A blue whale is about 1.56 times as long as a sperm whale. Selected basis: a defined specimen of Sperm whale; a representative value for Blue whale; approximate values.
Both rulers start at the same zero and share one linear scale. Artwork keeps its original proportions.
16 m - Length; defined specimen.
The sperm whale is a deep-diving toothed whale distinguished by its large, block-shaped head.
A chosen 16 m, 40 tonne adult male. Length is measured from nose to tail extremity.
Defined examples — our methodology25 m - Nose-to-tail length; representative.
A blue whale is a baleen whale that feeds by filtering small animals from seawater. It is the largest living animal known.
A chosen 25 m, 100 tonne adult blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus). Population, sex and age matter: this is a representative comparison specimen, not a record animal.
NOAA Fisheries — Blue whale
There’s always another scale
Living thingsSperm whale16 mThe sperm whale is a deep-diving toothed whale distinguished by its large, block-shaped head.
Living thingsBlue whale25 mA blue whale is a baleen whale that feeds by filtering small animals from seawater.
Living thingsHoneybee1.5 cmA honeybee is a social insect that lives in a colony and gathers nectar and pollen from flowers.
PeopleHuman1.75 mA human is a primate of the species Homo sapiens, distinguished by habitual upright walking, language and complex tool use.
Living thingsAfrican elephant3.3 mAn African elephant is a large plant-eating mammal recognised by its trunk, tusks and broad ears.
TransportDouble-decker bus11 mA double-decker bus is a passenger vehicle with two levels, used for public transport.
TransportAirbus A38072.7 mThe Airbus A380 is a double-deck, wide-body passenger aeroplane built for long-haul flights.
Living thingsBottlenose dolphin2.5 mA bottlenose dolphin is a marine mammal with a streamlined body, prominent dorsal fin and a short beak-like snout.Side by side
Illustrative artwork · not to scaleIllustrative artwork · not to scaleIllustrative artwork · not to scale
Illustrative artwork · not to scaleGot a good eye for scale?