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Water molecule: size, dimension and comparison

The adopted reference is about 275 pm.

Approximate diameter

pm means picometer: a unit used to measure atoms and their bonds. Imagine 1 millimeter split into one billion equal pieces: one piece measures 1 pm.

A bent molecule made up of one oxygen atom and two hydrogen atoms.

Explore at this scale
Water molecule, interpreted illustration
Interpreted illustration · dimension stated in the fact sheet.

What does this number measure?

A bent molecule combining one oxygen atom and two hydrogen atoms. Displayed dimension: approximate diameter.

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 Carbon atom in the explorer →

Source and limitations

Catalogue value to check against the source; not individually audited.

Water: a compact bent molecular model, with one oxygen and two hydrogens. Conventional colours and surfaces; approximate diameter.