In mirrors, we differentiate the real image from the virtual image as the real image is always inverted, whereas the virtual image is erect.
| Real Image | Virtual Image |
| Real images are inverted | Virtual images are erect |
| Convex lenses form a real image | Concave lenses form a virtual image |
| Real images are formed on the screen | Virtual images appear to be on the lens or the mirror itself |
| A concave mirror forms real images | The convex mirror forms a virtual image |
| Real images are formed due to the actual intersection of light rays | Virtual images are formed due to the imaginary intersection of light rays |
