Single-cell size and growth measurements at a glance

The cell, the basic unit of life, can range over 13 orders of magnitude in volume between species. The size of a cell sets its maximum biosynthetic capacity, molecular content and physical properties. Cell size measurements can inform research into cell growth, the cell cycle and physiology, and are used to describe disease states and guide physical and ecological models. However, measuring size - and its dynamic increase, growth - is technically challenging, and data interpretation depends on the technology used. This Cell Science at a Glance article and the accompanying poster summarize the key methods for measuring single-cell volume or dry mass. The performance, potential biases and convenience of each method are discussed to guide experimental setup and interpretation. In addition, technological limitations and the need for future collaborative efforts are highlighted.