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 · defined seed length
Also 0.08 in
Defined seed length · defined specimen
Illustrative model range (not measured population limits): 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm.
This is a chosen dry seed, not a measured population average. Compare all six seed sizes and their measurement axes.
A little perspective
Chia seed vs Copepod: length comparison
The seed length of a chia seed is approximately equal to the body length of a copepod.
A chia seed is the edible seed of the Salvia hispanica plant, often used in foods such as puddings and cereals.
A copepod is a tiny aquatic crustacean found in marine and freshwater environments, playing a key role in aquatic food webs.
Both rulers start at the same zero and share one linear scale. Artwork keeps its original proportions. Horizontal rulers compare the selected spans; vertical brackets also identify height on the artwork.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Chia seed
Defined seed length: 2 mm; defined specimen; range 1.5 mm–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.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked defined seed length is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Copepod
Defined body length: 2 mm; defined specimen; range 1.5 mm–2.5 mm.
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.
Use the visual comparison to explore its scale, then check the measurements and sources.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 2 mm
We compare the seed length of a chia seed. This is an illustrative comparison value, not a claim that every example is the same. 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 vertical 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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
Explore nearby values.
Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Nearest lower valueLiving thingsPoppy seed1 mmLengthA poppy seed is an edible seed produced by plants in the poppy family and commonly used in breads and other foods.
Around the same scaleEveryday objectsQuinoa seed2 mmDefined seed diameterA quinoa seed is the edible seed of the Chenopodium quinoa plant, commonly used as a grain substitute in cooking.
Nearest higher valueEveryday objectsLentil5 mmDefined seed diameterA 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.