Yeast cell
Yeast is a group of single-celled fungi. Individual yeast cells grow and often reproduce by budding.
How big is it?
5 µm · characteristic size
Characteristic size · representative
A little perspective
Yeast cell vs Red blood cell: length comparison
The characteristic size of a red blood cell is about 1.5 times the characteristic size of a yeast cell.
A red blood cell is a specialised blood cell that transports oxygen using haemoglobin.
Both rulers start at the same zero and share one linear scale. Artwork keeps its original proportions. Horizontal rulers compare the selected spans; vertical brackets also identify height on the artwork.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Yeast cell
Characteristic size: 5 µm; representative.
A chosen 5 µm yeast cell; species and growth stage alter its size.
University of Utah — Cell size and scale
The marked characteristic size is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Red blood cell
Characteristic size: 7.5 µm; representative.
A chosen 7.5 µm human red-blood-cell diameter. Real cells vary and deform.
University of Utah — Cell size and scale
The marked characteristic size is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Use the visual comparison to explore its scale, then check the measurements and sources.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 5 µm
We compare the characteristic size of a yeast cell. This is a representative comparison value; individual specimens or conditions can vary.
A chosen 5 µm yeast cell; species and growth stage alter its size.
The marked vertical 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 µm | Not recorded | representative | |
| 40 pg | Not recorded | defined specimen |
Around this scale
Explore nearby values.
Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Nearest lower valueMicroscopic objectsPlatelet3 µmRepresentative diameterA platelet is a small blood-cell fragment that helps form clots and stop bleeding after a blood vessel is damaged.
Around the same scaleMicroscopic objectsCell10 µmDiameterA cell is the basic structural unit of living organisms.
Nearest higher valueMicroscopic objectsRed blood cell7.5 µmCharacteristic sizeA red blood cell is a specialised blood cell that transports oxygen using haemoglobin.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.MicroscopicRed blood cell7.5 µmA red blood cell is a specialised blood cell that transports oxygen using haemoglobin.MicroscopicPlatelet3 µmA platelet is a small blood-cell fragment that helps form clots and stop bleeding after a blood vessel is damaged.
MicroscopicDust particle10 µmDust is a mixture of tiny solid particles from sources such as soil, fibres, skin and pollen.MicroscopicCell10 µmA cell is the basic structural unit of living organisms.
PeopleSperm cell50 µmA sperm cell is a male reproductive cell with a compact head, energy-producing midpiece and a flagellum used for movement.