5 nanometres
5 nmLength · definition
The quantity is exact as entered. Comparisons use the clearly stated specimen, model or nominal measurement.
Length & distance
Just how long is 5 nanometres?
Microscopic
5 nm
5 nanometres
The quantity is exact as entered.
5 nmLength
0 - shared origin
DNA double helix
DNA is the molecule that stores hereditary information in living organisms.
2 nmHelix diameter
0 - shared origin
Both rulers start at the same zero and share one linear scale. Artwork keeps its original proportions. A ruler represents the selected distance or a measurement not visible in this view.
A little perspective
5 nanometres is about 2.5 times the helix diameter of a DNA double helix.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
5 nanometres
Length: 5 nm; definition.
The quantity is exact as entered. Comparisons use the clearly stated specimen, model or nominal measurement.
DNA double helix
Helix diameter: 2 nm; representative.
A 2 nm diameter scale for B-form double-stranded DNA. The pictured strand length is illustrative, not the selected measurement.
University of Utah — Cell size and scale
The marked helix diameter is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Measurement details
Why these numbers?
Compare 5 nanometres with the helix diameter of a DNA double helix. The notes below explain how each value was chosen.
DNA double helix
2 nmHelix diameter · representative
A 2 nm diameter scale for B-form double-stranded DNA. The pictured strand length is illustrative, not the selected measurement.
- Comparing
- Length ↔ Helix diameter
- Relative size
- 5 nanometres is about 2.5 times the helix diameter of a DNA double helix. 5 nanometres is approximately 150% greater than the helix diameter of a DNA double helix.
How to read the visual
The diagram uses the recorded measurements. Details outside the marked spans do not set the scale.
- The helix diameter of a DNA double helix: This is a representative comparison value; individual specimens or conditions can vary.
This comparison follows the selected length only; other dimensions may differ.
5 × 10⁻⁹ mmetres
1.6404 × 10⁻⁸ ftfeet
3.1069 × 10⁻¹² mimiles
3.3423 × 10⁻²⁰ AUastronomical units
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