What Is the Difference Between a Planet and a Dwarf Planet?

In our solar system, a planet has cleared its orbital neighborhood; a dwarf planet has not.

What Is the Difference Between a Planet and a Dwarf Planet: explained

Both orbit the Sun and are massive enough to be nearly round.

Pluto, Ceres, Eris, Haumea and Makemake are recognized dwarf planets.

Useful reference

Astronomical classifications come from the International Astronomical Union. Planetary moon discoveries can change published counts; for the latest confirmed totals check NASA and the IAU.

When the answer can differ

Moons are excluded from both categories.

Common questions

What should I remember?

In our solar system, a planet has cleared its orbital neighborhood; a dwarf planet has not.

What is an easy mistake to avoid?

Moons are excluded from both categories.

More answers in this topic

• How Many Planets Are in the Solar System?
• Why Is Pluto Not Considered a Planet?
• Which Planet Is Closest to the Sun?