Salt crystal
A salt crystal is a small, naturally occurring or manufactured piece of sodium chloride used in food and industry.
How big is it?
300 µm across
Characteristic size · representative
A little perspective
Grain of sand is about 1.67 times larger on this measurement.
Grain of sand: A grain of sand is a tiny fragment of rock or mineral, commonly found on beaches and in soil.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Salt crystal
A chosen 0.3 mm table-salt crystal. The irregular illustration is a scale specimen.
University of Utah — Cell size and scale
The marked characteristic size is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Grain of sand
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.
Change your perspective
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Choose a suggestion to redraw the comparison, or open its page to learn what it is.
Why this measurement?
Why we use 300 µm
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 0.3 mm table-salt crystal. The irregular illustration is a scale specimen.
The marked horizontal span follows the named feature; transparent margins and unmeasured details do not alter it. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Salt crystal dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 300 µm | Not recorded | representative | |
| 60 µg | Not recorded | defined specimen |
Around this scale
Go smaller. Go bigger.
These links use compatible length records, ordered around the selected value.
Nearest lower value · Everyday thingsSheet of paper100 µmA sheet of paper is a flat material made from cellulose pulp, used for writing, printing or packaging.
Around the same scale · MicroscopicAmoeba cell300 µmAn amoeba cell is a single-celled organism that moves and engulfs food by extending temporary projections called pseudopodia.
Nearest higher value · MicroscopicGrain of sand500 µmA grain of sand is a tiny fragment of rock or mineral, commonly found on beaches and in soil.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.MicroscopicGrain of sand500 µmA grain of sand is a tiny fragment of rock or mineral, commonly found on beaches and in soil.Everyday thingsSheet of paper100 µmA sheet of paper is a flat material made from cellulose pulp, used for writing, printing or packaging.
Living thingsPoppy seed1 mmA poppy seed is an edible seed produced by plants in the poppy family and commonly used in breads and other foods.
People70 µm hair70 µmA hair is a slender strand of protein that grows from the skin of humans and other mammals.MicroscopicAmoeba cell300 µmAn amoeba cell is a single-celled organism that moves and engulfs food by extending temporary projections called pseudopodia.