How does 6/8 meter differ from 3/4 meter?

In music, the primary difference between 6/8 and 3/4 meter lies in their classification as simple time versus compound time and how their beats are subdivided.12

• 3/4 Meter (Simple Triple Time): This meter consists of three beats per measure, where each beat is typically represented by a quarter note. Because it is a simple meter, the beats are divided into two equal parts.12
• 6/8 Meter (Compound Duple Time): Although the time signature indicates a total of six eighth-note units, it is classified as a compound duple meter. This means the measure is felt as having two main beats, with each of those beats being subdivided into three equal parts (yielding a total of six subunits).132

While both meters can contain the same total duration of notes, they differ fundamentally in their internal pulse and grouping: 3/4 is felt in three, while 6/8 is felt in two, with each beat containing a triplet-like division.12