Is there a difference between “claro” and “por supuesto”?

Question

Both "claro" (or "claro que sí") and "por supuesto" appear to be used to say 'of course' in one way or another.

Are there any differences in how they are used? Is one formal and the other informal? Or are they interchangeable?

Answer 1

Claro and por supuesto are synonyms, but por supuesto is a little more formal.

Imagine the Pope is at your home and asks for permission to use the bathroom. You would not say ¡claro!, you would say ¡por supuesto!

Por supuesto is “of course”. Claro could be translated as “sure”.

Answer 2

As far as I know there is not much to say here. They mean exactly the same and are both interchangeable in both formal and informal situations.

As a side note, "claro" can also mean "clear" when used as an adjective, of course in a completely different context.

Answer 3

They are interchangeable, however, there is always a small difference.

Claro:

"It's clear" (I understand)

Claro que si:

"Of course" (It's obvious, and I am very sure)

Not everyone is sensitive to these subtle differences, but it doesn't mean they are not there.

Answer 4

"por supuesto" could be more emphathised in some situations, but they are interchangeable 99% of times.