Chia seed
A chia seed is the edible seed of the Salvia hispanica plant, often used in foods such as puddings and cereals.
Also known as: Salvia hispanica seed
How big is it?
2 mm long
Also 0.07874 in
Defined seed length · defined specimen
Typical recorded range: 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm.
A little perspective
About the same scale as Copepod.
Copepod: A copepod is a tiny aquatic crustacean found in marine and freshwater environments, playing a key role in aquatic food webs.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Chia seed
A defined dry chia seed 2 mm long and 1.3 mg in mass. Cultivar, moisture and individual seed shape cause variation.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked defined seed length is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Copepod
A defined 2 mm adult calanoid copepod specimen with a 10 microgram wet mass. The body span excludes the long antennules; species, life stage and hydration produce wide variation.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked defined body length is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Change your perspective
Put it next to…
Choose a suggestion to redraw the comparison, or open its page to learn what it is.
Why this measurement?
Why we use 2 mm
For comparison, this page uses defined seed length. This is labelled defined specimen: an explicit comparison model rather than a claim that every example has the same value. The recorded range is 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm.
A defined dry chia seed 2 mm long and 1.3 mg in mass. Cultivar, moisture and individual seed shape cause variation.
The marked horizontal span follows the named feature; transparent margins and unmeasured details do not alter it. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Chia seed dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 mm | 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm | defined specimen | |
| 1.3 mg | 1 mg to 1.6 mg | defined specimen |
Around this scale
Go smaller. Go bigger.
These links use compatible length records, ordered around the selected value.
Nearest lower value · 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.
Around the same scale · Everyday thingsQuinoa seed2 mmA quinoa seed is the edible seed of the Chenopodium quinoa plant, commonly used as a grain substitute in cooking.
Nearest higher value · Everyday thingsLentil5 mmA lentil is the edible, lens-shaped seed of the Lens culinaris plant, widely used in soups and stews.Sources and method
Want to check the number?
The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
Everyday thingsQuinoa seed2 mmA quinoa seed is the edible seed of the Chenopodium quinoa plant, commonly used as a grain substitute in cooking.Everyday thingsLentil5 mmA lentil is the edible, lens-shaped seed of the Lens culinaris plant, widely used in soups and stews.
Living thingsCopepod2 mmA copepod is a tiny aquatic crustacean found in marine and freshwater environments, playing a key role in aquatic food webs.
Living thingsSesame seed3 mmA sesame seed is an oil-rich edible seed produced by the sesame plant and used whole, ground or pressed for oil.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.
MicroscopicGrain of sand500 µmA grain of sand is a tiny fragment of rock or mineral, commonly found on beaches and in soil.
Living thingsSmall ant5 mmAn ant is a social insect that lives in an organised colony, usually with workers, a queen and specialised roles.
Everyday thingsGrain of rice7 mmA grain of rice is the edible seed of the rice plant, widely consumed as a staple food.