Poll vs. survey: Definitions, key differences, and when to use each method

Summary:

Poll or survey? With over 24 million questions answered on our platform daily, we can confidently say that we know a lot about polls and surveys.

So what’s the difference between polls and surveys? Our research scientists break down the definitions, key differences, and examples so you can choose the right tool for your audience.

The terms ‘poll’ and ‘survey’ are often used interchangeably in some contexts; however, while they are similar, there’s nuance to each, according to Senior SurveyMonkey Research Scientist Zoe Padgett.  

A poll is a survey, but not all surveys are polls.

“A poll is like a very quick, short survey on a single topic that gauges opinions, likes, or votes. Whereas a survey might dive deeper into opinion and attitudes,” according to Padgett.

Use this chart as a quick poll vs. survey reference.

A poll is a fast, single-question tool used to gauge immediate public opinion or pulse-check a specific topic in a snapshot of time.

People often use the terms poll and survey interchangeably. Both allow you to gather feedback from an audience. That said, polls have specific use cases that differentiate them from surveys.

Polls are excellent for capturing immediate, high-level sentiment. For instance, a presenter might use a poll to gauge real-time audience engagement and adjust their delivery on the fly.

Related reading: Online poll maker (tips + templates!)

A survey is a comprehensive research method used to collect, aggregate, and analyze in-depth data from a specific group to uncover detailed trends, motivations, and behaviors.

Surveys also have their own unique use cases that differentiate them from polls. Because surveys cover the entire research lifecycle, they are the gold standard for:

Related reading: Survey data collection—methods, examples, & best practices

When you need a quick pulse check, nothing beats a poll. They are designed for speed: one topic, one click, and instant results. It’s the most efficient way to turn audience opinion into immediate action. These scenarios are just a few examples of how you can use a poll.

Political poll example

When the political climate shifts, governments and civic groups don't have months to wait for answers. They need a pulse check, and they need it now.

Enter the political opinion poll: a lean survey tool designed to strip away the noise and deliver focused voter intent and urgent priorities.

While deep-dive surveys are great for exploring the 'why' over several years, these polls provide the 'what' in real-time, capturing the raw momentum of an election as it happens.

Exit poll example

Exit polls catch people at the moment of decision.

Conducted the second a voter steps away from the ballot box or a guest leaves a conference, these polls capture raw, unfiltered reactions before they fade.

It’s the ultimate way for pollsters to pinpoint the exact issues that moved the needle, turning a single day of action into a treasure trove of insight.

Attendance poll example

Ever ordered 50 pizzas for a group of 20?

Attendance polls are here to save your budget (and your fridge space). Think of them as a digital 'show of hands'—the fastest way for event coordinators to get a precise headcount and ensure the catering is as spot-on as the guest list.

When you need to move beyond the surface, nothing beats a well-crafted survey. Surveys are built for clarity: targeted questions, nuanced feedback, and comprehensive data. It’s the most effective way to transform quiet observations into a clear roadmap for your next big move. These scenarios represent just a fraction of how a survey can sharpen your strategy.

Is your customer satisfaction program actually moving the needle? NPS surveys take the mystery out of customer loyalty.

When you implement long-term Net Promoter Score tracking, you gain a high-definition view of your brand’s health, allowing you to plug retention leaks and unlock the kind of organic growth that drives real revenue.

Market research survey example

Ever wish you could read your customers’ minds—or your competitors’ playbooks? 

Market research surveys are deployed to conduct competitor intelligence research to understand how a target audience responds to competitors, throughout the product lifecycle to direct development, and more. 

These insights keep you two steps ahead of the crowd.

Employee satisfaction survey example

Employee satisfaction is an ongoing metric that drives business productivity and profitability. It is influenced by work-life balance, compensation and benefits, work environment, and professional development—nuances a single poll can’t capture.

Employee satisfaction surveys used long-term can help managers monitor employee happiness and identify challenges before they become major obstacles.

“A poll is to a survey what a quiz is to a test,” explains Wendy Smith, Senior Research Manager at SurveyMonkey. “A quiz reveals if you studied this week’s math lesson, whereas a test measures your overall mastery of the subject.”

Are you conducting a quiz or test? Consider the following factors:

Poll and surveys are both effective tools for learning more about your audience, offering varying levels of depth and engagement. A poll offers a streamlined way to capture immediate, high-level sentiment on a single topic, whereas a survey provides the space needed to explore complex motivations and demographic trends.

By selecting the method that aligns with your specific goals, you can gather the precise data necessary to make informed, strategic decisions.

Poll or survey, SurveyMonkey can help you gather invaluable feedback with quick-deploy survey templates and market research solutions. Get started for free today.

Net Promoter, Net Promoter Score, and NPS are trademarks of Satmetrix Systems, Inc., Bain & Company, Inc., and Fred Reichheld