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
Sun vs Jupiter: diameter comparison
The diameter of the Sun is about 9.95 times the mean diameter of Jupiter.
Jupiter is a giant planet composed mainly of hydrogen and helium, orbiting the Sun beyond the asteroid belt.
Both rulers start at the same zero and share one linear scale. Artwork keeps its original proportions.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Sun
Diameter: 1,391,000 km; approximate.
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 diameter: 139,800 km; approximate.
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.
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 1,391,000 km
We compare the diameter of the Sun. This is an estimate; check the notes for its rounding and uncertainty.
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 measured feature, not the edges of the image. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
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
Explore nearby values.
Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Nearest lower valuePlanets, moons and spaceEarth–Moon distance384,400 kmDistanceThe Earth–Moon distance is the average space between the centres of the Earth and the Moon.
Nearest higher valuePlanets, moons and spaceSirius A2,379,000 kmDiameterSirius A is the brighter main-sequence star in the Sirius binary system.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.A closer look