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
Speed · approximate
Typical recorded range: 5 × 10⁻¹⁰ m/s to 2 × 10⁻⁹ m/s.
A little perspective
Fingernail growth vs Continental plate drift: speed comparison
The rate of fingernail growth is about 1.25 times continental plate drift.
DISTANCE IN ONE SECOND
Fingernail growth is the process by which human fingernails gradually extend from the base of the nail bed over time.
1 nm in 1 s
Continental plate drift is the slow movement of Earth's tectonic plates driven by forces within the planet's mantle.
800 pm in 1 s
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Fingernail growth
Speed: 1 × 10⁻⁹ m/s; approximate; range 5 × 10⁻¹⁰ m/s–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.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked speed is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Continental plate drift
Representative plate speed: 8 × 10⁻¹⁰ m/s; representative; range 3 × 10⁻¹⁰ m/s–3 × 10⁻⁹ m/s.
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.
Use the visual comparison to explore its scale, then check the measurements and sources.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 1 × 10⁻⁹ m/s
We compare the rate of fingernail growth. This is an estimate; check the notes for its rounding and uncertainty. 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 picture identifies the subject; the diagram compares the recorded values. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
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
Explore nearby values.
Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Nearest lower valueMotion and speedContinental plate drift8 × 10⁻¹⁰ m/sRepresentative plate speedContinental plate drift is the slow movement of Earth's tectonic plates driven by forces within the planet's mantle.Nearest higher valueMotion and speedSlime mould migration1 × 10⁻⁵ m/sMigration speedSlime 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.