| Sr. No. | Detail | Shallow Foundation | Deep Foundation |
| 1 | Meaning | Shallow means having little depth. | Deep means extending far away from a point of reference, especially downwards.Extending far down from the top or surface |
| 2 | Definition | Foundation which is placed near the surface of the earth or transfers the loads at shallow depth is called the shallow foundation. | Foundation which is placed at a greater depth or transfers the loads to deep strata is called the deep foundation. |
| 3 | Cost | A shallow foundation is cheaper. | Deep foundations are generally more expensive than shallow foundations. |
| 4 | Types of Foundations | Shallow foundations include strip footing, isolated footings, combined footings, mat foundations, and grade beams. | Deep foundations include pile caps, piles, drilled piers, and caissons. |
| 5 | Depth of the Foundation | Shallow foundations can be made in depths of as little as 3ft (1m) | Deep foundations can be made at depths of 60 - 200ft (20 - 65m). |
| 6 | Shape of Footing | A shallow foundation is a rectangular or square shape. | A deep foundation is a bit circular and cylindrical shape. |
| 7 | Feasibility | Shallow foundations are easier to construct. | A deep foundation is more complex. |
| 8 | Mechanism of Load Transfer | Shallow foundations transfer loads mostly by end bearing. | Deep foundations rely both on end bearing and skin friction, with few exceptions like end-bearing pile. |
| 9 | Advantages | Construction materials are available, less labour is needed, construction procedure is simple at an affordable cost, etc. | Deep foundation can be provided at a greater depth, Provide lateral support and resist uplift, effective when foundation at shallow depth is not possible, can carry a huge load, etc. |
| 10 | Disadvantages | Possibility of a settlement, usually applicable for lightweight structure, weak against lateral loads, etc. | More expensive needs skilled labours, complex construction procedures, can be time-consuming and some types of deep foundations are not very flexible, etc. |
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