Many people get confused between Thats vs. That’s because the two look almost the same. The only visible difference is the apostrophe, but it completely changes whether the word is correct in standard English. If you are writing an email, school assignment, blog, or social media post, knowing the correct form can help you avoid a common grammar mistake.
This guide explains the meaning of Thats and That’s, their differences, grammar rules, and correct usage with simple examples. You will also learn what That’s means in texting, how to remember the correct spelling, and answers to the most common questions people search for in 2026.
The Short Answer: “Thats” vs “That’s”
The correct form is That’s with an apostrophe. It is a contraction of that is or that has. The spelling Thats without an apostrophe is incorrect in standard English and should not be used in formal writing.
Here is a quick comparison:
| Thats | That’s |
| Incorrect spelling | Correct spelling |
| No apostrophe | Uses an apostrophe |
| Not accepted in standard English | Short form of that is or that has |
| Avoid in formal writing | Suitable for both formal and informal writing |
What Does “That’s” Mean?
That’s is a contraction. A contraction combines two words into one by replacing missing letters with an apostrophe.
That’s can have two meanings:
- That is
- That has
The correct meaning depends on the sentence.
Examples:
- That’s my favorite book. (That is my favorite book.)
- That’s been a busy week. (That has been a busy week.)
“That’s” as “That Is”
Most of the time, That’s means that is.
Examples:
- That’s a beautiful house.
- That’s exactly what I wanted.
- That’s the answer to your question.
- That’s my brother standing over there.
If you can replace That’s with that is, the sentence is correct.
“That’s” as “That Has”
Sometimes That’s means that has. This usually happens when it is followed by a past participle.
Examples:
- That’s been a wonderful experience.
- That’s become very popular.
- That’s already finished.
- That’s made a big difference.
If replacing That’s with that has sounds natural, this is the correct meaning.
Thats vs That’s Grammar
The grammar rule is simple.
Use an apostrophe when letters are missing from two combined words.
That’s = That + Is
or
That’s = That + Has
Without the apostrophe, Thats is considered a spelling mistake in modern English.
Correct:
- That’s my car.
- That’s been a long day.
Incorrect:
- Thats my car.
- Thats been a long day.
Always check for the apostrophe before submitting school work, emails, or professional documents.
That’s Meaning in Texting
In text messages, That’s has the same meaning as it does in standard English.
People commonly use it as a shorter way to write that is.
Examples:
- That’s funny.
- That’s awesome.
- That’s true.
- That’s cool.
Some people accidentally type Thats because they are typing quickly, but That’s is still the correct spelling.
How to Remember the Difference Between “Thats” and “That’s”
A simple trick is to expand the word.
If you can replace it with that is or that has, then use That’s.
Example:
- That’s my phone.
- That is my phone.
The sentence still makes sense, so That’s is correct.
If that is or that has does not fit, you may need a different word instead of That’s.
Remember this rule:
No apostrophe means it is incorrect. An apostrophe means it is a contraction.
When to Use “That’s” in Your Writing?
Use That’s whenever you want to shorten that is or that has.
It works well in:
- Emails
- Blog posts
- School assignments
- Articles
- Everyday conversations
- Social media posts
- Text messages
Some formal legal or academic writing may prefer the full forms that is or that has, but That’s is widely accepted in normal writing.
FAQ’s
When to use thats and that’s?
Use That’s whenever you mean that is or that has. Avoid Thats because it is not the correct spelling in standard English.
Is there an apostrophe in thats?
Yes. The correct form is That’s, and it always includes an apostrophe because it is a contraction.
What is the difference between “that’s it” and “that’s that”?
That’s it means something is finished or complete.
That’s that means the matter is settled and there is nothing more to discuss.
What does “that’s” mean in a text?
In a text message, That’s usually means that is. It may also mean that has, depending on the sentence.
Final Thoughts
The difference between Thats vs. That’s is easy to remember once you know the grammar rule. That’s is the correct spelling because it is a contraction of that is or that has. Thats without an apostrophe is not accepted in standard English and should be avoided.
Whenever you write an email, article, assignment, or social media post, take a moment to check for the apostrophe. Using That’s correctly makes your writing look clearer, more professional, and grammatically accurate.
Eliana is an English language writer with 10 years of experience. She creates simple grammar guides, vocabulary tips, and writing resources for GrammerMint readers.