Sun
The Sun is the star at the centre of the Solar System. Its light and heat power most life and weather on Earth.
Also known as: the sun, sol
How big is it?
1,391,000 km across
Diameter · approximate
A little perspective
About 9.95 times the mean diameter of Jupiter.
Jupiter: Jupiter is a giant planet composed mainly of hydrogen and helium, orbiting the Sun beyond the asteroid belt.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Sun
Our star, modelled with the IAU nominal solar radius. “Surface” means the visible photosphere. The core is much hotter; this is not a solid surface.
IAU — nominal solar and planetary conversion constants
The marked diameter is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Jupiter
Mean-radius spherical model for Jupiter; actual shape is not perfectly spherical. Gravity refers to a conventional atmospheric level, not solid ground.
NASA JPL — planetary physical parameters
The marked mean diameter 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 1,391,000 km
For comparison, this page uses diameter. This is labelled approximate; the central value is useful for comparison, while real values or measurement solutions can vary.
Our star, modelled with the IAU nominal solar radius. “Surface” means the visible photosphere. The core is much hotter; this is not a solid surface.
The marked horizontal span follows the named feature; transparent margins and unmeasured details do not alter it. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Sun dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,391,000 km | Not recorded | approximate | |
| 695,700 km | Not recorded | approximate | |
| 4,371,000 km | Not recorded | approximate | |
| 6.082 × 10¹² km² | Not recorded | approximate | |
| 1.41 × 10¹⁸ km³ | Not recorded | approximate | |
| 1 M☉ | Not recorded | approximate | |
| 274 m/s² | Not recorded | approximate | |
| 5,772 K | Not recorded | approximate | |
| 15,000,000 K | Not recorded | approximate | |
| 3.828 × 10¹⁴ TW | Not recorded | approximate |
Around this scale
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These links use compatible length records, ordered around the selected value.
Sources and method
Want to check the number?
The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
- NASA — Sun factsSolar dimensions and temperatures. Nominal radius 695,700 km and nominal luminosity 3.828 × 10²⁶ W use IAU conversion constants.
- IAU — nominal solar and planetary conversion constantsResolution B3 defines nominal solar radius and luminosity; nominal constants are conversion anchors, not new measurements.
- NASA — Planet CompareConventional surface gravities; giant-planet values refer to an atmospheric reference level. Earth uses standard gravity, 9.80665 m/s².
More ways to see it
Curated comparisons
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
SpaceEarth12,740 kmEarth is the rocky planet on which we live and the third planet from the Sun.
SpaceJupiter139,800 kmJupiter is a giant planet composed mainly of hydrogen and helium, orbiting the Sun beyond the asteroid belt.
SpaceNeutron star20 kmA neutron star is the dense remnant core left after a massive star explodes as a supernova, composed mostly of neutrons.
SpaceEarth–Sun distance1 AUThe Earth–Sun distance, or astronomical unit, is the standard measure of separation between Earth and the Sun used in astronomy.SpaceSirius A2,379,000 kmSirius A is the brighter main-sequence star in the Sirius binary system.SpaceEarth–Moon distance384,400 kmThe Earth–Moon distance is the average space between the centres of the Earth and the Moon.
SpaceProxima Centauri214,300 kmProxima Centauri is a red dwarf star and the closest known star to the Sun.
SpaceSaturn116,500 kmSaturn is a giant planet made mostly of hydrogen and helium, distinguished by its extensive ring system.