Sector vs. Segment: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on September 26, 2023
A sector is a distinct part of a larger system or economy, often representing a group of industries, while a segment is a portion or a subdivision of a whole, often used to represent parts of a market or population.
Key Differences
The term "sector" refers to a broad, defined area or scope within an economy or field, often used to categorize groups of related industries or activities, to study economic trends and developments. It’s a generalized component reflecting a substantial division within a system or a plan. In contrast, "segment" denotes a more specific subdivision or portion of a whole, representing more granular divisions within a sector or a market, used to categorize parts of a market, consumer base, or a population based on certain characteristics or behaviors.
"Sector" and "segment" also depict different levels of scope and specificity in the context of market research. A sector usually encompasses a wide range of companies or entities with common characteristics, often revealing overarching patterns or trends within a larger context or system. Conversely, a segment is more about highlighting the nuances and variations within a sector, focusing on a subset of entities or individuals sharing more specific common traits or behaviors, enabling a more targeted approach in analysis and strategy.
Discussing them in an economic perspective, a sector represents a significant component of an economy, divided based on the type of economic activity, like the industrial sector, service sector, and agricultural sector. This division allows for a broader analysis of economic performance and policies. In contrast, a segment is a division within these sectors, targeting specific kinds of consumers or market areas, allowing businesses and economists to tailor strategies and analyze trends at a more detailed level.
Within geometry, "sector" refers to a portion of a circle, enclosed by two radii and an arc, representing a spatial partition. In a different contextual environment, "segment" refers to a portion or piece that forms part of a whole, such as a line segment in geometry, symbolizing different principles and applications in mathematical concepts.
To sum up, while both "sector" and "segment" represent parts of a whole, a sector is more about broad categorizations in various contexts like economy and geometry, offering a macroscopic view. On the other hand, a segment presents a more microscopic view, emphasizing finer, more detailed subdivisions within a whole, adapting to the specific contextual needs and characteristics.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
A part of a larger system or economy, representing a group of industries.
A portion or subdivision of a whole.
Scope
Broader, categorizes based on common characteristics.
More specific, based on more defined characteristics.
Usage
Used in economic classifications and geometry.
Used in market research and geometry.
Detail Level
Offers a macroscopic view.
Provides a microscopic, detailed view.
Application
Enables broader analysis and categorization in various fields.
Allows more detailed, targeted analysis and approach.
ADVERTISEMENT
Sector and Segment Definitions
Sector
A sector represents a group of related industries or activities.
The health sector is crucial for societal well-being.
Segment
A segment is a specific portion or subdivision of a whole.
The company is focusing on a younger market segment.
Sector
A sector is a broad categorization based on common characteristics.
The technology sector is known for its rapid innovations.
Segment
A segment represents a set of the population sharing specific characteristics.
This product is designed for the luxury segment of consumers.
Sector
A part or division, as of a city or a national economy
The manufacturing sector.
Segment
A segment is a line between two points in geometry.
The length of the line segment was calculated using the coordinates of its endpoints.
Sector
The portion of a circle bounded by two radii and the included arc.
Segment
A segment is used for detailed, nuanced studies and strategies.
Focusing on specific segments can yield better, more personalized results.
Sector
A measuring instrument consisting of two graduated arms hinged together at one end.
Segment
Any of the parts into which something can be divided
Segments of the community.
A segment of a television program.
Sector
(Computers) A portion of a storage device making up the smallest addressable unit of information.
Segment
The portion of a line between any two points on the line.
Sector
A division of a defensive position for which one military unit is responsible.
Segment
The area bounded by a chord and the arc of a curve subtended by the chord.
Sector
A division of an offensive military position.
Segment
The portion of a sphere cut off by two parallel planes.
Sector
To divide (something) into sectors.
Segment
(Biology) A clearly differentiated subdivision of an organism or part, such as a metamere.
Sector
Section
Segment
To divide or become divided into segments.
Sector
Zone (designated area).
Segment
A length of some object.
A segment of rope
Sector
(geometry) part of a circle, extending to the center; circular sector
Segment
One of the parts into which any body naturally separates or is divided; a part divided or cut off; a section; a portion.
A segment of an orange; a segment of a compound or divided leaf
Sector
(computer hardware) fixed-sized unit (traditionally 512 bytes) of sequential data stored on a track of a digital medium (compare to block)
Segment
(mathematics) A portion. Category:en:Shapes
Sector
(military) an area designated by boundaries within which a unit operates, and for which it is responsible
Segment
A straight path between two points that is the shortest distance between them.
Sector
(military) one of the subdivisions of a coastal frontier
Segment
(geometry) The part of a circle between its circumference and a chord (usually other than the diameter).
Sector
(science fiction) a fictional region of space designated for navigational or governance purposes.
Segment
(geometry) The part of a sphere cut off by a plane.
Sector
(calculation) an instrument consisting of two rulers of equal length joined by a hinge.
Segment
(topology) Any of the pieces that constitute an order tree.
Sector
A field of economic activity
Public sector;
Private sector
Segment
(science) A portion.
Sector
(engineering) A toothed gear whose face is the arc of a circle.
Segment
(phonology) A discrete unit of speech: a consonant or a vowel.
Sector
(motor racing) A fixed, continuous section of the track, such that sectors do not overlap but all sectors make up the whole track.
Segment
(botany) A portion of an organ whose cells are derived from a single cell within the primordium from which the organ developed.
Sector
(climbing) An area of a crag, consisting of various routes
Segment
(zoology) One of several parts of an organism, with similar structure, arranged in a chain; such as a vertebra, or a third of an insect's thorax.
Sector
A part of a circle comprehended between two radii and the included arc.
Segment
(broadcasting) A part of a broadcast program, devoted to a topic.
The news showed a segment on global warming.
Sector
A mathematical instrument, consisting of two rulers connected at one end by a joint, each arm marked with several scales, as of equal parts, chords, sines, tangents, etc., one scale of each kind on each arm, and all on lines radiating from the common center of motion. The sector is used for plotting, etc., to any scale.
Segment
(computing) An Ethernet bus.
Sector
An astronomical instrument, the limb of which embraces a small portion only of a circle, used for measuring differences of declination too great for the compass of a micrometer. When it is used for measuring zenith distances of stars, it is called a zenith sector.
Segment
(computing) A region of memory or a fragment of an executable file designated to contain a particular part of a program.
Sector
A plane figure bounded by two radii and the included arc of a circle
Segment
(travel) A portion of an itinerary: it may be a flight or train between two cities, or a car or hotel booked in a particular city.
Sector
A body of people who form part of society or economy;
The public sector
Segment
(heraldry) A bearing representing only one part of a rounded object.
Sector
A particular aspect of life or activity;
He was helpless in an important sector of his life
Segment
(ambitransitive) To divide into segments or sections.
Segment the essay by topic.
Sector
The minimum track length that can be assigned to store information; unless otherwise specified a sector of data consists of 512 bytes
Segment
One of the parts into which any body naturally separates or is divided; a part divided or cut off; a section; a portion; as, a segment of an orange; a segment of a compound or divided leaf.
Sector
A portion of a military position
Segment
A part cut off from a figure by a line or plane; especially, that part of a circle contained between a chord and an arc of that circle, or so much of the circle as is cut off by the chord; as, the segment acb in the Illustration.
Sector
Measuring instrument consisting of two graduated arms hinged at one end
Segment
A piece in the form of the sector of a circle, or part of a ring; as, the segment of a sectional fly wheel or flywheel rim.
Sector
A sector is a distinct part of an economy or system.
The manufacturing sector has witnessed substantial growth this year.
Segment
One of the cells or division formed by segmentation, as in egg cleavage or in fissiparous cell formation.
Sector
A sector refers to a portion of a circle in geometry.
We calculated the area of the sector formed between two radii of the circle.
Segment
To divide or separate into parts in growth; to undergo segmentation, or cleavage, as in the segmentation of the ovum.
Sector
A sector is used for broad analysis and study of trends and developments.
Analysts are optimistic about the growth of the renewable energy sector.
Segment
One of several parts or pieces that fit with others to constitute a whole object;
A section of a fishing rod
Metal sections were used below ground
Finished the final segment of the road
Segment
One of the parts into which something naturally divides;
A segment of an orange
Segment
Divide into segments;
Segment an orange
Segment a compound word
Segment
Divide or split up;
The cells segmented
Segment
A segment allows for targeted analysis and approach in market research.
Market strategies were developed based on segment analysis.
FAQs
Can sector refer to a division in geometry?
Yes, a sector can refer to a portion of a circle in geometry.
Can a segment represent a part of a market in business?
Yes, a segment can refer to a specific portion of a market in business.
Which term is used for more detailed analysis, sector or segment?
The term "segment" is used for more detailed, targeted analysis.
Is a sector always related to economics?
No, the term sector can also be used in different contexts like geometry.
Can the market be divided into different segments based on consumer behavior?
Yes, markets can be segmented based on consumer behavior, needs, or other characteristics.
Can a segment be a line in geometry?
Yes, a segment can refer to a line between two points in geometry.
Are sectors usually homogeneous?
Sectors are generally homogeneous in terms of the common characteristics shared by the included entities.
Does a segment always refer to a subdivision within a sector?
Not always, as the term "segment" can be used in different contexts like geometry, and it may not always be within a sector.
Can a sector encompass multiple segments?
Yes, a sector can encompass multiple segments.
Do sectors represent major parts of the economy?
Yes, sectors represent major components or areas of an economy.
Which is broader, a sector or a segment?
A sector is generally broader than a segment.
Can a sector include diverse industries?
Yes, a sector can include diverse but related industries or activities.
Is the segment more about specificity?
Yes, a segment is more about specificity and details within a whole.
Do sectors and segments help in organizing information efficiently?
Yes, using sectors and segments helps in organizing and analyzing information more efficiently.
Can segmenting help in creating effective marketing strategies?
Absolutely, segmenting allows for the creation of more targeted and effective marketing strategies.
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.
