When working with SharePoint, one of the most common questions I hear is: “What is the difference between SharePoint site and page?” The answer is simple:
- A site is the container where content, permissions, and structure live.
- A page is a part of a site and is created to present information or an announcement to users across organization.
In this guide, I’ll explain the core comparison of a SharePoint site vs page in simple words, so that beginners will also understand the difference clearly.
So, let’s begin:
Overview of SharePoint Site & Page
What is a SharePoint Site?
A site is the container that comes with its own permissions, navigation, and content storage. Additionally, each site can contain multiple document libraries, lists, and pages.
When you create a site, you build a separate space with its own rules and audience, e.g., the HR or finance team. That’s why SharePoint sites are perfect for real-time collaboration, data security, and management.
What is a SharePoint Page?
A page is a canvas that we can create under a site. Pages don’t store data themselves; instead, they display information. I use pages when I want to present information visually.
Pages are built using web parts, building blocks that let you show documents, dashboards, news, quick links, charts, videos, and more.
Types of SharePoint Site vs Page
There are different types of SharePint sites and pages, and the most common ones are listed below:
#SharePoint Site Types
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- Team Site is used for real-time collaboration. Moreover, it can easily integrate with Microsoft Teams and provides features like shared files, lists, and task management.
- The Communication Site is used for broadcasting crucial information to a wider audience at the same time.
- Project Site helps users to work on the same projects in real-time, and offers a centralised space, track tasks and manage documents.
These sites are mainly used across the world. However, if you need to merge two SharePoint sites, or want to use a communication and project site from one location. In that case, you can opt for the Hub site, which allows sites to be linked together.
Hub sites are the centralised location where you can access multiple sites, without switching sites or browsers.
#SharePoint Pages Types
In the comparison of the SharePoint site vs page, we now learn two main types of pages:
- Standard Pages is a simple canvas, where you can organise informational or landing pages’ content. However, you can use web parts to make the more attractive and engaging.
- News Posts: The name itself defines that this type of page is used for news or announcement purposes. It comes with extra metadata that automatically rolls up into news feeds.
Difference Between SharePoint Site and Page
As I said, I’ll explain the difference in simple terms, so just go through these points, and you’ll understand the whole SharePoint site vs page comparison within a minute:
- A site is the secure container where permissions, storage, and navigation live.
- A page is a presentation layer inside the site, used to display and communicate content.
- Sites can have many pages, but a page cannot exist without a site.
- Sites define who can access; pages define what the audience sees and how it looks.
I guarantee, now you’ve got all the points. Still, the question is asked by users when to create a site, or when a page is enough. If you’re wondering the same, then let’ discuss it next.
When to Create a SharePoint Site vs Page
Creating a site or page is needed in different scenarios, which are:
- Create a Site when:
- You need a new security boundary, e.g., different members, or external sharing.
- A department, project, or team needs its workspace.
- You’re managing content with a separate lifecycle, e.g., Finance records.
Sometimes, instead of creating a new site, you may need to migrate SharePoint site to another site. In such scenarios, you can opt for an automated SharePoint Migration Tool, as manual methods are not sufficient to move data while maintaining the folder hierarchy.
- Create a Page when:
- You want to present information inside an existing site.
- You’re publishing announcements, dashboards, or landing pages.
- You don’t need a new security boundary, but just a better way to communicate.
Now, all the things are clear when and how. So, I think this is the correct time to explore the modern features of pages in this year 2025.
Modern Features of Pages – 2025 Updated
If you are an old user, then you have knowledge that previously, pages were static. But now SharePoint makes them more powerful. In the comparison of the SharePoint site vs page, we now learn the updated features of the pages:
- Content owners can review and approve before publishing.
- Prepare content and set it to go live later.
- Show specific content to specific groups without changing permissions.
- Keep translations aligned for global teams.
- Track views, engagement, and user activity to see what’s being read.
These five are the core updated features of the SharePoint pages.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
As I have used SharePoint for over 14+ years, I know users may make mistakes, which are:
- Creating too many sites leads to confusion and management issues. Instead, use hub sites and pages when you can.
- Locking down pages instead of creating new sites. So, pages inherit permissions from the site. Breaking inheritance will cause security gaps; better to make a new site.
- Overusing subsites can create hassle; many times. Modern SharePoint favours a flat architecture with hub sites instead of deep subsite hierarchies.
Author’s Verdict
SharePoint site vs page? If you need new permissions or structure, go with a site. If you just need new content for the same audience, go with a page. Still, SharePoint offers robust security to your data; it is better to backup SharePoint Online to local storage to add another layer of security.
So, now you have the precise knowledge of the difference between SharePoint site and page. I hope you will share this information with others, so that they also understand the comparison simply.
People Also Ask
- Can a SharePoint page exist without a site?
No. A page is always stored in the Site Pages library of a site. Without a site, a page cannot exist.
- When should I create a new site instead of just a page?
You should create a new site when you need a different security boundary, a unique membership, or content storage.
- Can I restrict access to a single page in SharePoint?
Technically, yes, by breaking inheritance on that page in the Site Pages library.
- Are subsites still recommended in SharePoint Online?
No. Microsoft recommends a flat site architecture with hub sites instead of subsites. This makes permissions and data access much easier to manage.