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Influenza virus: size, dimension and comparison

The adopted reference is about 100 nm.

Representative diameter

nm means nanometer: a unit used for molecules and tiny features in computer chips. Imagine 1 millimeter split into one million equal pieces: one piece measures 1 nm.

Viral particles vary in shape and diameter.

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

What does this number measure?

Viral particles have varied shapes and diameters. Displayed dimension: representative 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.

Source and limitations

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

Influenza virus: model of an enveloped virion bearing surface proteins. Shape, distribution and colours are interpreted; representative diameter, varying between particles.