Fingernail growth
Fingernail growth is the process by which human fingernails gradually extend from the base of the nail bed over time.
How big is it?
1 × 10⁻⁹ m/s
Speed · approximate
Typical recorded range: 5 × 10⁻¹⁰ m/s to 2 × 10⁻⁹ m/s.
A little perspective
About 1.25 times the representative plate speed of Continental plate drift.
Continental plate drift: Continental plate drift is the slow movement of Earth's tectonic plates driven by forces within the planet's mantle.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Fingernail growth
A curated fingernail growth comparison anchor. The representative value and any stated range preserve the backlog measurement convention; operating or experimental conditions can change real observations.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked speed is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Continental plate drift
A representative tectonic-plate speed of 8 × 10⁻¹⁰ m/s, about 2.5 cm per year. Plates move at different rates and directions.
The marked representative plate speed is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 1 × 10⁻⁹ m/s
For comparison, this page uses speed. This is labelled approximate; the central value is useful for comparison, while real values or measurement solutions can vary. The recorded range is 5 × 10⁻¹⁰ m/s to 2 × 10⁻⁹ m/s.
A curated fingernail growth comparison anchor. The representative value and any stated range preserve the backlog measurement convention; operating or experimental conditions can change real observations.
The identifying illustration and the numerical comparison remain separate. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Fingernail growth dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 × 10⁻⁹ m/s | 5 × 10⁻¹⁰ m/s to 2 × 10⁻⁹ m/s | approximate |
Around this scale
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These links use compatible speed records, ordered around the selected value.
Nearest lower value · MotionContinental plate drift8 × 10⁻¹⁰ m/sContinental plate drift is the slow movement of Earth's tectonic plates driven by forces within the planet's mantle.Nearest higher value · MotionSlime mould migration1 × 10⁻⁵ m/sSlime mould migration is the rate at which a motile stage of slime mould advances across a surface in search of food.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.
MotionContinental plate drift8 × 10⁻¹⁰ m/sContinental plate drift is the slow movement of Earth's tectonic plates driven by forces within the planet's mantle.MotionTree trunk radial growth1 × 10⁻¹⁰ m/sTree trunk radial growth refers to the outward expansion of a tree's trunk as new layers of wood are added beneath the bark.MotionStalactite growth front3 × 10⁻¹¹ m/sA stalactite growth front is the advancing tip of a stalactite, where mineral deposits accumulate as water drips in caves.MotionSlime mould migration1 × 10⁻⁵ m/sSlime mould migration is the rate at which a motile stage of slime mould advances across a surface in search of food.MotionSperm cell swimming5 × 10⁻⁵ m/sSperm cell swimming refers to the speed at which a human sperm cell moves through fluid using its tail for propulsion.
MotionElectron drift in household copper wiring0.0001 m/sThis refers to the slow average movement of electrons through copper wire when an electric current flows.MotionSea star tube-foot travel0.0003 m/sSea star tube-foot travel is the movement speed of a sea star as it uses its tube feet to glide over surfaces.MotionRed blood cell in a capillary0.001 m/sA red blood cell in a capillary refers to an erythrocyte moving through the body's smallest blood vessels as part of microcirculation.