What’s the Difference Between Storey and Floor?
The words storey and floor are closely related, which is why they often confuse English learners. Both refer to levels in a building, but they are not used in the same way. The difference is mainly about perspective and context, not meaning.
In simple terms, one word focuses on the structure of the building, while the other focuses on where people are located inside it.
How We Use the Word “Storey”
We generally use the word storey when we are talking about the architecture or structure of a building. It refers to how many levels a building has as part of its design.
So, storey answers the question:
👉 How many levels does this building have?
This word is especially common in British English.
Examples of How We Say It
The building has ten storeys.
Here, we are describing the structure.
It’s a five-storey office block.
Again, the focus is architectural.
They live in a ten-storey block of flats.
The number of levels defines the building.
So, when the number of levels is part of the description of the building itself, we use storey.
How We Use the Word “Floor”
We use floor when talking about the levels inside a building, especially when referring to where someone lives, works, or goes.
In this case, floor answers the question:
👉 Which level is someone on?
This usage is common in both British and American English.
Examples of How We Say It
She lives on the fifth floor.
This tells us where she lives.
The offices are on the third floor.
This refers to location.
Please take the lift to the top floor.
Again, the focus is internal movement.
So, when we talk about position or location inside a building, we use floor.
Storey vs Floor in the Same Sentence
This is where the difference becomes very clear.
Your example is perfect:
Mr Brown’s cousin lives on the fifth floor of a ten-storey block of flats.
Here’s what’s happening:
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ten-storey describes the building’s structure
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fifth floor describes where the person lives inside the building
This combination sounds completely natural in English.
British vs American English (Important Note)
There is an important spelling and usage detail to know.
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British English: storey
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American English: story
They mean the same thing, but the spelling is different.
However, floor is used the same way in both varieties of English.
So we say:
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a ten-storey building (UK)
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a ten-story building (US)
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on the fifth floor (UK & US)
Common ESL Mistakes to Avoid
❌ The building has ten floors.
✔️ The building has ten storeys.
(When talking about structure.)
❌ She lives on the fifth storey.
✔️ She lives on the fifth floor.
(When talking about location.)
A simple rule helps a lot:
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building structure → storey
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position inside the building → floor
Quick Recap
Storey:
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refers to the building’s structure
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describes how many levels a building has
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British spelling: storey / American spelling: story
Floor:
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refers to levels inside a building
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used for location and movement
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same word in British and American English
Final Summary
Although storey and floor both relate to levels in a building, they are used in different contexts.
We use storey to describe the architectural structure of a building.
We use floor to describe where someone is inside the building.
Understanding this distinction helps you speak and write more precisely, especially when describing buildings, apartments, and locations.
