The following are the differences between a Virtual image and Real image:
| Virtual image | Real image |
| A virtual image cannot be caught on a screen. | A real image can be caught on a screen. |
| A virtual image is always erect. | A real image is always inverted. |
| A virtual image is formed when the rays of light after reflection or refraction appear to meet at a point. | A real image is formed when the rays of light after reflection or refraction actually meet at some point. |
| A virtual image is formed by the imaginary intersection of light rays. | A real image is formed by the actual intersection of light rays. |
| A virtual image can be only seen in the mirror. | A real image can be formed in in a screen. |
| A virtual image can be formed by concave, convex and plane mirrors also. | A real image is formed by only concave mirror. |
