Lentil
A lentil is the edible, lens-shaped seed of the Lens culinaris plant, widely used in soups and stews.
Also known as: lentil seed, Lens culinaris seed
How big is it?
5 mm · defined seed diameter
Also 0.20 in
Defined seed diameter · defined specimen
Illustrative model range (not measured population limits): 4 mm to 6 mm.
This is a chosen dry seed, not a measured population average. Compare all six seed sizes and their measurement axes.
A little perspective
Lentil vs Small ant: length comparison
The seed diameter of a lentil is approximately equal to the length of a small ant.
A lentil is the edible, lens-shaped seed of the Lens culinaris plant, widely used in soups and stews.
An ant is a social insect that lives in an organised colony, usually with workers, a queen and specialised roles.
Both rulers start at the same zero and share one linear scale. Artwork keeps its original proportions.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Lentil
Defined seed diameter: 5 mm; defined specimen; range 4 mm–6 mm.
A defined dry lentil seed 5 mm across and 40 mg in mass. Cultivar, moisture and grading change size and mass; the seed is lens-shaped rather than spherical.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked defined seed diameter is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Small ant
Length: 5 mm; example.
Example 5 mm ant, 3 mg; ants span a wide range of sizes.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked length 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 5 mm
We compare the seed diameter of a lentil. This is an illustrative comparison value, not a claim that every example is the same. The recorded range is 4 mm to 6 mm.
A defined dry lentil seed 5 mm across and 40 mg in mass. Cultivar, moisture and grading change size and mass; the seed is lens-shaped rather than spherical.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 mm | 4 mm to 6 mm | defined specimen | |
| 40 mg | 30 mg to 50 mg | defined specimen |
Around this scale
Explore nearby values.
Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Nearest lower valueEveryday objectsChia seed2 mmDefined seed lengthA chia seed is the edible seed of the Salvia hispanica plant, often used in foods such as puddings and cereals.
Around the same scaleLiving thingsSmall ant5 mmLengthAn ant is a social insect that lives in an organised colony, usually with workers, a queen and specialised roles.
Nearest higher valueEveryday objectsGrain of rice7 mmLengthA grain of rice is the edible seed of the rice plant, widely consumed as a staple 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.
Everyday thingsQuinoa seed2 mmA quinoa seed is the edible seed of the Chenopodium quinoa plant, commonly used as a grain substitute in cooking.Everyday thingsChia seed2 mmA chia seed is the edible seed of the Salvia hispanica plant, often used in foods such as puddings and cereals.Living thingsSmall ant5 mmAn ant is a social insect that lives in an organised colony, usually with workers, a queen and specialised roles.
Living thingsSea butterfly5 mmA sea butterfly is a small marine snail that swims using wing-like extensions and has a delicate coiled shell.Everyday thingsGrain of rice7 mmA grain of rice is the edible seed of the rice plant, widely consumed as a staple food.
Living thingsMosquito6 mmA mosquito is a slender flying insect with long legs and a piercing mouthpart.
Everyday thingsChickpea9 mmA chickpea is an edible seed from the Cicer arietinum plant, commonly used in cooking and also called a garbanzo bean.
PeopleFingernail1.5 cmA fingernail is the hard, protective covering at the tip of a human finger, composed of keratin.