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LHC · equivalent circle: size, dimension and comparison

The adopted reference is about 8.4858 km.

Diameter of a circle equivalent to a 26 659 m circumference

8.4858 km ≈ 8,485.8 m. A kilometer contains 1,000 meters.

An order of magnitude for the size of CERN's accelerator.

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LHC · equivalent circle, interpreted illustration
Interpreted illustration · dimension stated in the fact sheet.

What does this number measure?

CERN gives the LHC's circumference as 26 659 m. To compare a visible extent rather than draw the tunnel unrolled, we calculate the diameter of a circle with the same circumference: D = C/π ≈ 8.49 km. The real tunnel is not a perfect circle; this figure is neither its geographical map nor a measured maximum diameter. The blue modules are symbolic, and their thickness is not to scale.

Compare the stated dimensions

The comparison uses the number in each fact sheet: altitude, height, diameter, length or distance, depending on the reference. Two values in metres do not necessarily describe the same property.

Compare with Kola SG-3 · depth reached in the explorer →

Source and limitations

Quantity derived from the documented circumference. The actual shape, halls and thickness of the magnets are not measured by the image.

Detailed diagram of an equivalent circle with the same circumference as the LHC, not a map of the real tunnel. Reference diameter = 26 659 m / π, measured between opposite tube centrelines. Modules, halls and ring thickness are symbolic.