Rhine
The Rhine is a river in western Europe that flows from the Swiss Alps through several countries to the North Sea.
Also known as: Rhine River, River Rhine
How big is it?
1,230 km · approximate main-channel length
Also 764.3 mi
Approximate main-channel length · approximate
Typical recorded range: 1,200 km to 1,250 km.
A little perspective
Rhine vs Charon: length comparison
The main-channel length of the Rhine is about 1.01 times the mean diameter of Charon.
The Rhine is a river in western Europe that flows from the Swiss Alps through several countries to the North Sea.
Charon is a natural satellite of Pluto, composed mainly of rock and water ice.
Both rulers start at the same zero and share one linear scale. Artwork keeps its original proportions.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Rhine
Approximate main-channel length: 1,230 km; approximate; range 1,200 km–1,250 km.
The Rhine is commonly described as approximately 1,230 km long from its Alpine headwaters to the North Sea. Headwater choice and channel-centreline conventions affect the total.
Encyclopaedia Britannica — Rhine River
The marked approximate main-channel length is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Charon
Mean diameter: 1,212 km; approximate.
Rounded mean-radius model of Charon. The derived area and volume describe a sphere; surface terrain and flattening are omitted.
NASA JPL — Planetary satellite physical parameters
The marked mean 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 1,230 km
We compare the main-channel length of the Rhine. This is an estimate; check the notes for its rounding and uncertainty. The recorded range is 1,200 km to 1,250 km.
The Rhine is commonly described as approximately 1,230 km long from its Alpine headwaters to the North Sea. Headwater choice and channel-centreline conventions affect the total.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,230 km | 1,200 km to 1,250 km | approximate |
Around this scale
Explore nearby values.
Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Nearest lower valuePlaces and natural featuresSeine777 kmApproximate main-channel lengthThe Seine is a river in northern France that passes through Paris and flows into the English Channel.
Around the same scalePlanets, moons and spaceCharon1,212 kmMean diameterCharon is a natural satellite of Pluto, composed mainly of rock and water ice.
Nearest higher valuePlanets, moons and spaceRhea1,528 kmMean-equivalent diameterRhea is an icy moon of Saturn with a heavily cratered surface and bright fractures.Sources and method
Want to check the number?
The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Rhine RiverApproximately 1,230 km from Alpine headwaters to the North Sea; source and channel conventions affect length.
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PlacesDanube2,850 kmThe Danube is a major river in central and eastern Europe, flowing from Germany's Black Forest to the Black Sea.PlacesSeine777 kmThe Seine is a river in northern France that passes through Paris and flows into the English Channel.SpaceCharon1,212 kmCharon is a natural satellite of Pluto, composed mainly of rock and water ice.
SpaceCeres939.4 kmCeres is a dwarf planet located in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.TransportFive-hour drive at 100 km/h500 kmA five-hour drive at a set speed is the distance a vehicle covers in five hours of continuous travel without breaks.
SpacePluto2,377 kmPluto is a dwarf planet in the Kuiper Belt, composed of rock and ice and orbiting the Sun.
SpaceTriton2,705 kmTriton is a natural satellite of Neptune, with a retrograde orbit and a surface of frozen nitrogen.
SpaceEnceladus504.2 kmEnceladus is a natural satellite of Saturn, with an icy surface and plumes of water vapour erupting from its south pole.