The main difference between graphite and carbon fiber is the fact that graphite breaks apart easily while carbon fiber is strong.
Graphite carbon fiber.
The atomic structure of carbon fiber is similar to that of graphite consisting of sheets of carbon atoms arranged in a regular hexagonal pattern.
Graphite fiber is certain class of carbon fiber.
Carbon graphite fibres are very stiff strong and light filaments used in polymer usually epoxy matrix composites for aircraft structures and jet engine parts.
Satellite sport industry construction and civil engineering.
What you should compare is using carbon fiber and graphite vs.
Carbon fibre composites have better fatigue properties and corrosion resistance than virtually every type of metal including the high strength alloys used in airframe and engine components.
They are both carbon based which is why some people tend to use the terms interchangeably.
Carbon fibers have several advantages including high stiffness high tensile strength low weight high chemical resistance high temperature tolerance and low thermal expansion.
Polymer composites containing carbon fibres are up to five times stronger than mild steel for structural parts yet are five times lighter.
You do have to take note that carbon fiber and graphite are made of the same components.