The diameter of a hair is about 2.33 times the characteristic size of a pollen grain. Selected basis: a representative value for Pollen grain; an example for Hair; approximate values.
The ring marks the true-scale position of a pollen grain; it does not show its width. Only the inset is enlarged (×14.9).
Both rulers start at the same zero and share one linear scale. Artwork keeps its original proportions. Horizontal rulers compare the selected spans; vertical brackets also identify height on the artwork.
30 µm - Characteristic size; representative.
A pollen grain carries the male reproductive cells of a seed-producing plant. Its resistant outer wall has a form characteristic of the plant species.
A chosen 30 µm pollen grain. Plant species produce very different grains.
University of Utah — Cell size and scale70 µm - Diameter; example.
A hair is a slender strand of protein that grows from the skin of humans and other mammals.
A 70 µm diameter example; hair thickness varies.
Defined examples — our methodology
There’s always another scale
MicroscopicPollen grain30 µmA pollen grain carries the male reproductive cells of a seed-producing plant.
PeopleHair70 µmA hair is a slender strand of protein that grows from the skin of humans and other mammals.
Living thingsHoneybee1.5 cmA honeybee is a social insect that lives in a colony and gathers nectar and pollen from flowers.
Living thingsSmall ant5 mmAn ant is a social insect that lives in an organised colony, usually with workers, a queen and specialised roles.
Everyday thingsUS quarter2.426 cmA US quarter is a coin worth twenty-five cents, commonly used in United States currency.A closer look
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?