All Fermi answers
Fermi #3 · Question 1

What is the total length of spaghetti in a 16 oz (450 g) box?

Explore the official answer and the simple reasoning behind this Fermi estimate.

1QUESTION 1 OF 3

Answer & explanation

The official answer, with Fermi’s reasoning step by step.

Answer & explanation

Official answer

470

feet

How to estimate it

Fermi’s official “Napkin math”

A box feeds a handful of people, so figure maybe 550 strands. How long is one dry strand? About 10 inches.

Strands in a box
~550
Length each
× 10 in
5,500 in ÷ 12
≈ 460 ft

Rounded assumptions may give a slightly different estimate. The official answer above is the game’s reference value.

Source calculation & reference
Strand mass
≈ 0.8 g
Box mass (16 oz)
= 454 g
Strands per box
≈ 567
Strand length
× 10 in
Total ÷ 12
≈ 470 ft

Reference cited by Fermi: Barilla packaging spec

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