Both pixies and fairies are fictional characters with distinguishing characteristics. The biggest pixie vs. fairy difference lies in their appearance. A Fairy is usually around 6 inches tall and looks like a human. A Pixie, on the other hand, is about 4 inches tall and doesn’t look like a human at all.
Looking closely at pixies vs. fairies here:
Height | A fairy is taller than a pixie |
Appearance | A fairy looks more like a human than a pixie |
Clothing | Fairies wear clothes while pixies are generally naked |
Wings | Fairies have much larger wings than pixies |
Table of Contents
What is a Pixie?
A pixie is a fictional character with colored skin and hair. These creatures feature pointed ears and a hat. They stand around 4 inches tall and have small butterfly-like wings. They are mischievous and sometimes rude as well. They possess powers with which they can shower wealth and intelligence on others.
What is a Fairy?
A fairy is a fictional character that looks like a miniature human. These creatures are usually around 6 inches tall and are known to live underground or underwater. They have wings that are larger than their bodies. They display warmth, love, and care towards humans. They possess powers that can change aspects of nature.
Pixie vs. Fairy Pros and Cons
Pixie Pros and Cons
Pros of Pixie
- They possess powers with which they can shower wealth and intelligence on others.
- They fight for their loved ones.
Cons of Pixie
- They are mischievous and rude.
- They can be dangerous and misleading.
Fairy Pros and Cons
Pros of Fairy
- They are kind-hearted and helpful.
- They possess powers that can change aspects of nature.
Cons of Fairy
- They can be dangerous.
- They might steal household items.
Pixie and Fairy Similarities Explained
- Both fairies and pixies are found in traditional Celtic folklore.
- In traditional folktales, both pixies and fairies were described as mischievous and dangerous.
- Both sport a pair of wings in modern literature.
- Both pixies and fairies possess some magical powers that they, at times, use to help others.
Top 8 Differences Between Pixies and Fairies That Must Be Considered
Let’s look at the key points of difference between fairy and pixie here:
Basis | Pixie | Fairy |
---|---|---|
Appearance | A pixie has colored skin and hair with pointed ears and a hat. | A fairy is like a miniature human. |
Height | Pixie stands at just around 4 inches at the most. | Fairy is usually around 6 inches tall. |
Wings | Pixies have smaller butterfly-like wings. | Fairies have wings that are larger than her body. |
Habitat | Pixies are believed to live in gardens near flowers. | Fairies are known to live underground or underwater. |
Clothing style | Pixies are generally naked or dressed in ill-fitted ragged clothes. | Fairies are known to wear beautiful and colorful clothes. |
Character | Pixies are mischievous and are always up for a prank. But they have always shown to turn positive by the end of the folklore. | In modern literature, fairies are mostly positive displaying warmth, love, and care towards humans. |
Gender | The gender of pixies is rarely a subject of mention in folklore. | Fairies can be both male or female. |
Powers | Pixies are known to possess powers with which they can shower wealth and intelligence on others. | Fairies are known to possess powers that can change aspects of nature. |
Comparison Chart

Comparison Video
Pixie and Fairy FAQ
What is the Difference Between a Fairy and a Pixie?
Fairies are taller than pixies and look like humans, unlike pixies. Fairies in modern literature portray positive characteristics while pixies display negative traits.
What is the Difference Between a Fairy and a Pixie and a Nymph?
Basis | Fairy | Pixie | Nymph |
---|---|---|---|
Origin | The fairy is thought to be of Celtic origin. | A pixie also comes from Celtic folktales. | A nymph has its roots in Greek mythology. |
Appearance | A fairy is about 6 inches tall with an elegant and beautiful appearance. | A pixie stands at around 4 inches with a colored body and hair and an unpleasant appearance. | A nymph is a human-sized creature with a pleasant appearance. |
Gender | Fairies can be male or female. | Pixie’s gender is unidentified. | Nymphs are always females. |
Character | Fairies are generally good. They were evil in ancient folklore. | Pixies are evil initially and turn good by the end of the folklore. | Nymphs are always positive and helpful. |
What do you Call a Fairy Without Wings?
Traditionally, pixies were without wings and thus, were known as a fairy without wings. In modern times, a fairy without wings is known as an angel.
Can Fairies be Human Size?
Yes, fairies can range anywhere from the size of an average human thumb to the size of a human adult.
What is Smaller Than a Fairy?
Pixies are smaller than fairies.
Will The Sims 4 have Fairies?
The present pack of The Sims 4 has a fairy that can be spotted flying around Sylvan Glade occasionally but it is not a character that can be interacted with. However, the producer of The Sims 4, GrimSuruDoi, posted an acrostic poem that hinted at fairies being included in the expansion pack. Though the reports aren’t confirmed yet, fairies may see an entry, just like The Sims 3 Supernatural. (Ref.1)
How Tall is the Average Fairy?
An average fairy is a little under 6 inches in height. (Ref.2)
The Final Words
Both pixies and fairies are mythical characters in Celtic folklore. Though the traditional folktales described both the characters as mischievous and dangerous, modern literature boasts the positive character of fairies and the negative character of pixies. Fairies look quite similar to humans but are about 6 inches tall. On the other hand, pixies are nowhere close to humans when we talk about their appearance. They have colored skin and hair with pointed ears and a pointed hat. Their height is also smaller than fairies at about 4 inches. Additionally, fairies have quite large wings while pixies feature small butterfly-like wings.