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 across
Characteristic size · representative
A little perspective
Red blood cell is about 1.5 times larger on this measurement.
Red blood cell: A red blood cell is a specialised blood cell that transports oxygen using haemoglobin.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Yeast cell
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
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.
Change your perspective
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 5 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 5 µm yeast cell; species and growth stage alter its size.
The marked vertical span follows the named feature; transparent margins and unmeasured details do not alter it. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Yeast cell dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 µm | Not recorded | representative | |
| 40 pg | 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 · MicroscopicPlatelet3 µmA platelet is a small blood-cell fragment that helps form clots and stop bleeding after a blood vessel is damaged.
Around the same scale · Microscopic10 µm cell10 µmA cell is the basic structural unit of living organisms.
Nearest higher value · MicroscopicRed blood cell7.5 µmA 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.Microscopic10 µm cell10 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.