When someone mentions 98 feet, do you instantly picture how long or tall that really is? Most people don’t—unless they compare it to something tangible. Whether you’re designing a space, teaching measurements, writing content, or simply feeding your curiosity, understanding what things are about 98 feet long can be incredibly useful.
This article uncovers 12 real-world examples that help you visualize what 98 feet looks like in practical terms. From buildings and trees to vehicles and monuments, these comparisons are designed to make this measurement both memorable and meaningful.
Why Understanding 98 Feet Matters
Before diving into the list, let’s put 98 feet into perspective:
- In meters: 98 feet equals approximately 29.87 meters.
- In stories: That’s about a 9- to 10-story building, assuming 10–11 feet per floor.
- In yards: Roughly 32.6 yards.
- In everyday items: Around 6.5 average school buses placed end to end.
Knowing how long or tall 98 feet is can help you:
- Visualize dimensions more accurately
- Plan or estimate construction layouts
- Add engaging context to educational or creative writing
- Compare sizes in sports, nature, and architecture
12 Things That Are About 98 Feet Long or Tall
1. A 9-Story Residential Building
- Typical Floor Height: ~10–11 feet
- Total Height: 9 stories × 11 feet = ~99 feet
- Why It Works: The average multi-story apartment building or hotel provides a perfect visual reference for 98 feet.
2. A Blue Whale
- Average Length: 80–100 feet
- Fun Fact: The blue whale is the largest animal on Earth.
- Visual Insight: Imagine the length of the world’s biggest marine mammal—essentially the same as 98 feet.
3. NBA Basketball Court (Length)
- Standard Length: 94 feet
- Almost Perfect Match: Just 4 feet shorter than 98 feet.
- Tip for Visualization: If you’ve watched or played on a full-length court, you’ve already seen what ~98 feet looks like.
4. The Leaning Tower of Pisa (Tilted Height)
- Current Height: About 56 meters (183 ft) on the high side and 98 ft on the low side
- Why It’s Relevant: Due to its iconic tilt, the shorter side aligns closely with our target length.
5. A Boeing 737 Aircraft (Fuselage Length)
- Length Range: 102 to 110 feet, depending on the model
- Close Comparison: Earlier models of the Boeing 737-200 measure around 98–100 feet long.
- Visual Tip: Think of a compact passenger jet parked on a runway.
6. Sequoia Trees (Young to Mid-Growth)
- Height Range: Some reach over 300 feet, but younger or mid-aged sequoias are around 90–100 feet tall
- Natural Wonder: Their size offers a humbling visual of how tall 98 feet truly is.
7. 30 Meters Olympic Swimming Pool + Dive Platforms
- Pool Length: 98.4 feet (30 meters)
- Add Dive Tower: Often towers reach 10 meters (~33 feet) above pool level
- Why It Works: The standard Olympic-sized pool is a globally recognized size—making this a familiar and useful benchmark.
8. A Stack of 7-8 Standard Shipping Containers
- Single Container Height: 8.5 to 9.5 feet
- Stacked Height: 11 containers × 8.5 ft = 93.5 feet (rounded up)
- Use Case: In shipping yards or ports, stacks this size are quite common—offering a vertical example of 98 feet.
9. An Average Radio Tower in a Rural Area
- Height Range: 90 to 120 feet
- Example: Many local cell towers or FM broadcast masts are around 98 feet tall
- Practical Reference: You’ve likely passed one of these without realizing how tall it truly was.
10. A Medium-Sized Wind Turbine Tower
- Tower Height (to hub): Around 80–100 feet (not including blades)
- Blade Reach Total: Over 150 feet when spinning
- Why It’s Useful: Wind turbines are becoming increasingly common, making them an accessible way to relate to this size.
11. The Hollywood Sign (Each Letter + Span)
- Total Sign Width: 352 feet
- Each Letter Height: 45 feet
- Two stacked letters: 45 × 2 = 90 feet, plus spacing = ~98 feet
- Fun Fact: The entire sign spans over 350 feet but the stacked height of two letters gives you a vertical match.
12. Two Whale Sharks in a Line
- Length of One Whale Shark: ~45–50 feet
- Two in Line: 2 × 49 feet = ~98 feet
- Why It Stands Out: Visualizing two of these giant creatures lined up gives a stunning marine comparison.
How to Visualize 98 Feet in Everyday Life
Here are some quick hacks to visualize this length easily:
- School Buses: About 6.5 standard buses in a row
- Bowling Lanes: ~4 regulation-length lanes (each ~60 feet including approach)
- Ladders: 98 feet equals around 9 extra-long extension ladders
- Tennis Courts: ~2.5 courts placed end-to-end (each is 39 feet long)
Why It’s Useful to Compare Lengths This Way
Answering this becomes easier—and more impactful—when you tie the number to something familiar.
Benefits of relatable measurement examples:
- Great for educators trying to engage students
- Helpful for DIYers or planners working with blueprints
- Valuable for writers and content creators making their content more tangible
- Useful for event planners, designers, and even real estate professionals
Conclusion
Whether you’re trying to size up a structure, visualize a sports field, or understand dimensions for a creative project, having real-world comparisons makes a world of difference. With these 12 things that are about 98 feet long, you’ve now got a toolbox of visual references you can call on anytime.
From jetliners and basketball courts to blue whales and tree giants, this guide helps turn abstract numbers into concrete understanding. So the next time someone mentions 98 feet, you’ll know exactly what that means and you’ll be able to explain it, too.