The diameter of a grain of sand is about 1.67 times the characteristic size of a salt crystal. Selected basis: an example for Grain of sand; a representative value for Salt crystal; approximate values.
Both rulers start at the same zero and share one linear scale. Artwork keeps its original proportions.
500 µm - Diameter; example.
A grain of sand is a tiny fragment of rock or mineral, commonly found on beaches and in soil.
Separate illustrative measurements: 0.5 mm across; 1 mg mass. Mineral and shape vary.
Defined examples — our methodology300 µm - Characteristic size; representative.
A salt crystal is a small, naturally occurring or manufactured piece of sodium chloride used in food and industry.
A chosen 0.3 mm table-salt crystal. The irregular illustration is a scale specimen.
University of Utah — Cell size and scale
There’s always another scale
MicroscopicGrain of sand500 µmA grain of sand is a tiny fragment of rock or mineral, commonly found on beaches and in soil.
MicroscopicSalt crystal300 µmA salt crystal is a small, naturally occurring or manufactured piece of sodium chloride used in food and industry.
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.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?