10 Common Things That are 400 Feet Big
In our vast world filled with both natural and man-made marvels, the measure of 400 feet often appears as a recurring dimension.
From the towering heights of urban skyscrapers to the lengths of bustling city blocks, this measurement represents more than just a unit of length—it’s a testament to human ambition, engineering, and the wonders of nature.
Dive into this guide to discover objects and phenomena, both familiar and peculiar, that stretch up to this significant length.
How Big Is 400 Feet?
400 feet is a considerable distance often used in various contexts, from construction projects to aviation. To visualize 400 feet, imagine the height of a 40-story building, as each story is typically around 10 feet.
If you’re familiar with American football, a field, excluding the end zones, is 360 feet long, so 400 feet would extend just beyond that.
In more relatable terms, if you laid out 400 standard foot-long rulers end-to-end, they would stretch out for 400 feet. For those who prefer the metric system, 400 feet is roughly equivalent to 122 meters.
Conversion Of 400 Feet Into Different Units
Here’s a table showcasing the conversion of 400 feet into various common units of length
| Unit | Value |
| Inches | 4800 in |
| Centimeters | 12192 cm |
| Meters | 121.92 m |
| Yards | 133.33 yd |
| Kilometers | 0.12192 km |
| Miles | 0.075 mi |
How To Measure 400 Feet Easily?
Accurately measuring a distance of 400 feet can be straightforward with the right approach. Follow these steps for precision
Choose a Suitable Area
Select an open area where you can lay out the entire 400 feet without obstacles or curves.
Gather Your Tools
Prepare a measuring tape or wheel, ensuring it’s long enough to cover the distance comfortably.
Begin at One End
Position yourself at one end of the area and anchor the starting point of the tape or wheel.
Unroll the Measuring Tool
Carefully unroll the measuring tape or push the wheel forward, maintaining a straight line.
Mark Each 100-Foot Interval
As you progress, place markers or make distinct notches at every 100-foot point for better tracking.
Continue Unrolling
Keep extending the measuring tool until you’ve reached the full 400 feet length.
Double-Check Alignment
Ensure the measuring tool remains straight and aligned to prevent inaccuracies.
Reach the End
Once you’ve covered the entire 400 feet, mark the endpoint clearly.
Calculate the Measurement
If needed, add the lengths of any partial measurements taken beyond the 100-foot intervals.
Record Your Findings
Note down the measured distance for reference or future use.
Pack Up Carefully
Roll up the measuring tape or retrieve the wheel, and neatly collect any markers used.
Verify Accuracy
Double-check the measurements to ensure precision, especially if it’s for a critical task.
10 Common Things That Are 400 Feet Big
To give a clearer picture of just how big 400 feet is, here’s a closer look at ten familiar objects or structures that roughly equate to this measurement.
1. Skyscrapers
Skyscrapers are impressive man-made structures that punctuate city skylines worldwide. When we talk about a building that’s 400 feet tall, we’re discussing a high-rise with approximately 30 to 40 stories, depending on ceiling height.
At this height, occupants on the top floors can enjoy panoramic views, seeing for miles on a clear day. These giants are not just marvels of engineering; they’re also symbolic of economic power and urban growth.
2. Football Fields
The average American football field, if you include both end zones, is about 360 feet long. Once you factor in additional spaces like behind the goalposts, you get closer to 400 feet.
These spaces don’t just host athletic events; they serve as community gathering points, where fans come together to support their favorite teams, share in the thrill of victory, and the agony of defeat.
3. Aircraft Runways
Runways are critical infrastructures at airports, allowing airplanes to take off and land safely. While a 400-foot runway would be short for large commercial jets, it’s sufficient for many smaller aircraft.
Major international airports feature runways that are several times this length to accommodate massive planes. These strips are engineered meticulously to ensure a plane’s weight and speed are managed safely.
4. Large Ships
Massive ocean liners and cargo ships can approach or even surpass 400 feet in length. When you’re aboard one of these giants, it feels like a floating city, complete with restaurants, pools, and sometimes even theaters.
Cargo ships of this size play vital roles in global trade, transporting goods from continent to continent, bridging economies and cultures.
5. City Blocks
Depending on the city, a standard block can measure around 400 feet in length. If you’ve ever walked from one block’s end to the other in cities like New York or Chicago, you’ve journeyed this distance.
These blocks are often lively microcosms of urban life, showcasing diverse architecture, businesses, and people.
6. Suspension Bridge Spans
Some of the world’s most famous suspension bridges, like the Golden Gate Bridge, have spans much larger than 400 feet. However, smaller suspension bridges might have main spans closer to our target length.
Beyond their utility, these bridges often become iconic symbols of the cities they grace, admired for both their design and their ability to connect distant shores.
7. Large Wind Turbines
As the world increasingly leans towards renewable energy, giant wind turbines are becoming a more common sight. Some of the largest turbines have blades that, when vertical, stretch nearly 400 feet from base to tip.
These rotating blades capture the wind’s kinetic energy, converting it into electricity and feeding it into our homes and businesses.
8. Tall Radio Towers
Radio towers of around 400 feet are instrumental in broadcasting signals for both radio and television. Their height is vital: the taller the tower, the broader the area it can cover.
These towers, often illuminated at night, act as beacons, ensuring that news, music, and entertainment reach our devices without interruption.
9. Train Platforms
In major transport hubs across the world, platforms have to accommodate long trains, sometimes stretching close to 400 feet.
These platforms are more than just waiting areas; they’re the starting and ending points of countless daily journeys, where stories of departures, reunions, and everyday life unfold.
10. Large Commercial Warehouses
The rise of e-commerce has led to the construction of massive warehouses. Some of the biggest span lengths nearing 400 feet. Within these walls, an intricate ballet of logistics takes place.
Automated systems and workers move in harmony, storing, sorting, and shipping products that end up at our doorsteps.
3 Weird Things That Are 400 Feet Big
Whether man-made or naturally occurring, some things just boggle the mind with their sheer size. But not all of them are your typical skyscrapers or mountains. Here, we delve into three peculiar entities that astonishingly stretch up to 400 feet.
1. Giant Kelp Forests
Giant kelp, predominantly found along the Californian coast, can astoundingly grow up to 400 feet. This marine wonder forms dense underwater forests, providing shelter and food for many ocean species.
With its intricate root system called holdfasts, giant kelp anchors to the ocean floor. The surface canopies allow it to absorb sunlight and float, making these forests an enchanting underwater landscape.
2. The Washington Monument
While not “weird” in a traditional sense, the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., is certainly an iconic structure.
Stretching 400 feet into the sky, this obelisk honors America’s first president, George Washington. Completed in 1884, it’s constructed primarily of marble and granite.
The structure’s towering presence and rich history make it a standout, even among the world’s most significant landmarks.
3. Large Radio Telescopes
Radio telescopes, vital for studying the universe, can be massive. The Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico, sadly collapsed in 2020, was one such example.
Its suspended platform was around 400 feet above the dish. Radio telescopes of this size capture weak signals from space, aiding in our understanding of cosmic phenomena like pulsars and distant galaxies.
With their imposing structures and intricate setups, they’re both engineering marvels and gateways to the stars.
FAQs
Intriguing is the size equivalent of 400 feet, which, as it turns out, can be compared to a variety of familiar things. Here’s a quick FAQ addressing the most common questions about objects that are 400 feet big.
What Buildings Are Approximately 400 Feet Tall?
Many skyscrapers and tall structures fall in this range. For example, the Chrysler Building’s spire in New York City is just over 400 feet from its base to the tip.
How Does This Compare to the Length of a Football Field?
A standard American football field, including both end zones, is 360 feet long. So, 400 feet is slightly longer than a football field by about 40 feet.
Are There Any Natural Landmarks That Are 400 Feet?
Yes, there are. An example is the Hyalite Canyon Waterfall in Montana, which boasts a fall of approximately 400 feet.
How Many Average Cars Lined Up Equal 400 Feet?
Assuming the average car length is about 15 feet, roughly 27 cars lined up bumper to bumper would equal 400 feet.
How Many Stories Would a 400-Foot Building Have?
Typically, one story is about 10 feet. Thus, a 400-foot tall building would have around 40 stories.
What Famous Monuments Measure Up to 400 Feet?
One of the renowned structures that comes close is the Statue of Liberty. From the base to the tip of her torch, it’s approximately 305 feet, but with the pedestal, it’s close to 400 feet.
Conclusion
The world around us is filled with awe-inspiring examples of scale, with 400 feet being a noteworthy benchmark.
From iconic skyscrapers to sprawling football fields and the mysterious depths of kelp forests, this dimension demonstrates the remarkable blend of natural and engineered wonders.
The next time you’re out and about, remember these examples, and you’ll gain a newfound appreciation for the everyday marvels that measure up to 400 feet.