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 across
Also 0.1969 in
Defined seed diameter · defined specimen
Typical recorded range: 4 mm to 6 mm.
A little perspective
About the same scale as Small ant.
Small ant: An ant is a social insect that lives in an organised colony, usually with workers, a queen and specialised roles.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Lentil
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
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.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 5 mm
For comparison, this page uses defined seed diameter. This is labelled defined specimen: an explicit comparison model rather than a claim that every example has the same value. 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 named feature; transparent margins and unmeasured details do not alter it. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Lentil 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
Go smaller. Go bigger.
These links use compatible length records, ordered around the selected value.
Nearest lower value · Everyday thingsChia seed2 mmA chia seed is the edible seed of the Salvia hispanica plant, often used in foods such as puddings and cereals.
Around the same scale · Living thingsSmall ant5 mmAn ant is a social insect that lives in an organised colony, usually with workers, a queen and specialised roles.
Nearest higher value · Everyday thingsGrain of rice7 mmA 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.