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 · characteristic size
Characteristic size · representative
A little perspective
Dust particle vs Cell: length comparison
The characteristic size of a dust particle is approximately equal to the diameter of a cell.
Dust is a mixture of tiny solid particles from sources such as soil, fibres, skin and pollen.
Both rulers start at the same zero and share one linear scale. Artwork keeps its original proportions.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Dust particle
Characteristic size: 10 µm; representative.
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.
Cell
Diameter: 10 µm; example.
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.
Use the visual comparison to explore its scale, then check the measurements and sources.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 10 µm
We compare the characteristic size of a dust particle. This is a representative comparison value; individual specimens or conditions can vary.
A chosen 10 µm particle. Dust is a mixture, not a single size or material.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 µm | Not recorded | representative |
Around this scale
Explore nearby values.
Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Nearest lower valueMicroscopic objectsRed blood cell7.5 µmCharacteristic sizeA red blood cell is a specialised blood cell that transports oxygen using haemoglobin.
Around the same scaleMicroscopic objectsCell10 µmDiameterA cell is the basic structural unit of living organisms.
Nearest higher valueMicroscopic objectsNeuron cell body20 µmDefined soma diameterA 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.MicroscopicCell10 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.