Short answer
A domain name is just the readable name for an Internet location, like mozilla.org, while a URL is the complete address that tells a browser exactly how and where to find a specific resource, including the protocol and path. 1 2
A domain name is one component of a URL, which may also include protocol, path, and other details.
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At a glance
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| Question | Domain name | URL |
|---|---|---|
| Feature | domain name | URL |
| Typical format | labels separated by dots | scheme, authority, path, parameters, anchor |
| Scope | identifies a server or service | identifies a specific resource |
What each thing is
Domain name. A domain name is a human-readable address made of labels separated by dots, used to identify and access web servers on the Internet instead of numeric IP addresses. 1
URL. A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the full address of a unique resource on the Internet, specifying the protocol, domain, path, and optional parameters or anchors. 2
Key differences
The main technical difference is that a domain name provides only the readable identifier for a server, while a URL specifies the entire method and location for accessing a particular resource, including protocol and path details. 1 2
How to tell them apart
To tell them apart, look for a protocol like ‘https://’ or a path after the name; if present, it’s a URL. If you see only words and dots, it’s likely just a domain name. However, some URLs can be very short and look similar to domain names. 1 2
Where they overlap
Both domain names and URLs are used in web addresses. Every standard web URL contains a domain name as part of its authority section, but domain names can also be used alone for other Internet services. 1 2
Edge cases
Some URLs use an IP address instead of a domain name, or omit the authority section entirely, as with ‘mailto:’ links. Not every URL contains a domain name, and not every domain name is used on the public web. 1 2
Why the distinction exists
Domain names were introduced to make Internet addresses easier for people to remember and use, replacing hard-to-remember numeric IP addresses. URLs evolved to provide a precise way to locate and access resources using various protocols. 1 2
Common misconceptions
A common mistake is to use ‘domain name’ and ‘URL’ interchangeably. In reality, a domain name is just one part of a URL, not the whole address needed to reach a specific web page or file. 1 2
Examples
If you type ‘mozilla.org’ into your browser, it may redirect you to ‘https://www.mozilla.org/’. Here, ‘mozilla.org’ is the domain name, and the full web address with protocol is the URL. 1 2
Sources
Sources checked October 3, 2026.
- MDN Web Docs — What is a domain name?. Domain name and DNS.
- MDN Web Docs — What is a URL?. URL structure.