Hand vs. Arm: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 11, 2023
The hand is the extremity of the arm, encompassing the fingers and palm; the arm extends from the shoulder to the wrist.
Key Differences
The hand and arm are integral parts of the human anatomy but serve distinct functions. The hand, consisting of the palm and fingers, is adept at grasping, holding, and manipulating objects. It possesses a level of dexterity that allows for intricate tasks like writing or sewing.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
In contrast, the arm, which spans from the shoulder to the wrist, provides support and movement for the hand. The arm contains major muscles that facilitate lifting, reaching, and various motions, ensuring the hand can interact with its environment effectively.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Structurally, while the hand boasts complex joints and numerous bones, the arm is simpler, comprising the upper arm (humerus) and the forearm (radius and ulna).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Overall, while the hand is more about finesse and precision, the arm provides strength and range of motion.
Janet White
Oct 06, 2023
Comparison Chart
ADVERTISEMENT
Hand and Arm Definitions
Hand
Used for grasping or holding objects.
He held the book firmly in his hand.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Hand
A means to interact with the environment.
She felt the fabric's texture with her hand.
Sara Rehman
Oct 06, 2023
Arm
Used for lifting, reaching, and carrying.
She stretched her arm to reach the top shelf.
Sara Rehman
Oct 06, 2023
Hand
The terminal part of the human arm located below the forearm, used for grasping and holding and consisting of the wrist, palm, four fingers, and an opposable thumb.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Arm
Contains muscles facilitating movement.
His arm muscles were defined from weightlifting.
Sara Rehman
Oct 06, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Hand
A homologous or similar part in other animals, as the terminal part of the forelimb in certain vertebrates.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Hand
A unit of length equal to 4 inches (10.2 centimeters), used especially to specify the height of a horse.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Arm
Comprises the humerus, radius, and ulna.
He broke the radius in his arm while playing soccer.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Hand
Any of the rotating pointers used as indexes on the face of a mechanical clock.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Arm
An upper limb of the human body, connecting the hand and wrist to the shoulder.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Arm
A part similar to a human arm, such as the forelimb of an animal or a long part projecting from a central support in a machine.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Arm
Something, such as a sleeve on a garment or a support on a chair, that is designed to cover or support the human arm.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Hand
Lateral direction indicated according to the way in which one is facing
At my right hand.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Arm
A relatively narrow extension jutting out from a large mass:an arm of the sea.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Arm
A weapon, especially a firearm
Troops bearing arms.
ICBMs, bombs, and other nuclear arms.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Arm
Military service
Several million volunteers under arms.
The profession of arms.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Hand
A portion or section of a game during which all the cards dealt out are played
A hand of poker.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Hand
A participant in an activity, often one who specializes in a particular activity or pursuit
An old hand at labor negotiations.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Arm
To equip with weapons
Armed themselves with loaded pistols.
Arm a missile with a warhead.
Arm a nation for war.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Hand
The degree of immediacy of a source of information; degree of reliability
Heard the scandalous tale at third hand.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Arm
To equip with what is needed for effective action
Tax advisers who were armed with the latest forms.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Arm
To provide with something that strengthens or protects
A space reentry vehicle that was armed with a ceramic shield.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Hand
Often hands Possession, ownership, or keeping
The books should be in your hands by noon.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Arm
To prepare (a weapon or electronic system, such as an alarm) for use or operation, as by releasing a safety device.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Hand
Power; jurisdiction; care
The defendant's fate is in the hands of the jury. Dinner is in the chef's hands.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Arm
The portion of the upper human appendage, from the shoulder to the wrist and sometimes including the hand.
She stood with her right arm extended and her palm forward to indicate “Stop!”
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Hand
Involvement or participation
"In all this was evident the hand of the counterrevolutionaries" (John Reed).
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Arm
(anatomy) The extended portion of the upper limb, from the shoulder to the elbow.
The arm and forearm are parts of the upper limb in the human body.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Arm
A limb, or locomotive or prehensile organ, of an invertebrate animal.
The arms of an octopus
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Hand
Evidence of craft or artistic skill
Can see the hand of a genius even in the lighter poems.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Arm
A long, narrow, more or less rigid part of an object extending from the main part or centre of the object, such as the arm of an armchair, a crane, a pair of spectacles or a pair of compasses.
The robot arm reached out and placed the part on the assembly line.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Hand
The aesthetic feel or tactile quality of something, such as a fabric, textile, or carpeting, that indicates its fineness, texture, and durability.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Arm
(geography) A bay or inlet off a main body of water.
Shelburne Bay is an arm of Lake Champlain.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Arm
(figurative) Power; might; strength; support.
The arm of the law
The secular arm
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Hand
A commitment or agreement, especially when sealed by a handshake; one's word
You have my hand on that.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Hand
To give or pass with or as if with the hands; transmit
Hand me your keys.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Hand
To aid, direct, or conduct with the hands
The usher handed the patron to a reserved seat.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Hand
To give (the ball) directly to a teammate, as in football. Often used with off.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Arm
(in the plural) heraldic bearings or insignia.
The Duke's arms were a sable gryphon rampant on an argent field.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Hand
To carry, strike, or propel (the ball) with the hand or arm in violation of the rules in soccer.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Hand
The part of the forelimb below the forearm or wrist in a human, and the corresponding part in many other animals.
Her hands are really strong.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Arm
(transitive) To supply with armour or (later especially) weapons.
The king armed his knights with swords and shields.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Hand
That which resembles, or to some extent performs the office of, a human hand.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Arm
To supply with the equipment, knowledge, authority, or other tools needed for a particular task; to furnish with capability; to equip.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Hand
A limb of certain animals, such as the foot of a hawk, or any one of the four extremities of a monkey.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Arm
(transitive) To prepare (a tool, weapon, or system) for action; to activate.
Remember to arm the alarm system before leaving for work.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Hand
An index or pointer on a dial; such as the hour and minute hands on the face of an analog clock, which are used to indicate the time of day.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Arm
(transitive) To cover or furnish with a plate, or with whatever will add strength, force, security, or efficiency.
To arm the hit of a sword; to arm a hook in angling
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Hand
A bunch of bananas, a typical retail amount, where individual fruits are fingers.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Arm
The limb of the human body which extends from the shoulder to the hand; also, the corresponding limb of a monkey.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Arm
Fig.: Power; might; strength; support; as, the secular arm; the arm of the law.
To whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Arm
A branch of the military service; as, the cavalry arm was made efficient.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Arm
To take by the arm; to take up in one's arms.
And make him with our pikes and partisansA grave: come, arm him.
Arm your prize;I know you will not lose him.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Arm
To furnish with arms or limbs.
His shoulders broad and strong,Armed long and round.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Hand
(especially in compounds) An agent; a servant, or manual laborer; a workman, trained or competent for special service or duty.
Large farms need many farm hands.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Arm
To furnish or equip with weapons of offense or defense; as, to arm soldiers; to arm the country.
Abram . . . armed his trained servants.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Arm
To cover or furnish with a plate, or with whatever will add strength, force, security, or efficiency; as, to arm the hit of a sword; to arm a hook in angling.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Arm
Fig.: To furnish with means of defense; to prepare for resistance; to fortify, in a moral sense.
Arm yourselves . . . with the same mind.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Arm
To provide one's self with arms, weapons, or means of attack or resistance; to take arms.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Hand
A person's autograph or signature.
Given under my Hand and Seal of the State this 1st Day of January, 2010.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Arm
A human limb; technically the part of the superior limb between the shoulder and the elbow but commonly used to refer to the whole superior limb
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Arm
Any instrument or instrumentality used in fighting or hunting;
He was licensed to carry a weapon
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Arm
An administrative division of some larger or more complex organization;
A branch of Congress
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Hand
Management, domain, control.
In safe hands;
In good hands;
He lost his job when the factory changed hands.
With the business back in the founder's hands, there is new hope for the company.
With John in charge of the project, it's in good hands.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Arm
Any projection that is thought to resemble an arm;
The arm of the record player
An arm of the sea
A branch of the sewer
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Arm
The part of an armchair or sofa that supports the elbow and forearm of a seated person
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Hand
(historical) A Native American gambling game, involving guessing the whereabouts of bits of ivory or similar, which are passed rapidly from hand to hand.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Arm
The part of a garment that is attached at armhole and provides a cloth covering for the arm
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Hand
(firearms) The small part of a gunstock near the lock, which is grasped by the hand in taking aim.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Arm
Prepare oneself for a military confrontation;
The U.S. is girding for a conflict in the Middle East
Troops are building up on the Iraqui border
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Hand
The feel of a fabric; the impression or quality of the fabric as judged qualitatively by the sense of touch.
This fabric has a smooth, soft hand.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Hand
(archaic) Actual performance; deed; act; workmanship; agency; hence, manner of performance.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Hand
(archaic) Agency in transmission from one person to another.
To buy at first hand (from the producer, or when new);
To buy at second hand (when no longer in the producer’s hand, or when not new);
It's not a rumor. I heard it at first hand.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Hand
(transitive) To give, pass or transmit with the hand, literally or figuratively.
He handed them the letter.
She handed responsibility over to her deputy.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Hand
(transitive) To lead, guide, or assist with the hand; to conduct.
To hand a lady into a carriage
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Hand
That part of the fore limb below the forearm or wrist in man and monkeys, and the corresponding part in many other animals; manus; paw. See Manus.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Hand
That which resembles, or to some extent performs the office of, a human hand
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Hand
A measure equal to a hand's breadth, - four inches; a palm. Chiefly used in measuring the height of horses.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Hand
Side; part; direction, either right or left.
On this hand and that hand, were hangings.
The Protestants were then on the winning hand.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Hand
Power of performance; means of execution; ability; skill; dexterity.
He had a great mind to try his hand at a Spectator.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Hand
Actual performance; deed; act; workmanship; agency; hence, manner of performance.
To change the hand in carrying on the war.
Gideon said unto God, If thou wilt save Israel by my hand.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Hand
An agent; a servant, or laborer; a workman, trained or competent for special service or duty; a performer more or less skillful; as, a deck hand; a farm hand; an old hand at speaking.
A dictionary containing a natural history requires too many hands, as well as too much time, ever to be hoped for.
I was always reckoned a lively hand at a simile.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Hand
Handwriting; style of penmanship; as, a good, bad, or running hand. Hence, a signature.
I say she never did invent this letter;This is a man's invention and his hand.
Some writs require a judge's hand.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Hand
Personal possession; ownership; hence, control; direction; management; - usually in the plural.
Albinus . . . found means to keep in his hands the government of Britain.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Hand
Agency in transmission from one person to another; as, to buy at first hand, that is, from the producer, or when new; at second hand, that is, when no longer in the producer's hand, or when not new.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Hand
The small part of a gunstock near the lock, which is grasped by the hand in taking aim.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Hand
A gambling game played by American Indians, consisting of guessing the whereabouts of bits of ivory or the like, which are passed rapidly from hand to hand.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Hand
To give, pass, or transmit with the hand; as, he handed them the letter.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Hand
To lead, guide, or assist with the hand; to conduct; as, to hand a lady into a carriage.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Hand
The (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb;
He had the hands of a surgeon
He extended his mitt
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Hand
A hired laborer on a farm or ranch;
The hired hand fixed the railing
A ranch hand
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Hand
Something written by hand;
She recognized his handwriting
His hand was illegible
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Hand
A position given by its location to the side of an object;
Objections were voiced on every hand
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Hand
The cards held in a card game by a given player at any given time;
I didn't hold a good hand all evening
He kept trying to see my hand
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Hand
One of two sides of an issue;
On the one hand..., but on the other hand...
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Hand
A rotating pointer on the face of a timepiece;
The big hand counts the minutes
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Hand
A unit of length equal to 4 inches; used in measuring horses;
The horse stood 20 hands
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Hand
A round of applause to signify approval;
Give the little lady a great big hand
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Hand
Terminal part of the forelimb in certain vertebrates (e.g. apes or kangaroos);
The kangaroo's forearms seem undeveloped but the powerful five-fingered hands are skilled at feinting and clouting
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Hand
Place into the hands or custody of;
Hand me the spoon, please
Turn the files over to me, please
He turned over the prisoner to his lawyers
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
Hand
The extremity of the arm with fingers and palm.
She raised her hand to ask a question.
Janet White
Oct 06, 2023
Hand
Represents human dexterity and skill.
Her hand was steady as she painted.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Hand
Has complex joints allowing varied movements.
He can bend his hand in impressive ways.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
FAQs
Which has more bones, hand or arm?
The hand has more bones, including the metacarpals and phalanges.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Why is the arm important for the hand?
The arm provides support, strength, and movement for the hand.
Harlon Moss
Oct 06, 2023
What is the primary function of the hand?
The hand is used for grasping, holding, and manipulating objects.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
How many fingers does a typical human hand have?
A typical human hand has four fingers and a thumb.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
What provides the hand's dexterity?
The hand's complex joints and finger arrangement allow for high dexterity.
Sara Rehman
Oct 06, 2023
What are some common injuries to the arm?
Fractures, sprains, and muscle strains are common arm injuries.
Harlon Moss
Oct 06, 2023
Can "arm" refer to weaponry?
Yes, "arm" can mean a weapon, as in "to take up arms."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
How do arm muscles aid the hand?
Arm muscles provide the strength and range of motion for hand tasks.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
What's a common ailment for hand joints?
Arthritis often affects hand joints, causing pain and stiffness.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
What role does the arm play in lifting?
The arm's muscles enable lifting, carrying, and reaching objects.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
How does the arm differ from the hand?
The arm spans from the shoulder to the wrist, while the hand consists of the fingers and palm.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Is hand-eye coordination related to the hand and arm?
Yes, it involves coordinated hand and arm movements based on visual input.
Harlon Moss
Oct 06, 2023
Which is more complex in structure, hand or arm?
The hand is more complex due to its many bones and joints.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 06, 2023
Can "hand" also refer to manual labor?
Yes, "hand" can refer to manual work, as in "a farmhand."
Sara Rehman
Oct 06, 2023
Do arm exercises strengthen the hand as well?
Indirectly, as stronger arms can support hand tasks better.
Sara Rehman
Oct 06, 2023
Is the wrist part of the hand or arm?
The wrist is the junction between the hand and arm, often considered part of the hand.
Janet White
Oct 06, 2023
How long is an average adult's arm?
Varies widely, but it's usually about 25-30% of their height.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 06, 2023
What tasks are hands primarily used for?
Tasks like writing, typing, grasping, and tactile exploration.
Sara Rehman
Oct 06, 2023
Can "hand" signify direction, like in clocks?
Yes, "hand" can refer to clock pointers, as in "hour hand" and "minute hand."
Sara Rehman
Oct 06, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
