail.
In the realm of practical application, a manual serves as an in-depth guide for usage, assembly, or troubleshooting. On the contrary, a handbook leans towards providing a quick reference, aiding in understanding a subject or navigating a system without meticulous instructions.
Manuals usually find their utility in contexts where specific, step-by-step instructions are paramount. Conversely, a handbook finds its place where quick, accessible information, or general guidelines are the focus, without dwelling heavily into procedural depths.
When dealing with complex machinery or software, manuals act as indispensable tools, offering step-wise directions for optimal utility and troubleshooting. Handbooks, while informative, might not delve into such complexities, instead offering a broader perspective or summarized insights.
Considering the physical aspect, manuals may sometimes be bulkier due to the detailed information and procedures they contain. Handbooks, embracing brevity, are typically lighter, making them more portable and swiftly navigable.
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Comparison Chart
Purpose and Use
Detailed guide or instruction
Concise reference guide
Detail Level
Generally detailed
Typically concise and summarized
Word Length
6 letters
8 letters
Typical Length of Text
Tends to be longer
Tends to be shorter and succinct
Usage Frequency
Often specific to products or software
Can be related to a broader field or subject
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Manual and Handbook Definitions
Manual
A detailed guide often associated with procedural steps.
The manual for the software was 100 pages long.
Handbook
A concise guide providing key information on a topic.
The employee handbook outlined the company’s policies.
Manual
Often associated with technical or mechanical information.
The computer manual explained the troubleshooting steps.
Handbook
A reference book offering basic information.
The handbook provided a quick guide to local birds.
Manual
Can be product-specific, providing insights and instructions.
The new appliance came with a manual.
Handbook
Often oriented towards general information rather than detailed procedures.
The student handbook provided an overview of campus life.
Manual
Of or relating to the hands
Manual skill.
Handbook
A concise manual or reference book providing specific information or instruction about a subject or place.
Manual
Done by, used by, or operated with the hands.
Handbook
A book in which off-track bets are recorded.
Manual
Employing human rather than mechanical energy
Manual labor.
Handbook
A place where off-track bets are taken.
Manual
Of, relating to, or resembling a small reference book.
Handbook
A topically organized book of reference on a certain field of knowledge, regardless of size.
Manual
A small reference book, especially one giving instructions.
Handbook
A place where illicit bets can be placed.
Manual
(Music) A keyboard, as of an organ or harpsichord, played with the hands.
Handbook
A book of reference, to be carried in the hand; a manual; a guidebook.
Manual
A machine operated by hand.
Handbook
A book containing reference information for a specific field; as, the Handbook of Chemistry.
Manual
A manual transmission.
Handbook
A concise reference book providing specific information about a subject or location
Manual
A vehicle having a manual transmission.
Handbook
Typically an easily navigable guide for quick reference.
The tourist handbook featured a map and key phrases.
Manual
Prescribed movements in the handling of a weapon, especially a rifle
The manual of arms.
Handbook
Can be field-specific, summarizing essential knowledge.
The medical handbook simplified complex terminologies for students.
Manual
A maneuver in certain board sports, such as skateboarding, in which all of the board except one end is lifted off the ground, especially when the tip of the board is kept from making contact with the ground.
Manual
A handbook.
Manual
A booklet that instructs on the usage of a particular machine or product.
The dishwasher isn't working; can you remember where we put the manual?
Manual
(military) A drill in the use of weapons, etc.
Manual
An old office-book like the modern Roman Catholic ritual.
Manual
(countable) A device that is operated using the hands, or by a human rather than a machine.
Manual
(automotive) A manual transmission; a gearbox, especially of a motorized vehicle, shifted by the operator.
Manual
(by synecdoche) A vehicle with a manual transmission.
I'm not used to automatics; I've always driven manuals.
Manual
(music) A keyboard for the hands on a harpsichord, organ, or other musical instrument.
Manual
A manual typewriter (as contrasted with an electronic one).
Manual
(countable) A procedure or operation that is done using the hands, or by a human rather than machine.
Manual
Manual measurement of the blood pressure, done with a manual sphygmomanometer.
Do a manual
Give someone a quick manual
Manual
A bicycle technique whereby the front wheel is held aloft by the rider, without the use of pedal force.
Manual
A similar maneuver on a skateboard, lifting the front or back wheels while keeping the tail or nose of the board from touching the ground.
Manual
(uncountable) Manual control or operation.
Put the controls to manual.
Leave the system on manual.
Manual
(of an activity) Performed with the hands.
Manual
(of a machine, device etc.) Operated by means of the hands.
Manual
Performed by a human rather than a machine.
The teacher urged the students to do a manual check, because some errors aren't picked up by the spell checker.
Manual
Of or pertaining to the hand.
Manual
Performed by a person using physical as contrasted with mental effort; as, manual labor.
Manual
Done or made by the hand. In some contexts, contrasted with automatic or mechanical.
Manual
A small book, such as may be carried in the hand, or conveniently handled; a handbook; specifically, the service book of the Roman Catholic Church.
This manual of laws, styled the Confessor's Laws.
Manual
A keyboard of an organ or harmonium for the fingers, as distinguished from the pedals; a clavier, or set of keys.
Manual
A prescribed exercise in the systematic handing of a weapon; as, the manual of arms; the manual of the sword; the manual of the piece (cannon, mortar, etc.).
Manual
A small handbook
Manual
(military) a prescribed drill in handling a rifle
Manual
Of or relating to the hands;
Manual dexterity
Manual
Requiring human effort;
A manual transmission
Manual
Doing or requiring physical work;
Manual labor
Manual laborer
Manual
A comprehensive instructional book.
She read the entire car repair manual.
Manual
Sometimes software-oriented, detailing functionalities and usage.
The software manual outlined all the possible commands.
FAQs
Can a manual be concise?
While possible, manuals are typically detailed and comprehensive by nature.
What is a handbook generally used for?
A handbook serves as a concise reference guide, offering summarized information.
Is a handbook detailed?
Handbooks tend to prioritize brevity and succinctness over detailed information.
Do manuals always relate to technical items?
Often, but not always. Manuals provide detailed guidance, which can apply to various subjects.
Is the term "manual" related to manual labor?
While both words share a root, in context, "manual" referring to a guide isn't directly related to manual labor.
Is a handbook considered an exhaustive source?
Typically not. Handbooks offer essential insights but usually not exhaustive on a subject.
What is the primary purpose of a manual?
A manual provides detailed instructions or procedures, often for using a product.
Can a manual also act as a quick reference guide?
While it may contain valuable information, a manual is generally not designed for quick reference.
Are handbooks always physically small?
Not necessarily, but they are often designed to be easily portable and accessible.
Can a handbook provide instructions?
Yes, but instructions in a handbook are usually general and brief compared to a manual.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
