Difference between leaf and leaflets

 

Leaf	Leaflet
Bud is present in the axil.	Bud is absent.
It has its own leaf base.	It shares its leaf base with other leaflets.
It is attached to the petiole.	It is attached to the petiolule.
It is directly attached to the stem or branch.	It is not directly attached to the stem or branch. But attached to the central axis called rachis.
It is an undivided leaf blade.	It is a divided leaf blade.
It is a whole organ in a simple or compound leaf.	It is a smaller unit or part of a compound leaf.