Earth’s oceans have about 1.34 × 10⁹ times the volume of a cubic-kilometre lake. Selected basis: an example for A cubic-kilometre lake; an estimate for Earth’s oceans; approximate values.
Too small to see at this scale. The ring marks its true-scale position, not its volume. The shape has not been enlarged.
Too small to see at this scale. The ring marks its true-scale position, not its volume. The shape has not been enlarged.
These are equal-volume cubes. Edge lengths grow with the cube root of capacity; the cubes do not depict container exteriors.
1 km³ - Volume; example.
A cubic-kilometre lake is a hypothetical body of freshwater defined as containing exactly one cubic kilometre of water.
A defined 1 km³ water volume, with no claimed shoreline or depth profile.
Defined examples — our methodology1.338 × 10⁹ km³ - Volume; estimated.
Earth’s oceans are the interconnected bodies of salt water that cover most of the planet’s surface.
Estimated total ocean-water volume: 1.338 billion cubic kilometres. The diagram compares water volume, not ocean depth or surface area.
USGS — How much natural water is there?
There’s always another scale
PlacesA cubic-kilometre lake1 km³A cubic-kilometre lake is a hypothetical body of freshwater defined as containing exactly one cubic kilometre of water.
PlacesEarth’s oceans1.338 × 10⁹ km³Earth’s oceans are the interconnected bodies of salt water that cover most of the planet’s surface.
PeopleHuman1.75 mA human is a primate of the species Homo sapiens, distinguished by habitual upright walking, language and complex tool use.
TransportFamily car4.5 mA family car is a motor vehicle designed to carry several passengers and their belongings.
TransportDouble-decker bus11 mA double-decker bus is a passenger vehicle with two levels, used for public transport.
SpaceEarth12,740 kmEarth is the rocky planet on which we live and the third planet from the Sun.
Sport50 m swimming pool50 mA 50 m swimming pool is a large pool built for competitive swimming events, including international competitions.Side by side
Illustrative artwork · not to scale
Illustrative artwork · not to scale
Illustrative artwork · not to scale
Illustrative artwork · not to scaleGot a good eye for scale?