Heartbeat
A heartbeat is the regular contraction of the heart that pumps blood through the body.
How big is it?
1 s · time
Time · reference interval
A little perspective
Heartbeat vs Blink of an eye: duration comparison
A heartbeat lasts about 6.67 times as long as a blink of an eye.
ELAPSED TIME
A heartbeat is the regular contraction of the heart that pumps blood through the body.
A blink of an eye is the quick closing and opening of the eyelid, usually happening involuntarily.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Heartbeat
Time: 1 s; reference interval.
One beat per second corresponds to 60 beats per minute; this is a timing example.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked time is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Blink of an eye
Time: 150 ms; reference interval.
A chosen 150 ms interval, not a universal blink duration.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked time is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 1 s
We compare the duration of a heartbeat. The measurement is labelled reference interval. Check the source notes for its basis.
One beat per second corresponds to 60 beats per minute; this is a timing example.
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 s | Not recorded | reference interval |
Around this scale
Explore nearby values.
Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Nearest lower valueTime and durationBlink of an eye150 msTimeA blink of an eye is the quick closing and opening of the eyelid, usually happening involuntarily.
Nearest higher valueGravity and forceParabolic-flight microgravity arc22 sRepresentative reduced-gravity durationA parabolic-flight microgravity arc is a flight manoeuvre that creates short periods of near-weightlessness for people and experiments inside an aircraft.Sources and method
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Curated comparisons
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Follow your curiosity.
TimeBlink of an eye150 msA blink of an eye is the quick closing and opening of the eyelid, usually happening involuntarily.TimeHuman lifetime80 yearsA human lifetime is the span from a person's birth to their death.
TimeAge of Earth4.54 GyrThe age of Earth is the time that has passed since the planet formed from the solar nebula.TimeAge of the universe13.8 GyrThe age of the universe is the time since the Big Bang, marking the beginning of cosmic expansion.GravityParabolic-flight microgravity arc0.02 NA parabolic-flight microgravity arc is a flight manoeuvre that creates short periods of near-weightlessness for people and experiments inside an aircraft.
TimeCinema frame at 24 frames per second41.67 msA cinema frame at 24 frames per second is the time interval between consecutive images in standard film projection.GravityTen-metre centrifuge at two rpm0.4387 NA ten-metre centrifuge at two rpm is a rotating device used to simulate artificial gravity by spinning samples at a controlled speed.
PeopleRed-cell circulation time1 minRed-cell circulation time is the typical duration for a red blood cell to complete a full circuit through the human circulatory system at rest.