Differences In Grip

The first and most obvious difference between a pull up and a chin up is the type of grip being used.

Pull Ups = A pronated (overhand) grip where your palms point outwards so that they are facing away from you. The most common grip width is just slightly wider than shoulder width. Chin Ups = A supinated (underhand) grip where your palms point inwards so that they are facing you. The most common grip width is shoulder width.

There are a few other less common variations of these exercises that involve other types of grips, but I think the only other one truly worth mentioning now is the neutral grip.

Neutral Grip = A “semi-supinated” grip where your palms are facing each other.