Poppy seed
A poppy seed is an edible seed produced by plants in the poppy family and commonly used in breads and other foods.
How big is it?
1 mm long
Also 0.04 in
Length · example
This is a chosen dry seed, not a measured population average. Compare all six seed sizes and their measurement axes.
A little perspective
Poppy seed vs Grain of sand: length comparison
The length of a poppy seed is about 2 times the diameter of a grain of sand.
A poppy seed is an edible seed produced by plants in the poppy family and commonly used in breads and other foods.
A grain of sand is a tiny fragment of rock or mineral, commonly found on beaches and in soil.
Both rulers start at the same zero and share one linear scale. Artwork keeps its original proportions. Horizontal rulers compare the selected spans; vertical brackets also identify height on the artwork.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Poppy seed
Length: 1 mm; example.
Example seed: 1 mm long and 0.5 mg. Not a botanical mean.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked length is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Grain of sand
Diameter: 500 µm; example.
Separate illustrative measurements: 0.5 mm across; 1 mg mass. Mineral and shape vary.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked diameter 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 mm
We compare the length of a poppy seed. This is an illustrative comparison value, not a claim that every example is the same.
Example seed: 1 mm long and 0.5 mg. Not a botanical mean.
The marked vertical 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 mm | Not recorded | example | |
| 500 µg | Not recorded | example |
Around this scale
Explore nearby values.
Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Nearest lower valueMicroscopic objectsGrain of sand500 µmDiameterA grain of sand is a tiny fragment of rock or mineral, commonly found on beaches and in soil.
Around the same scaleEveryday 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.
Nearest higher valueLiving thingsCopepod2 mmDefined body lengthA copepod is a tiny aquatic crustacean found in marine and freshwater environments, playing a key role in aquatic food webs.Sources and method
Want to check the number?
The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
More ways to see it
Curated comparisons
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
MicroscopicGrain of sand500 µmA grain of sand is a tiny fragment of rock or mineral, commonly found on beaches and in soil.Living thingsCopepod2 mmA copepod is a tiny aquatic crustacean found in marine and freshwater environments, playing a key role in aquatic food webs.Everyday thingsChia seed2 mmA chia seed is the edible seed of the Salvia hispanica plant, often used in foods such as puddings and cereals.
Everyday thingsQuinoa seed2 mmA quinoa seed is the edible seed of the Chenopodium quinoa plant, commonly used as a grain substitute in cooking.
MicroscopicSalt crystal300 µmA salt crystal is a small, naturally occurring or manufactured piece of sodium chloride used in food and industry.
Living thingsSesame seed3 mmA sesame seed is an oil-rich edible seed produced by the sesame plant and used whole, ground or pressed for oil.
Living thingsSmall ant5 mmAn ant is a social insect that lives in an organised colony, usually with workers, a queen and specialised roles.
Everyday thingsLentil5 mmA lentil is the edible, lens-shaped seed of the Lens culinaris plant, widely used in soups and stews.