20 Fascinating Things That Are 500 Feet Long: A Fun Guide
Among the list of things that are 500 feet long, you’ll find some of the world’s most iconic structures. They include buildings like a 50-story skyscraper, Blackpool Tower, and Spring Temple Buddha.
But that’s not it.
Whether you’re thinking about sports fields or walking distances, 500 feet is more common than you might realize. Stay with me, and I’ll make this measurement easy to understand using fun examples.
20 Surprising Things That Are 500 Feet Long
To make sense of 500 feet, let’s compare it to things you see or use often.
- Football Fields: 500 feet is about one and a half football field.
- Houses: If an average house is around 50 feet wide, picture ten houses lined up in a row.
- City Blocks: In many cities, a block is about 300 feet. So, 500 feet is almost two blocks.
Let’s look at all the comparisons to see how long 500 feet really is!
50-Story Building
A 50-story building is about 500 feet tall, the height of many office towers or hotels in cities. These buildings are built to hold thousands of people and often include elevators, meeting rooms, and even restaurants.
Architects design these tall structures with strong materials to keep them safe during storms or high winds. Some 50-story buildings have glass walls that reflect the sunlight, making them stand out against the skyline.
When you think about it, climbing 50 floors by stairs would take a long time. That’s why these buildings have high-speed elevators to make things easier. Inside, floors are divided into offices, apartments, or even hotel rooms.
Five Double-Decker Buses
Five double-decker buses together measure 500 feet. These buses are common in cities like London, where they transport hundreds of passengers every day.
Each bus has two levels and seats for dozens of people. The bottom level is usually more crowded, while the upper level offers a better view. They are longer and taller than regular buses, which makes them stand out on the road.
When buses like these line-up, they take up a lot of space. Each one is roughly 32 feet long. If you put five together, they could stretch across half a football field. They show how something familiar can give us a sense of larger measurements like 500 feet.
Three Olympic-Sized Swimming Pools
Three Olympic pools measure around 500 feet when placed end to end. Each pool is about 164 feet long, and they are used in major swimming competitions around the world.
Pools of this size are built with strict guidelines. Everything is measured perfectly, from the length to the depth, to ensure fairness during races. They hold a huge amount of water, sometimes over 600,000 gallons.
These pools are not only for swimming competitions but are also used for training professional athletes.
In daily life, a local swimming pool might feel big, but it is much smaller than an Olympic-sized one. Placing three together shows just how much space 500 feet takes up.
90 Percent of Washington Monument
The Washington Monument is 555 feet tall. So, 500 feet is almost its full height. This famous structure in Washington, D.C., is one of the tallest stone monuments in the world.
It was built in honor of George Washington, the first president of the United States. Inside, visitors can take an elevator to the top and look out at the city. Its design is simple but iconic, with a pointed top that can be seen from far away.
When comparing 500 feet to the Washington Monument, it helps to think about how this landmark dominates the skyline. Removing just a small part of the tip would make it exactly 500 feet tall.
50 Midsize Sedans Parked End-to-End
If you park 50 mid-sized sedans in a straight line, they will cover 500 feet.
Cars are something we see every day, so this comparison makes sense. Parking lots and streets filled with rows of cars give you an idea of what 500 feet looks like. Picture 50 of them in one long line stretching across a field or parking area.
This length shows how even small objects add up to impressive distances when multiplied. Cars are compact compared to larger vehicles like trucks, but when you line up 50 of them, they take up significant space.
10 Semi-Truck Trailers
Semi-truck trailers are 50 feet long each. If you align 10 of them, their combined length equals 500 feet.
These trucks are designed to move goods across long distances. You’ll often see them on highways carrying everything from electronics to groceries. A single trailer is large enough to fit several cars inside, so they are essential for transportation.
When 10 of these trailers are lined up, they form a long chain that takes up a lot of room. It shows how important these vehicles are in moving large amounts of products efficiently.
100 Shopping Carts Lined Up
Shopping carts are about 5 feet long. If you line up 100 of them, they will reach 500 feet.
Carts are common in grocery stores, where they help people carry items while shopping. Though they are small, putting 100 together shows how small things can add up. It also makes you think about how much space even everyday items like carts can take when grouped together.
40 Pickup Trucks Lined Up
Pickup trucks are about 12 feet long. Placing 40 of them back to back equals 500 feet.
Pickup trucks are used for work, towing, or even carrying furniture during a move. They have a strong build and are often longer than regular cars. A line of 40 would stretch across a wide area, showing how far 500 feet is in terms of vehicles.
This example works because trucks are common and easy to visualize. They also help explain large measurements in a simple way.
Approximately half of the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is 1,083 feet tall, so half of its height is about 541 feet. Therefore, it’s safe to say that 500 feet is close to half.
The Eiffel Tower is, without any doubt, iconic. It is made of iron and has several observation decks. Comparing 500 feet to half the Eiffel Tower shows how grand this distance is while keeping it relatable.
This comparison also works because people often recognize the Eiffel Tower, making it a good example for explaining large measurements.
1.4 Football Fields
A football field is 360 feet (if you include end zones as well). So, 1.4 fields or little less than one and a half football field is 500 feet.
Football fields are large spaces used for games, practice, and training. Covering this distance by running takes skill and stamina. Adding almost half a field to the length gives you a clear sense of how far 500 feet really is.
This example is helpful for sports fans or anyone familiar with stadiums, as it uses something familiar to explain a big number.
40 Basketball Court Sidelines
A basketball court sideline is about 12.5 feet long. If you line up 40 of them, they would reach around 500 feet.
Basketball courts are found in schools, gyms, and sports arenas. The sidelines mark the edges of the playing area and are a familiar part of the game. If you think about how small one sideline is, multiplying it by 40 shows just how long 500 feet stretches.
This length also puts into perspective how much space is needed for sports events or activities. Courts may feel compact when you’re playing, but breaking it down into 40 sidelines shows how even smaller measurements can add up to something big.
Blackpool Tower in England
The Blackpool Tower in England is 518 feet tall, which is slightly taller than 500 feet. This famous structure is a landmark in Blackpool and has been a tourist attraction for over 120 years.
It was inspired by the Eiffel Tower but is smaller. The tower includes an observation deck with views of the surrounding coastline, as well as a ballroom and theater.
At around 500 feet tall, the Blackpool Tower is a great example of how big this measurement is. It’s tall enough to stand out in the skyline but still small compared to modern skyscrapers.
Spring Temple Buddha (With Throne) in China
The Spring Temple Buddha in China is about 502 feet tall, including its throne, which is nearly identical to 500 feet.
This statue was built to honor Buddha’s teachings. The base, which includes the throne, adds to its overall height.
50 Average Kayaks Lined Up
An average kayak is about 10 feet long. Line up 50 kayaks, and you’ll have 500 feet.
Kayaks are small boats used for paddling on rivers, lakes, or even the ocean. They are light, easy to handle, and a favorite choice for outdoor enthusiasts. When you think about 50 kayaks in a row, it highlights how even small things can add up to a long distance.
This example works well because kayaks are common and familiar, making the concept of 500 feet easier to grasp.
Two Boeing 777-300 Aircraft
A Boeing 777-300 is 242 feet long. Placing two of them nose-to-tail would make a combined length of 484 feet, which is close to 500 feet.
This plane is one of the largest used for commercial flights. It can carry hundreds of passengers and has spacious cabins designed for long trips. Seeing two of these massive aircraft together shows the scale of 500 feet.
Five Blue Whales
The blue whale is usually 100 feet long. Five blue whales lined up end-to-end equal 500 feet.
These whales are known for their enormous size and gentle nature. They feed on tiny creatures like krill and can weigh as much as 200 tons. When you imagine five of these creatures together, it shows how impressive 500 feet is.
This comparison works because blue whales are already so large, and multiplying their size gives a real sense of scale.
Two City Blocks
In most U.S. cities, a standard city block measures around 260 feet. Two blocks together make about 520 feet, which is very close to 500 feet.
City blocks are often used as a quick way to measure distance. Walking two blocks takes a few minutes, depending on your pace. This comparison is simple because many people have experienced walking or driving across city blocks.
It’s an everyday way to explain the length of 500 feet using something familiar and easy to understand.
50 Percent of a Modern Cruise Ship
Modern cruise ships, like Harmony of the Seas, are around 1,188 feet long. Half of this is about 594 feet, which is close to 500 feet.
Cruise ships are like floating cities. They have restaurants, swimming pools, theaters, and even shopping centers. They are built to carry thousands of passengers on long trips across oceans. Comparing 500 feet to half of a cruise ship gives a good sense of how massive these vessels are.
Spacing Between Five Street Lights
Streetlights are typically spaced about 100 feet apart. If you count five in a row, the distance between them would be 500 feet.
Streetlights are everywhere, lining roads and paths to provide visibility at night. Most people have walked or driven past multiple streetlights in a row. This makes it a practical and easy way to picture 500 feet.
The spacing of streetlights is consistent, which helps this comparison feel straightforward and relatable.
Ten Shipping Containers
A standard shipping container is 50 feet long. Placing ten of them end-to-end makes 500 feet.
Shipping containers are built to be strong and weatherproof, protecting their contents during long journeys. Seeing ten of them lined up in a row shows the scale of 500 feet.
This example works well because shipping containers are common in ports and industrial areas, making them useful for visualizing large distances.
After learning about 500 feet, you might also enjoy discovering what 400 feet looks like in everyday objects.
Things That Are 500 Feet Long to Walk
Walking 500 feet isn’t far. To put it into perspective, it’s about the length of 1.4 football fields or two city blocks. It’s also similar to walking the distance covered by five streetlights, assuming each is spaced about 100 feet apart.
At an average walking speed, most people can cover 500 feet in under two minutes. It’s like walking across a parking lot, down a hallway at school, or from one side of a small park to the other. You might not even notice you’ve walked 500 feet unless you’re paying attention to the distance.
This length is easy to cover without feeling tired, even for someone who doesn’t walk often. Whether you’re strolling in a shopping plaza, walking to a nearby shop, or stretching your legs during a break, 500 feet is quick and manageable.
How Far is 500 Feet to Walk?
500 feet is a short and easy distance to walk. Most people walk at a pace of about 3 to 4 miles per hour, which means they cover roughly 260 to 300 feet in a minute. For the average person, walking 500 feet would take just under two minutes.
To make it relatable, think about walking past 50 parked cars lined up in a row or crossing a large parking lot. It’s also close to walking the length of two city blocks or the span of five streetlights.
This distance doesn’t require much effort and is perfect for a quick stretch or a short walk to a nearby location.
Walking 500 feet feels natural in daily life. It’s the kind of distance you might cover when walking from one end of a grocery store to the other or heading from your car to a building. It’s short, simple, and something you can do quickly.
How Many Football Fields are 500 Feet?
500 feet is about 1.4 football fields long when including the end zones. A standard football field is exactly 360 feet (from one end to the other). To reach 500 feet, you would cover the length of a full field and add 140 feet—almost half of another field.
Football fans can relate to this measurement because they see players running up and down the field during games. Covering 1.4 fields would take a quarterback’s long pass or two strong sprints. This distance clearly shows how far 500 feet is in a sports context.
It’s an impressive length but still manageable when visualized on a football field. Whether you’re watching from the stands or imagining it on the ground, this comparison makes 500 feet easier to understand.
How Far is 500 Feet in Blocks?
500 feet is roughly the length of two city blocks. In many U.S. cities, a single block measures about 260 feet, so walking two blocks equals 520 feet, which is very close to 500 feet.
City blocks are a common way to measure walking distances in urban areas. If you’ve ever walked from one street corner to the next, you know how short a block feels.
Walking two blocks is just a little further, and that’s about 500 feet. It’s a useful comparison because it’s something most people have experienced.
If you live in a city or visit one often, walking 500 feet might mean heading to the next shop, crossing a park, or getting to a bus stop. It’s a simple, everyday distance that feels natural to cover on foot.
500 feet is impressive, but did you know how far 100 feet looks? Check out this guide on 40 objects that are 100 feet long.
How Far is 500 Feet in Minutes?
Walking 500 feet takes about two minutes for most people. The average walking speed is about 3 to 4 miles per hour, meaning you can cover around 264 feet in one minute. At that pace, 500 feet requires just under two minutes of walking.
This time frame makes 500 feet a very short and practical distance. You could walk it while waiting for an elevator or stretching your legs during a break. It’s the kind of distance you might walk to grab a snack, get your mail, or head to a nearby shop.
If you’re walking outdoors, it’s the time it takes to cross a small field, walk through a parking lot, or stroll past a few streetlights. Whether you’re moving quickly or taking your time, walking 500 feet doesn’t take much effort.
500 Feet Tall Building
A building that is 500 feet tall is about 50 stories high. Many skyscrapers in cities like New York or Chicago are close to this height, and they stand out in the skyline.
Buildings this tall are often used for offices, hotels, or luxury apartments. At 500 feet, they can accommodate thousands of people and include high-speed elevators to make moving between floors easier.
Some buildings of this height even have observation decks, giving visitors breathtaking views of the city below.
While 500 feet isn’t as tall as the world’s biggest skyscrapers, it’s still impressive. For reference, the Washington Monument is a little taller at 555 feet.
A 500-foot building is large enough to be a landmark and shows the incredible skills of modern architects and engineers.
500 Feet Visualized
Visualizing 500 feet is easier when you compare it to familiar things. It’s about the length of 1.4 football fields or two city blocks. It’s also roughly the same as 50 parked cars, 10 semi-truck trailers, or five blue whales lined up.
For walking, 500 feet takes about two minutes at an average pace. In terms of buildings, 500 feet equals about 50 stories, which is tall enough to stand out in any skyline. If you’re thinking about streets, it’s the spacing between five streetlights or the length of a medium-sized bridge.
Conclusion
Here’s a summary of things that are 500 feet long:
- 500 feet is equal to 1.4 football fields or two city blocks.
- It takes about two minutes to walk 500 feet at a normal pace.
- Famous structures like 50-story buildings or Blackpool Tower are around 500 feet tall.
- You could line up 50 cars, 10 semi-trailers, or five blue whales to match 500 feet.
- It’s a relatable distance seen in sports, cities, and nature.
Understanding 500 feet has never been this easy or fun. Next time you need to picture this length, you’ll know just how big it is!