Dimension vs. Size: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
"Dimension" refers to a measurable extent of an object, such as length, width, height; "Size" is a general term for the relative extent or magnitude of an object.
Key Differences
"Dimension" specifically denotes the measurable aspects of an object, like length, width, and height, often used in a technical or mathematical context. "Size" is a more general term that describes how big or small something is, without necessarily specifying precise measurements.
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Nov 21, 2023
Dimensions are usually expressed in units of measurement, such as inches, centimeters, or meters, and are crucial in fields like architecture, engineering, and design. Size can be qualitative, like small, medium, or large, or quantitative but less specific than dimensions.
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Nov 21, 2023
Understanding an object's dimensions is essential for understanding its shape and space it occupies, crucial for fitting parts together in construction or manufacturing. Size, while it can be influenced by dimensions, is often a more general perception, important in contexts like clothing or when comparing objects without needing precise measurements.
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Nov 21, 2023
Dimensions are typically used in a three-dimensional context, considering all aspects of space an object occupies. Size can refer to any physical aspect of an object, including weight and volume, and is not necessarily limited to three-dimensional space.
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Nov 21, 2023
In science, dimensions can go beyond physical space, like time in the fourth dimension, or even theoretical dimensions in physics. Size, however, remains a more everyday concept, used in common language to compare and describe objects.
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Nov 21, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Measurable extent (length, width, height)
General extent or magnitude
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Units of Measurement
Specific units (inches, meters)
Can be qualitative or quantitative
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Context of Use
Technical, engineering, design
General use, everyday language
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Relation to Shape
Integral to understanding shape
More about overall perception
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Dimension and Size Definitions
Dimension
An aspect or feature of a situation.
The debate added a new dimension to the issue.
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Size
A particular proportion or degree of magnitude.
Choose a size larger than you normally wear.
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Nov 21, 2023
Size
The relative extent of something; a thing's overall dimensions.
The size of the room makes it feel cozy.
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Dimension
Degree or amount to which something extends.
The dimensions of her knowledge on the topic are impressive.
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Size
The spatial volume of something.
The size of the storage unit was just right for my needs.
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Nov 21, 2023
Dimension
A measure of spatial extent, especially width, height, or length.
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Oct 19, 2023
Size
The physical dimensions, proportions, magnitude, or extent of an object.
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Dimension
Often dimensions Extent or magnitude; scope
A problem of alarming dimensions.
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Size
Any of a series of graduated categories of dimension whereby manufactured articles, such as shoes and clothing, are classified.
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Oct 19, 2023
Dimension
Aspect; element
"He's a good newsman, and he has that extra dimension" (William S. Paley).
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Dimension
The least number of independent coordinates required to specify uniquely the points in a space.
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Oct 19, 2023
Size
Relative amount or number, as of population or contents
What size is Cleveland?.
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Oct 19, 2023
Size
Character, value, or status with reference to relative importance or the capacity to meet given requirements
Try this proposal on for size.
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Oct 19, 2023
Dimension
(Physics) A physical property, such as mass, distance, time, or a combination thereof, regarded as a fundamental measure of a physical quantity
Velocity has the dimension of distance divided by time.
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Dimension
A realm of existence, as in a work of fiction, that is physically separate from another such realm
"Although it tells a grounded, political story free from aliens and alternate dimensions, the film remains packed to the brim with iconic ... characters." (Conner Schwerdtfeger).
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Oct 19, 2023
Size
Any of several gelatinous or glutinous substances usually made from glue, wax, or clay and used as a glaze or filler for porous materials such as paper, cloth, or wall surfaces.
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Dimension
A single aspect of a given thing.
This film can be enjoyed on many dimensions - the script is great, the acting is realistic, and the special effects will simply take you aback.
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Oct 19, 2023
Dimension
A measure of spatial extent in a particular direction, such as height, width or breadth, or depth.
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Oct 19, 2023
Size
Sized. Often used in combination
Bite-size appetizers.
An economy-size package.
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Oct 19, 2023
Dimension
(geometry) The number of independent coordinates needed to specify uniquely the location of a point in a space; also, any of such independent coordinates.
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Oct 19, 2023
Size
(obsolete) A regulation determining the amount of money paid in fees, taxes etc.
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Oct 19, 2023
Dimension
(linear algebra) The number of elements of any basis of a vector space.
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Size
(obsolete) A fixed standard for the magnitude, quality, quantity etc. of goods, especially food and drink.
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Oct 19, 2023
Dimension
(physics) One of the physical properties that are regarded as fundamental measures of a physical quantity, such as mass, length and time.
The dimension of velocity is length divided by time.
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Size
The dimensions or magnitude of a thing; how big something is.
The size of the building seemed to have increased since I was last there.
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Dimension
(computing) Any of the independent ranges of indices in a multidimensional array.
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Dimension
A universe or plane of existence.
A machine that lets you travel to a parallel dimension.
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Size
A specific set of dimensions for a manufactured article, especially clothing.
I don't think we have the red one in your size.
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Oct 19, 2023
Dimension
(transitive) To mark, cut or shape something to specified dimensions.
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Dimension
To specify the size of (an array or similar data structure); to allocate.
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Size
An instrument consisting of a number of perforated gauges fastened together at one end by a rivet, used for measuring the size of pearls
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Oct 19, 2023
Dimension
Measure in a single line, as length, breadth, height, thickness, or circumference; extension; measurement; - usually, in the plural, measure in length and breadth, or in length, breadth, and thickness; extent; size; as, the dimensions of a room, or of a ship; the dimensions of a farm, of a kingdom.
Gentlemen of more than ordinary dimensions.
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Oct 19, 2023
Size
A thin, weak glue used as primer for paper or canvas intended to be painted upon.
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Dimension
Extent; reach; scope; importance; as, a project of large dimensions.
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Oct 19, 2023
Dimension
The degree of manifoldness of a quantity; as, time is quantity having one dimension; volume has three dimensions, relative to extension.
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Oct 19, 2023
Dimension
A literal factor, as numbered in characterizing a term. The term dimensions forms with the cardinal numbers a phrase equivalent to degree with the ordinal; thus, a2b2c is a term of five dimensions, or of the fifth degree.
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Oct 19, 2023
Dimension
The manifoldness with which the fundamental units of time, length, and mass are involved in determining the units of other physical quantities.
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Dimension
The magnitude of something in a particular direction (especially length or width or height)
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Dimension
A construct whereby objects or individuals can be distinguished;
Self-confidence is not an endearing property
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Size
(military) To take the height of men, in order to place them in the ranks according to their stature.
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Oct 19, 2023
Dimension
One of three cartesian coordinates that determine a position in space
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Size
(mining) To sift (pieces of ore or metal) in order to separate the finer from the coarser parts.
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Dimension
Indicate the dimensions on;
These techniques permit us to dimension the human heart
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Size
To order food or drink from the buttery; hence, to enter a score, as upon the buttery book.
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Oct 19, 2023
Dimension
A measurable extent of an object, such as length.
The table's dimensions are 6 feet by 4 feet.
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Nov 21, 2023
Dimension
A realm or level of existence.
Some theories suggest the existence of multiple dimensions.
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Nov 21, 2023
Size
(transitive) To apply glue or other primer to a surface which is to be painted.
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Oct 19, 2023
Size
A thin, weak glue used in various trades, as in painting, bookbinding, paper making, etc.
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Oct 19, 2023
Size
An allowance of food and drink from the buttery, aside from the regular dinner at commons; - corresponding to battel at Oxford.
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Oct 19, 2023
Size
Extent of superficies or volume; bulk; bigness; magnitude; as, the size of a tree or of a mast; the size of a ship or of a rock.
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Size
Figurative bulk; condition as to rank, ability, character, etc.; as, the office demands a man of larger size.
Men of a less size and quality.
The middling or lower size of people.
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Oct 19, 2023
Size
A conventional relative measure of dimension, as for shoes, gloves, and other articles made up for sale.
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Oct 19, 2023
Size
An instrument consisting of a number of perforated gauges fastened together at one end by a rivet, - used for ascertaining the size of pearls.
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Oct 19, 2023
Size
To bring or adjust anything exactly to a required dimension, as by cutting.
We had to size up our fellow legislators.
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Oct 19, 2023
Size
To take greater size; to increase in size.
Our desires give them fashion, and so,As they wax lesser, fall, as they size, grow.
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Oct 19, 2023
Size
To order food or drink from the buttery; hence, to enter a score, as upon the buttery book.
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Oct 19, 2023
Size
The physical magnitude of something (how big it is);
A wolf is about the size of a large dog
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Size
The property resulting from being one of a series of graduated measurements (as of clothing);
He wears a size 13 shoe
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Size
Any glutinous material used to fill pores in surfaces or to stiffen fabrics;
Size gives body to a fabric
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Size
The actual state of affairs;
That's the size of the situation
She hates me, that's about the size of it
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Size
A large magnitude;
He blanched when he saw the size of the bill
The only city of any size in that area
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Oct 19, 2023
Size
Cover or stiffen or glaze a porous material with size or sizing (a glutinous substance)
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Size
(used in combination) sized;
The economy-size package
Average-size house
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Size
The overall extent or magnitude of something.
The size of the crowd was overwhelming.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can size be subjective?
Yes, size can be a subjective assessment, like "large" or "small."
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Nov 21, 2023
Can dimensions change based on context?
Physical dimensions of an object remain constant; how they're perceived can vary with context.
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Do dimensions matter in room design?
Absolutely, dimensions are critical in designing spaces to ensure everything fits.
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Are dimensions crucial in architecture?
Yes, precise dimensions are fundamental in architectural planning.
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Are dimensions always in specific units?
Yes, dimensions are typically specific and measured in units like inches or meters.
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Nov 21, 2023
Do dimensions apply to abstract concepts?
Dimensions are mainly used for physical objects, but can metaphorically apply to abstract ideas.
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Nov 21, 2023
Is size important in clothing?
Yes, size is crucial in clothing for fitting purposes.
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Nov 21, 2023
Are dimensions used in art?
Yes, understanding dimensions is important in sculpture and three-dimensional art.
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Nov 21, 2023
Is size a factor in shipping?
Yes, the size of a package affects shipping methods and costs.
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Nov 21, 2023
Does size matter in technology?
Yes, especially in devices where portability is important.
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Does size include weight and volume?
Yes, size can refer to an object’s overall dimensions, including weight and volume.
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Nov 21, 2023
Is size important in product design?
Yes, as it impacts usability, portability, and aesthetic appeal.
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Do dimensions affect furniture buying?
Yes, knowing dimensions helps ensure furniture fits in the intended space.
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Nov 21, 2023
Does size matter in vehicle design?
Yes, size impacts maneuverability, space, and fuel efficiency.
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Can dimensions be used in landscaping?
Yes, dimensions are used to plan outdoor spaces effectively.
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Can size be misleading?
Yes, especially if it's a subjective estimate rather than a measured one.
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Nov 21, 2023
Can dimensions include depth?
Yes, depth is a key dimension in three-dimensional objects.
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Nov 21, 2023
Can the size of a product affect its price?
Often, larger or bulkier items can be more expensive.
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Nov 21, 2023
Is size a consideration in storage solutions?
Definitely, as it determines how much can be stored and in what space.
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Are dimensions important in packaging?
Absolutely, correct dimensions are vital for effective packaging.
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Nov 21, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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