Batch vs. Lot – What’s the Difference? (Examples)

We usually use the words “batch” and “lot” indistinctly; as if they were synonyms. Nevertheless, is that the case with “lot” and “batch” or what is the difference between these two words? Please, read on, we’ll answer this question with some very helpful examples so you never make a mistake.

Batch vs. Lot – What’s the Difference?

The word “batch” is used to identify several products, goods, or materials produced in a single run. These should share the same manufacturing conditions. “Lot”, likewise, can be used to identify a part of the batch that shares the same characteristics and specifications.

The difference between “batch” and “lot” is very subtle, and it is common to find them used as synonyms or interchangeable terms. This might differ from one company or manufacturing facility to another.

Batch

The word “batch” is used to talk about a group of people who are dealt with together at the same moment, like, for example, students in a class. Also, “batch” is used to refer to several things that are manufactured sharing the same conditions, parameters, or limitations.

The word batch is perfectly correct in the English language, and although its main use is in the industrial/manufacturing environment, it can also be used to talk about a similar group of people, dealt with in the same way, or at the same moment.

The prestigious Cambridge Dictionary mentions the same definition given above adding that “batch” can be used for people and products that are dealt with at the same time or of a similar type.

Let’s see how to use “batch” in a sentence through these examples:

1. The new batch that started this semester is well-educated and willing to learn.
2. The last batch came out of the machine with a different color; it can’t be shipped.
3. The batch that you ordered is ready for shipping, have you made the deposit?
4. Are you telling me that the last batch was sent to the wrong address? That’s very bad news.
5. This batch of players isn’t as motivated as their predecessors were, it’s such a shame.
6. The last batch of cupcakes has just made it out of the oven, so if you want a warm one, this is the moment.
7. Every batch is different, that’s why I love being a teacher.

Lot

“Lot” is a word with many meanings in the English Language. It can be used to talk about a portion of land, goods offered in an auction, a large amount of something, or a group of people that share the same characteristics.

Among the many meanings offered by the Cambridge Dictionary, the most common ones to use are “lot” as a big number of something, a piece of land, a group of people sharing the same characteristics or being dealt with at the same time, and several products that share the same characteristics as part of a batch.

Let’s see how to use “lot” in a sentence through these examples:

1. A lot of people told me I was wrong, but here I am, still trying to make it my way.
2. Lot A-15 is defective; we’re checking the rest of the batch to see if it’s OK.
3. I bought the lot and am still waiting for the loan to build the house there.
4. This lot of students is so great; I think they are the best I ever had.
5. How can you be so sure every lot is perfectly packaged and ready to go?

Which Is Used the Most?

To check which of these words is used the most, there’s no tool more powerful than the almighty Google Ngram Viewer. We entered “lot” and “batch” into this tool and what we found was that “lot” has enjoyed a crescent popularity level that is at its all-time highest.

“Batch”, on the other hand, has had a steady popularity level close to zero since the beginning of the 20^th century.

Final Thoughts

“Batch” and “lot” refer to a certain number or run of products that share the same characteristics or were made in a single run. That being said, a “lot” is often a part of the “batch”. Plus, the word “lot” offers several meanings besides the one found in manufacturing scenarios.