Ribosome
A ribosome is a molecular machine that builds proteins by reading instructions carried by messenger RNA. Ribosomes are found in every living cell.
How big is it?
25 nm across
Characteristic size · representative
A little perspective
About 1.72 times the representative maximum molecular span of IgG antibody molecule.
IgG antibody molecule: An IgG antibody molecule is a Y-shaped protein produced by the immune system to identify and neutralise foreign substances.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Ribosome
A chosen 25 nm ribosome. Size depends on organism and subunit state.
University of Utah — Cell size and scale
The marked characteristic size is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
IgG antibody molecule
A representative immunoglobulin G molecule about 14.5 nm across its maximum projected Y-shaped span. Protein conformation is flexible and the illustration is a molecular surface model, not a hard-edged object.
RCSB Protein Data Bank — Antibody structure
The marked representative maximum molecular span is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Change your perspective
Put it next to…
Choose a suggestion to redraw the comparison, or open its page to learn what it is.
Why this measurement?
Why we use 25 nm
For comparison, this page uses characteristic size. This is labelled representative; the central value is useful for comparison, while real values or measurement solutions can vary.
A chosen 25 nm ribosome. Size depends on organism and subunit state.
The marked horizontal span follows the named feature; transparent margins and unmeasured details do not alter it. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Ribosome dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 nm | Not recorded | representative |
Around this scale
Go smaller. Go bigger.
These links use compatible length records, ordered around the selected value.
Nearest lower value · MicroscopicIgG antibody molecule14.5 nmAn IgG antibody molecule is a Y-shaped protein produced by the immune system to identify and neutralise foreign substances.
Nearest higher value · MicroscopicVirus100 nmA virus is an infectious particle containing genetic material inside a protein coat, sometimes with an outer envelope.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.
More ways to see it
Curated comparisons
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
Fundamental physicsProton1.682 fmA proton is a positively charged particle found in the nucleus of atoms, made up of quarks.
Microscopic10 µm cell10 µmA cell is the basic structural unit of living organisms.
People70 µm hair70 µmA hair is a slender strand of protein that grows from the skin of humans and other mammals.MicroscopicIgG antibody molecule14.5 nmAn IgG antibody molecule is a Y-shaped protein produced by the immune system to identify and neutralise foreign substances.MicroscopicVirus100 nmA virus is an infectious particle containing genetic material inside a protein coat, sometimes with an outer envelope.
MicroscopicInfluenza virion100 nmAn influenza virion is a single infectious particle of the influenza virus, consisting of genetic material inside a lipid envelope.
MicroscopicBacteriophage T4200 nmBacteriophage T4 is a virus that infects bacteria.
MicroscopicDNA double helix2 nmDNA is the molecule that stores hereditary information in living organisms.