Nifty vs Sensex: What's the Difference?
Index Tracker team · 4 November 2026 · 5 min read
India has two headline stock indices: the Nifty 50 from the NSE and the Sensex from the BSE. They usually move in the same direction on the same day. That's no accident: they hold many of the same companies.
The quick comparison
- Exchange: Nifty 50 is on the National Stock Exchange (NSE). Sensex is on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).
- Companies: Nifty 50 holds 50 stocks; Sensex holds 30.
- Base: Nifty 50 starts at 1,000 in November 1995. Sensex starts at 100 in 1978–79, which is why its number is so much bigger.
- Method: both are weighted by free-float market capitalisation.
Why the numbers look so different
The Sensex reads around three times the Nifty only because its base value and start date are different. A bigger number doesn't mean better performance. To compare them, look at the percentage change, not the points.
Do they ever move differently?
Sometimes, a little. The Sensex has fewer stocks, so a big move in one heavy company affects it more. Over long periods, their returns have been very close.
Which one should you watch?
Either is fine for a quick read of the market. Most index funds and derivatives traders use the Nifty 50. Many news headlines quote the Sensex. The tracker shows both side by side at the top of the page.
For education only. This isn't investment advice. Prices can be delayed.