What are the differences between directions and instructions?

Directions and instructions are essential tools for getting things done. While they're often used interchangeably, each serves a unique purpose towards you being successful in your task.

So, what really sets them apart? Are you ready to discover the subtle yet important differences? Let’s unpack how these two terms shape how we communicate and learn!

Let’s talk about instructions first!

Instructions are typically more detailed, may be technical, and involve specific step-by-step guidance. For example, if you just bought a bike rack for your car, you may need the instruction manual to install it properly. Similarly, if you have to defrost a casserole in the microwave, instructions will guide you through the process for your frozen food.

Directions, on the other hand, come across more like commands. “Do this, do that, and then you’re done.” You’re not being told exactly how to do something — just that it needs to be done.

Directions also serve to tell someone how to get somewhere, describing a route: “Turn left,” “go north,” “take the escalator to the first floor,” and “walk two blocks” — these are all examples of directions!

Think about the last time someone helped you with something tricky. Did you finish the task but still feel unsure about why you did it that way —or whether you could do it alone next time?

That can happen when someone gives you directions and not instructions. The task got done — so why does it matter?

Knowing the difference between directions and instructions makes you a better communicator. When you're clear about what you want to achieve (as the giver) or what you need to know (as the receiver), you get better results.

Instructions

• Purpose: Teach someone how to do something so they can do it on their own

• It’s about: Process or method

• Example: "To make coffee, put the pod in the machine and press 'Start'."

Directions

• Purpose: Give someone guidance or help someone reach a destination

• It’s about: Destination or immediate action

• Example: "Go to the breakroom.

You're managing a project at work and your team is working on a big presentation. Alex, a new teammate, is helping with the slide deck. They've done good work with the content, but the style of the fonts and colors aren't matching the rest of the deck.

When you point it out, you find out that Alex wasn't trying to be extra creative — they didn’t know how to apply the theme.

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

The presentation is in a couple of hours. How should you handle this? 

A. Tell Alex, "Just copy and paste the charts into this template I made — we need to move fast."

B. Sit down with Alex, "Let me show you how to apply themes. This automatically applies our brand colors and fonts. Use this for all future slide decks."

Good communicators set clear expectations about what's coming next.

If you say to someone, “Follow these directions” you are getting them ready for action. For instance, if you're a group project leader and you tell the team to "send your draft by Friday," you're setting a clear expectation for an immediate task.

On the flip side, when you title a document “Instructions for Daily Routine,” you’re delivering a repeatable process for someone to learn.

Imagine being a new employee and receiving a manual with this title. It would help you organize your day, prepare to contribute, and integrate into the workplace more smoothly. You’d be able to hit the ground running!

Your roommate Sam bought an air fryer, hoping to improve his cooking skills beyond making toast. You’re at work when you get a text from Sam, “I’m starving! How do I cook chicken in this air fryer, so it tastes good and I don’t get food poisoning?”   

Think about how you'll respond:

A. "Put the chicken in, set it to 375°F, and hit start, cook for 20 minutes. I'll walk you through the rest when you text me." 

B. "Season your chicken, preheat to 375°F, cook for 20-25 minutes flipping halfway, and always check that it reaches 165°F internal temp. That's the basic method for any chicken in the air fryer."

C. "Look in the manual under 'poultry' — it'll tell you what to do."

D. "Can you wait an hour? I'll come home and show you."

The difference between instruction and direction is in what you hope to gain from the communication. In situations where someone needs to learn to do something, everyone benefits when you provide detailed explanations and steps. For quick completion of a task or to tell someone how to get somewhere, you'll provide directions.

Photo by Clayton Robbins on Unsplash

The bottom line? Directions save you time today. Instructions save you time every day after.