Blink of an eye
A blink of an eye is the quick closing and opening of the eyelid, usually happening involuntarily.
How big is it?
150 ms · time
Time · reference interval
A little perspective
Blink of an eye vs Heartbeat: duration comparison
A heartbeat lasts about 6.67 times as long as a blink of an eye.
ELAPSED TIME
A blink of an eye is the quick closing and opening of the eyelid, usually happening involuntarily.
A heartbeat is the regular contraction of the heart that pumps blood through the body.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Blink of an eye
Time: 150 ms; reference interval.
A chosen 150 ms interval, not a universal blink duration.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked time is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Heartbeat
Time: 1 s; reference interval.
One beat per second corresponds to 60 beats per minute; this is a timing example.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked time 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 150 ms
We compare the duration of a blink of an eye. The measurement is labelled reference interval. Check the source notes for its basis.
A chosen 150 ms interval, not a universal blink duration.
The picture identifies the subject; the diagram compares the recorded values. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 150 ms | Not recorded | reference interval |
Around this scale
Explore nearby values.
Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Nearest lower valueTime and durationCinema frame at 24 frames per second41.67 msFrame intervalA cinema frame at 24 frames per second is the time interval between consecutive images in standard film projection.
Nearest higher valueTime and durationHeartbeat1 sTimeA heartbeat is the regular contraction of the heart that pumps blood through the body.Sources and method
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The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
More ways to see it
Curated comparisons
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
TimeHuman lifetime80 yearsA human lifetime is the span from a person's birth to their death.
TimeAge of Earth4.54 GyrThe age of Earth is the time that has passed since the planet formed from the solar nebula.TimeAge of the universe13.8 GyrThe age of the universe is the time since the Big Bang, marking the beginning of cosmic expansion.TimeHeartbeat1 sA heartbeat is the regular contraction of the heart that pumps blood through the body.TimeCinema frame at 24 frames per second41.67 msA cinema frame at 24 frames per second is the time interval between consecutive images in standard film projection.TimeCamera flash1 msA camera flash is a brief, intense burst of light used to illuminate a scene for photography.
GravityParabolic-flight microgravity arc0.02 NA parabolic-flight microgravity arc is a flight manoeuvre that creates short periods of near-weightlessness for people and experiments inside an aircraft.GravityTen-metre centrifuge at two rpm0.4387 NA ten-metre centrifuge at two rpm is a rotating device used to simulate artificial gravity by spinning samples at a controlled speed.