22 Things Whose True Scale You Only Realize Through Comparison (23 Photos)
Size can feel like an abstract concept to us, which is why we’re constantly trying to measure everything—if not with a ruler, then with mathematical equations. Cold numbers might impress scientists, but most of us only truly grasp the colossal scale of an object when comparing it to something more familiar.
We’ve gathered 22 side-by-side photos featuring things everyone has heard of, but few realize their true scale. 
The Orchestre symphonique de Montréal features an octobass standing nearly 11.5 feet (3.5 meters) tall. It is the largest playable musical instrument in the world. 
Measuring just 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) long, the "Little Lady" is the world's most miniature harmonica—and this fully functional musical instrument often gets mistaken for a keychain. 
“The colossal size of the Antonov cargo plane made working on the loading ramp an unforgettable mission.” 
The Irukandji jellyfish holds record titles in two categories at once: it is both the smallest of its species and the most venomous. 
“My uncle is 6'3" (190 cm) tall and loves hot air ballooning. I snapped a photo of him inside the envelope while he was getting it ready for launch.” 
Legend has it that this rose bush in Hildesheim, Germany, was planted a thousand years ago. The plant even survived the destruction of the cathedral in 1945. Today, it stands 69 feet (21 meters) tall and 30 feet (9 meters) wide. 
A hummingbird feather next to a penny for scale. 
Massive Cane Corsos are direct descendants of ancient Roman warrior dogs. 
What maximum flavor with minimum calories actually looks like. 
Newborn octopuses look completely harmless. 
“My mom was blown away by the size of a real street lamp.” 
“Posing next to the smallest house in Great Britain cured my short-person complex (I'm 5'0"/ 152 cm).” 
The giant Brazilian rhubarb truly lives up to its name. 
The Statue of Unity is officially recognized as the tallest monument in the world. 
You only realize the true scale of a wind turbine when you stand right next to it. 
When size has no bearing on the seriousness of your intentions. 
“From this distance, only the tires of my dump truck fit in the frame—and this model is the second-largest truck in the world.” 
At just 12 weeks old, this Leonberger is nowhere near adulthood, but he’s already too big for his owner to carry. 
A person standing at the base of King Alfred’s Tower puts the sheer scale of the structure into perspective.
There’s plenty of legroom inside a mining excavator bucket. 
“My girlfriend was stunned by the size of a steam locomotive.” 
That rare photo you can't zoom out enough to fit on your screen and see both people clearly: one perched at the very top of a giant sequoia, and the other standing at its base.
