Pollen grain
A pollen grain carries the male reproductive cells of a seed-producing plant. Its resistant outer wall has a form characteristic of the plant species.
How big is it?
30 µm · characteristic size
Characteristic size · representative
A little perspective
Pollen grain vs Dust particle: length comparison
The characteristic size of a pollen grain is about 3 times the characteristic size of a dust particle.
A pollen grain carries the male reproductive cells of a seed-producing plant.
Dust is a mixture of tiny solid particles from sources such as soil, fibres, skin and pollen.
Both rulers start at the same zero and share one linear scale. Artwork keeps its original proportions.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Pollen grain
Characteristic size: 30 µm; representative.
A chosen 30 µm pollen grain. Plant species produce very different grains.
University of Utah — Cell size and scale
The marked characteristic size is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Dust particle
Characteristic size: 10 µm; representative.
A chosen 10 µm particle. Dust is a mixture, not a single size or material.
University of Utah — Cell size and scale
The marked characteristic size 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 30 µm
We compare the characteristic size of a pollen grain. This is a representative comparison value; individual specimens or conditions can vary.
A chosen 30 µm pollen grain. Plant species produce very different grains.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 µm | Not recorded | representative | |
| 10 ng | Not recorded | 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 valueMicroscopic objectsNeuron cell body20 µmDefined soma diameterA neuron cell body, or soma, is the central part of a nerve cell containing its nucleus.
Nearest higher valuePeople and human anatomySperm cell50 µmRepresentative head-to-tail lengthA sperm cell is a male reproductive cell with a compact head, energy-producing midpiece and a flagellum used for movement.Sources and method
Want to check the number?
The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
- University of Utah — Cell size and scaleApproximate biological size regimes. Atlas specimens and geometric assumptions are individually labelled.
- Defined examples — our methodology
More ways to see it
Curated comparisons
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
Living thingsHoneybee1.5 cmA honeybee is a social insect that lives in a colony and gathers nectar and pollen from flowers.
Living thingsSmall ant5 mmAn ant is a social insect that lives in an organised colony, usually with workers, a queen and specialised roles.
Everyday thingsUS quarter2.426 cmA US quarter is a coin worth twenty-five cents, commonly used in United States currency.
MicroscopicDust particle10 µmDust is a mixture of tiny solid particles from sources such as soil, fibres, skin and pollen.
PeopleHair70 µmA hair is a slender strand of protein that grows from the skin of humans and other mammals.
Everyday thingsSheet of paper100 µmA sheet of paper is a flat material made from cellulose pulp, used for writing, printing or packaging.
MicroscopicCell10 µmA cell is the basic structural unit of living organisms.
MicroscopicRed blood cell7.5 µmA red blood cell is a specialised blood cell that transports oxygen using haemoglobin.A closer look