When you hear the measurement 500 feet, it can be hard to picture exactly how long that is. To put it in perspective, 500 feet equals 152 meters, which is about the length of one and a half football fields. Understanding this length can be useful in everyday life, whether you’re visualizing distances, appreciating architecture, or comparing natural wonders. In this article, we’ll explore 9 fascinating things that are about 500 feet long, giving you real-world examples to make this measurement more relatable.
9 Things That Are About 500 Feet (ft) Long
1. A Football Field and a Half
An American football field (including the end zones) measures 360 feet long. That means 500 feet is roughly 1.4 football fields, making it a helpful way to visualize this distance.
2. The Length of a Large Cruise Ship
Some of the world’s largest cruise ships, such as the Oasis-class vessels, measure around 1,180 feet long. That’s over twice the length of 500 feet, so half of one of these ships is close to our target measurement.
3. The Washington Monument
The iconic Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. stands at 555 feet tall. That’s just slightly taller than 500 feet, making it an excellent real-world comparison.
4. The Tallest Roller Coasters
Kingda Ka, the world’s tallest roller coaster, reaches 456 feet at its highest point. That’s nearly the same as 500 feet—just short by about 44 feet.
5. Skyscraper Comparisons
Many skyscrapers around the world fall into the 500–600 foot range. For example, the Torre Latinoamericana in Mexico City stands at 597 feet tall, while several U.S. office buildings are around the 500-foot mark.
6. City Blocks
In many U.S. cities, a standard city block is about 300 feet long. Walking one and a half blocks gives you roughly 500 feet of distance.
7. A Baseball Field Home Run
The farthest fences in Major League Baseball stadiums stretch around 400–420 feet from home plate. A home run hit a little beyond that distance would travel close to 500 feet.
8. Airplane Runways
Some shorter regional airport runways are around 500–700 feet long, used primarily for small planes. While commercial jets need longer strips, 500 feet gives you a sense of a smaller airstrip’s scale.
9. Suspension Bridge Spans
The central span of smaller suspension bridges often measures around 500 feet. While major ones like the Golden Gate exceed thousands of feet, local suspension bridges frequently fall into this length category.
Why Understanding 500 Feet Matters
Visualizing 500 feet has practical applications:
- Sports & recreation: Helps fans and athletes compare distances in stadiums.
- Architecture & engineering: Skyscrapers and monuments often reach this height.
- Travel & navigation: Useful for gauging distances while walking in cities.
Frequently Asked Questions About 500 Feet
How far is 500 feet?
Five hundred feet equals 152.4 meters or about 0.09 miles.
How many yards are in 500 feet?
There are 166.6 yards in 500 feet, since 1 yard = 3 feet.
How many stories tall is 500 feet?
A typical building story is around 10–12 feet high, so a 500-foot building is about 40–50 stories tall.
How many football fields is 500 feet?
An American football field (360 feet with end zones) is shorter than 500 feet. So 500 feet equals about 1.4 football fields.
How long does it take to walk 500 feet?
At an average walking speed of 3 miles per hour (264 feet per minute), it takes about 2 minutes to walk 500 feet.
Is 500 feet longer than a city block?
Yes. In many U.S. cities, one block is about 300 feet, so 500 feet equals about 1.5 city blocks.
How many steps are in 500 feet?
With an average step length of 2.5 feet, walking 500 feet takes around 200 steps.
Conclusion
From the Washington Monument to roller coasters, skyscrapers, and baseball home runs, 500 feet is a remarkable length that shows up in both human-made structures and natural experiences. Next time someone mentions 500 feet, you’ll be able to picture it clearly—whether it’s the height of a monument or the length of a city block and a half.