Grain of rice
A grain of rice is the edible seed of the rice plant, widely consumed as a staple food.
How big is it?
7 mm long
Also 0.28 in
Length · example
How big is a grain of rice? Our chosen uncooked grain is 7 mm (0.28 in) long. That is length, not width or diameter, and not an average for every variety. Cooking changes the grain's size. Compare rice length with a dry lentil's diameter.
A little perspective
Grain of rice vs Housefly: length comparison
The length of a grain of rice is approximately equal to the body length of a housefly.
A grain of rice is the edible seed of the rice plant, widely consumed as a staple food.
A housefly is a common flying insect often found near human habitation and associated with transmitting diseases.
Both rulers start at the same zero and share one linear scale. Artwork keeps its original proportions.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Grain of rice
Length: 7 mm; example.
Uncooked illustrative grain, 7 mm long and 25 mg.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked length is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Housefly
Body length: 7 mm; representative.
A chosen 7 mm housefly body. Legs and wings extend beyond the measured span.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked body length is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Use the visual comparison to explore its scale, then check the measurements and sources.
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 7 mm
We compare the length of a grain of rice. This is an illustrative comparison value, not a claim that every example is the same.
Uncooked illustrative grain, 7 mm long and 25 mg.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 mm | Not recorded | example | |
| 25 mg | 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 valueEveryday objectsLentil5 mmDefined seed diameterA lentil is the edible, lens-shaped seed of the Lens culinaris plant, widely used in soups and stews.
Around the same scaleLiving thingsHousefly7 mmBody lengthA housefly is a common flying insect often found near human habitation and associated with transmitting diseases.
Nearest higher valueEveryday objectsChickpea9 mmDefined seed diameterA chickpea is an edible seed from the Cicer arietinum plant, commonly used in cooking and also called a garbanzo bean.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.
Living thingsHousefly7 mmA housefly is a common flying insect often found near human habitation and associated with transmitting diseases.Everyday thingsChickpea9 mmA chickpea is an edible seed from the Cicer arietinum plant, commonly used in cooking and also called a garbanzo bean.
Living thingsMosquito6 mmA mosquito is a slender flying insect with long legs and a piercing mouthpart.Everyday thingsLentil5 mmA lentil is the edible, lens-shaped seed of the Lens culinaris plant, widely used in soups and stews.
PeopleFingernail1.5 cmA fingernail is the hard, protective covering at the tip of a human finger, composed of keratin.
Living thingsLadybird6 mmA ladybird is a small beetle that feeds on aphids and is beneficial to gardens.
Everyday things10 mm round button1 cmA round button is a small disc-shaped fastener sewn onto clothing to join fabric.
PeopleHuman eyeball2.4 cmThe human eyeball is the globe-shaped organ that receives light and begins the process of vision.