Have you ever wondered what things in the world measure around 85 feet long? Length can be hard to visualize until we compare it to familiar objects, buildings, animals, or vehicles. At 85 feet (25.9 meters), you’re looking at something taller than a 7-story building if stood upright, or nearly the length of a full basketball court.
In this article, we’ll explore 10 fascinating things that are about 85 feet long. From massive vehicles to natural wonders, these examples will help you better understand the scale of 85 feet in everyday life. Whether you’re curious for educational purposes, writing a report, or just want a new way to picture distance, this guide has you covered.
10 Things That Are About 85 Feet Long
1. A Blue Whale (the Largest Animal on Earth)
The blue whale is the undisputed giant of the animal kingdom. These majestic creatures can reach lengths of 82–100 feet, with some record specimens surpassing even that.
- Average length: 85–90 feet
- Weight: Up to 200 tons
- Fun fact: Their tongues alone can weigh as much as an elephant.
Standing next to one is like being beside a moving skyscraper. An adult blue whale perfectly represents the 85-foot length scale.
2. A Basketball Court
The standard NBA and NCAA basketball court measures 94 feet long, but many high school and community courts measure 84–85 feet long.
- Professional: 94 ft
- High school: 84–85 ft
- Width: 50 ft
So, the next time you walk across a basketball court, you’re covering nearly 85 feet in distance.
3. A Large Yacht
Luxury yachts come in all sizes, but many mid-size yachts measure around 80–90 feet long.
- Average: 85 feet
- Can accommodate: 8–12 guests comfortably
- Often comes with: Sun decks, cabins, lounges, and even small pools.
For boating enthusiasts, an 85-foot yacht represents both luxury and performance.
4. The Wright Flyer III (Historic Airplane)
While the Wright brothers’ first plane was much smaller, aviation quickly evolved. By the early 20th century, airplanes like the Wright Flyer III reached 85 feet in wingspan.
- Built in 1905
- Wingspan: ~85 feet
- Historical significance: First practical airplane capable of sustained flight.
This shows how far aviation has come—modern planes are hundreds of feet long, but early pioneers already reached this impressive wingspan.
5. A Locomotive Train Engine
Many diesel and electric train locomotives measure around 80–90 feet long.
- Example: GE AC6000CW = 76–86 ft long
- Weight: Up to 425,000 lbs
- Power: Can pull hundreds of freight cars.
When you see a train engine on the tracks, you’re looking at something very close to 85 feet in length.
6. The Tail Fin of a Boeing 747 (Height)
The Boeing 747 jumbo jet—often called the “Queen of the Skies”—has a tail fin that rises about 63–85 feet tall depending on the model.
- Aircraft length: ~231 ft
- Tail height: ~63–85 ft
- Symbol of global travel since the 1970s.
If you stood one of our 85-foot objects upright, it would reach about the same height as the iconic tail of this aircraft.
7. A Mature Redwood Tree
California’s coastal redwoods are the tallest trees in the world, with some soaring past 350 feet. However, many younger or smaller redwoods stand around 80–90 feet tall.
- Average growth in first decades: 70–90 feet
- Lifespan: Over 2,000 years
- Significance: Symbol of natural grandeur.
Walking through a redwood forest, you’ll often find trees right in the 85-foot height range.
8. An Olympic Swimming Pool (Width)
While most people know Olympic pools are 164 feet long (50 meters), the width is 82–85 feet.
- Length: 50 meters (~164 ft)
- Width: 25 meters (~82 ft, close to 85)
- Depth: 6–10 ft
So, the short side of an Olympic pool provides another great way to picture 85 feet.
9. A Ferris Wheel (Medium-Sized)
Not all Ferris wheels are giant, but many amusement parks feature wheels around 80–90 feet tall.
- Height: 85 feet (medium models)
- Riders: Dozens at a time
- Often the centerpiece of county fairs or theme parks.
Next time you ride one, you’ll be sitting in a structure that’s almost exactly 85 feet tall.
10. A Ten-Story Building (Approximate Height)
The average story of a building is 8–9 feet tall. By this standard, a 10-story building reaches about 85 feet in height.
- 1 story = ~8.5 ft
- 10 stories = ~85 ft
- Seen in many urban cityscapes.
This makes it easy to visualize—just imagine looking up at a 10-story office building.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About 85 Feet Long
1. How long is 85 feet in meters?
85 feet is equal to 25.91 meters.
2. How long is 85 feet in yards?
Since 1 yard = 3 feet, 85 feet is about 28.3 yards.
3. How many inches are in 85 feet?
85 feet equals 1,020 inches.
4. How tall is 85 feet in stories?
The average story of a building is 8–9 feet, so 85 feet is roughly 9–10 stories tall.
5. How far is 85 feet compared to a football field?
An American football field is 300 feet long. 85 feet is a little over one-quarter of a football field.
6. What are some things that are about 85 feet long?
- A blue whale (82–100 feet)
- A basketball court (high school courts are 84–85 feet)
- A luxury yacht (~85 feet)
- The width of an Olympic swimming pool (82–85 feet)
- A 10-story building (~85 feet tall).
7. How long does it take to walk 85 feet?
At an average walking speed (3 miles per hour), it takes about 18–20 seconds to walk 85 feet.
8. Is 85 feet considered long?
Yes—85 feet is quite long compared to everyday objects. For perspective, it’s longer than five standard cars parked in a row.
Conclusion
At 85 feet long, we’re talking about objects and structures that are truly impressive in scale—whether it’s the enormous blue whale, the width of an Olympic swimming pool, or the height of a 10-story building. By exploring these 10 examples, you now have a clearer picture of just how massive 85 feet really is.
Next time you come across a basketball court, a yacht, or even a redwood tree, you’ll instantly know: “That’s about 85 feet long!”