Is an IPA a lager or an ale?

An ale. IPAs, pale ales, stouts, porters and most wheat beers are ales. Pilsners, Mexican lagers and most big-brand beers are lagers.

Is lager lighter than ale?

Often in color, but not always. Dark lagers exist and some ales are pale. The real difference is the yeast and how it ferments.

Lager vs ale: what's the difference?

Lager and ale differ by yeast: lagers ferment cool and slow and taste crisp and clean, while ales ferment warmer and faster, so they taste fruitier and fuller.

Lager

Easy

Boozy

Tart

Sweet

Not bitter

Bracing

Crisp, clean and cold, the beer you can drink all afternoon.

Ale

Easy

Boozy

Tart

Sweet

Not bitter

Bracing

Fuller and fruitier, with more going on.

The real difference

Ale yeast works at warmer temperatures and leaves behind fruity flavors. Lager yeast works cold and slow, then the beer rests cold for weeks, which makes it smooth and clean. Color doesn't decide it: there are dark lagers and pale ales. Most big-brand American beer is lager.

Side by side

LagerAle

YeastBottom-fermenting, coldTop-fermenting, warmer

TastesCrisp, clean, breadyFruity, fuller, often hoppier

ExamplesPilsner, Mexican lager, helles, bockIPA, pale ale, stout, porter, wheat beer

Which to order

Order a lager if you want something cold, crisp and easy with food.
Order an ale if you want more flavor, fruit or hops in the glass.

Quick questions

Is an IPA a lager or an ale?: An ale. IPAs, pale ales, stouts, porters and most wheat beers are ales. Pilsners, Mexican lagers and most big-brand beers are lagers.
Is lager lighter than ale?: Often in color, but not always. Dark lagers exist and some ales are pale. The real difference is the yeast and how it ferments.