Understanding measurements like 100 feet can sometimes be tricky. This length is used in everyday contexts, but it’s not always easy to picture how long or tall it truly is. To help, we’ve rounded up 13 common things that measure approximately 100 feet long or tall, offering relatable examples from nature, transportation, and architecture. Let’s dive in!
How to Measure 100 Feet by Walking
Without a measuring tape, estimating 100 feet might seem challenging. However, walking is a simple way to gauge this length.
Step Length: The average human step measures between 2.5 and 3 feet. To estimate 100 feet, determine your stride length first.
- For example, if your step length is 2.5 feet, it will take roughly 40 steps to reach 100 feet.
- With a 3-foot step, it’s closer to 33–34 steps.
To measure your stride, walk naturally over a marked distance (like 10 feet), count your steps, and divide the distance by your step count. Once you know your stride, you can measure longer distances like 100 feet with confidence!
1. A Blue Whale
The blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus), the largest animal on Earth, is a breathtaking example of something that measures 100 feet. These gentle giants can weigh up to 199 tons and grow to 100 feet long—longer than a basketball court.
Blue whales primarily feed on tiny krill, consuming up to 6 tons daily through baleen plates, which filter their food from ocean water. Found in nearly every ocean, they migrate between polar feeding grounds and tropical breeding areas, although some populations remain stationary. These majestic creatures face threats from ship collisions, fishing nets, and climate change, keeping them on the endangered species list.
2. Two Megalodons
The megalodon, an ancient predator, sparks awe even millions of years after its extinction. Measuring between 50 and 67 feet, two megalodons side by side equal 100 feet.
Fossils reveal these massive sharks had teeth up to 7 inches long, designed to hunt large marine animals, including whales. Despite ruling the oceans for millions of years, the megalodon vanished roughly 3.6 million years ago, likely due to cooling seas and food scarcity. Scientists still study their fossils to understand their dominance and mysterious extinction.
3. A 10-Story Building
Standing next to a 10-story building gives you a clear idea of what 100 feet tall looks like. These structures often serve as apartments, offices, or hotels, particularly in urban areas.
While considered mid-sized compared to towering skyscrapers, buildings of this height still dominate cityscapes. From elevators to rooftop views, these structures are integral to urban development and modern living.
4. Two Shipping Containers
Shipping containers are a cornerstone of global trade. At 50 feet each, two containers placed end-to-end stretch 100 feet.
These sturdy, rectangular units are used across cargo ships, trucks, and trains, transporting everything from electronics to food supplies. Their uniform dimensions simplify stacking and storage, ensuring efficient transport worldwide.
5. A Football Field (Without End Zones)
For sports fans, 100 feet is easy to imagine—it’s the length of a football field from one 20-yard line to the other.
While the full field, including end zones, measures 360 feet, the portion between the 20-yard lines is an excellent representation of this length. Watching a quarterback throw a long pass or a player sprint across the field offers a vivid sense of how far 100 feet truly is.
6. Half a Hockey Rink
An official hockey rink measures 200 feet in length, so cutting it in half gives you 100 feet.
Whether you’re a fan of the NHL or casual ice skating, this measurement can help you visualize the size of a rink. The rectangular rink with rounded corners is not just an iconic part of ice sports but also a helpful reference for estimating distances.
Read this blog: 13 Common Things That are 100 Feet (ft) Long or Tall
7. Boeing 737 Aircraft
The Boeing 737, a common commercial aircraft, is another perfect example of 100 feet in length. Specifically, the 737-500 series measures approximately 101 feet.
Known for efficiency and versatility, this plane is widely used for domestic and international flights, comfortably seating passengers while maximizing fuel efficiency. Over 11,000 Boeing 737s have been delivered worldwide, highlighting their importance in modern aviation.
8. Three Volleyball Nets
Volleyball nets offer another practical way to picture 100 feet. A standard indoor volleyball net is about 32 feet long, so lining up three nets equals roughly 100 feet.
These nets are used in a variety of settings, from professional matches to beach volleyball and backyard games. This comparison showcases how relatable and common this length is in recreational activities.
9. Five Rolls-Royce Phantoms
Each Rolls-Royce Phantom, a symbol of luxury, measures around 20 feet in length. Aligning five of these exquisite cars bumper to bumper adds up to 100 feet.
The Phantom is known for its sleek design, unparalleled craftsmanship, and spacious interiors, making it a dream vehicle for many. Visualizing 100 feet through these cars highlights both their length and grandeur.
10. A Standard Extension Cord
Extension cords are household essentials, with lengths often reaching up to 100 feet. These cords are commonly used for outdoor projects, such as powering garden tools or holiday lights.
Their portability and length make them versatile tools, bridging the gap when outlets are far from the area of work. This everyday item is a practical representation of 100 feet.
Read this blog: 10 Common Things That Are 8 Inches Long
11. Two Cypress Trees
Cypress trees, known for their height and elegance, typically grow to about 50 feet tall. Two standing together showcase the impressive length of 100 feet.
These trees are widely used in landscaping, thanks to their dense foliage and narrow form, which creates natural hedges or windbreaks. Their striking height adds to their beauty and practicality.
12. Three School Buses
A standard school bus measures about 30 to 35 feet in length. Placing three buses in a line totals close to 100 feet, a relatable comparison for most people.
These iconic yellow vehicles transport millions of children daily, making them a memorable part of childhood and an accessible way to imagine distances.
13. Power Transmission Towers
Power transmission towers, essential for delivering electricity across long distances, are often around 100 feet tall. These towering structures carry high-voltage lines, ensuring homes and businesses remain powered.
Their robust design enables them to withstand harsh weather conditions, making them crucial components of the power grid. Standing next to one offers a true sense of how tall 100 feet is.
Conclusion
These 13 examples of things that are 100 feet long or tall bring this measurement into clear focus. From the grandeur of a blue whale to the utility of a power tower, 100 feet is a length that appears in both extraordinary and everyday contexts.
Whether you’re visualizing this distance for practical purposes or simply out of curiosity, these relatable examples prove just how common and impactful this length is in our world.
