Dust particle
Dust is a mixture of tiny solid particles from sources such as soil, fibres, skin and pollen. Its particles vary widely in material and size.
How big is it?
10 µm across
Characteristic size · representative
A little perspective
About the same scale as 10 µm cell.
10 µm cell: A cell is the basic structural unit of living organisms.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Dust particle
A chosen 10 µm particle. Dust is a mixture, not a single size or material.
University of Utah — Cell size and scale
The marked characteristic size is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
10 µm cell
A 10 µm diameter teaching example, not a universal cell size.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked diameter 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 10 µm
For comparison, this page uses characteristic size. This is labelled representative; the central value is useful for comparison, while real values or measurement solutions can vary.
A chosen 10 µm particle. Dust is a mixture, not a single size or material.
The marked horizontal span follows the named feature; transparent margins and unmeasured details do not alter it. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Dust particle dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 µm | Not recorded | representative |
Around this scale
Go smaller. Go bigger.
These links use compatible length records, ordered around the selected value.
Nearest lower value · MicroscopicRed blood cell7.5 µmA red blood cell is a specialised blood cell that transports oxygen using haemoglobin.
Around the same scale · Microscopic10 µm cell10 µmA cell is the basic structural unit of living organisms.
Nearest higher value · MicroscopicNeuron cell body20 µmA neuron cell body, or soma, is the central part of a nerve cell containing its nucleus.Sources and method
Want to check the number?
The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
- University of Utah — Cell size and scaleApproximate biological size regimes. Atlas specimens and geometric assumptions are individually labelled.
More ways to see it
Curated comparisons
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
Living thingsHoneybee1.5 cmA honeybee is a social insect that lives in a colony and gathers nectar and pollen from flowers.
Living thingsSmall ant5 mmAn ant is a social insect that lives in an organised colony, usually with workers, a queen and specialised roles.
Everyday thingsUS quarter2.426 cmA US quarter is a coin worth twenty-five cents, commonly used in United States currency.Microscopic10 µm cell10 µmA cell is the basic structural unit of living organisms.MicroscopicRed blood cell7.5 µmA red blood cell is a specialised blood cell that transports oxygen using haemoglobin.
MicroscopicYeast cell5 µmYeast is a group of single-celled fungi.
PeopleSperm cell50 µmA sperm cell is a male reproductive cell with a compact head, energy-producing midpiece and a flagellum used for movement.MicroscopicNeuron cell body20 µmA neuron cell body, or soma, is the central part of a nerve cell containing its nucleus.