Amoeba cell
An amoeba cell is a single-celled organism that moves and engulfs food by extending temporary projections called pseudopodia.
Also known as: Amoeba proteus cell, amoeba
How big is it?
300 µm · defined maximum projected span
Defined maximum projected span · defined specimen
Typical recorded range: 200 µm to 500 µm.
A little perspective
Amoeba cell vs Salt crystal: length comparison
The maximum projected span of an amoeba cell is approximately equal to the characteristic size of a salt crystal.
An amoeba cell is a single-celled organism that moves and engulfs food by extending temporary projections called pseudopodia.
A salt crystal is a small, naturally occurring or manufactured piece of sodium chloride used in food and industry.
Both rulers start at the same zero and share one linear scale. Artwork keeps its original proportions.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Amoeba cell
Defined maximum projected span: 300 µm; defined specimen; range 200 µm–500 µm.
A defined 300 micrometre Amoeba proteus cell in an extended state. Amoebae constantly change shape, so the projected span is a specimen choice rather than a species constant.
Encyclopaedia Britannica — Amoeba
The marked defined maximum projected span is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Salt crystal
Characteristic size: 300 µm; representative.
A chosen 0.3 mm table-salt crystal. The irregular illustration is a scale specimen.
University of Utah — Cell size and scale
The marked characteristic size is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Use the visual comparison to explore its scale, then check the measurements and sources.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 300 µm
We compare the maximum projected span of an amoeba cell. This is an illustrative comparison value, not a claim that every example is the same. The recorded range is 200 µm to 500 µm.
A defined 300 micrometre Amoeba proteus cell in an extended state. Amoebae constantly change shape, so the projected span is a specimen choice rather than a species constant.
The marked horizontal span follows the measured feature, not the edges of the image. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 300 µm | 200 µm to 500 µm | defined specimen |
Around this scale
Explore nearby values.
Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Nearest lower valueEveryday objectsSheet of paper100 µmThicknessA sheet of paper is a flat material made from cellulose pulp, used for writing, printing or packaging.
Around the same scaleMicroscopic objectsSalt crystal300 µmCharacteristic sizeA salt crystal is a small, naturally occurring or manufactured piece of sodium chloride used in food and industry.
Nearest higher valueMicroscopic objectsGrain of sand500 µmDiameterA grain of sand is a tiny fragment of rock or mineral, commonly found on beaches and in soil.Sources and method
Want to check the number?
The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — AmoebaAmoebae change shape through pseudopodia; the atlas uses a defined 300 micrometre Amoeba proteus projection.
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
MicroscopicCell10 µmA cell is the basic structural unit of living organisms.MicroscopicSalt crystal300 µmA salt crystal is a small, naturally occurring or manufactured piece of sodium chloride used in food and industry.MicroscopicGrain of sand500 µmA grain of sand is a tiny fragment of rock or mineral, commonly found on beaches and in soil.Everyday thingsSheet of paper100 µmA sheet of paper is a flat material made from cellulose pulp, used for writing, printing or packaging.
Living thingsPoppy seed1 mmA poppy seed is an edible seed produced by plants in the poppy family and commonly used in breads and other foods.
PeopleHair70 µmA hair is a slender strand of protein that grows from the skin of humans and other mammals.
Living thingsCopepod2 mmA copepod is a tiny aquatic crustacean found in marine and freshwater environments, playing a key role in aquatic food webs.
Everyday thingsChia seed2 mmA chia seed is the edible seed of the Salvia hispanica plant, often used in foods such as puddings and cereals.