All Fermi answers
Fermi #35 · Question 1

How many David Beckhams does Michelangelo's statue of David weigh?

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.

Official Fermi illustration

Illustration for: How many David Beckhams does Michelangelo's statue of David weigh?

Illustration from Fermi.gg

Answer & explanation

Official answer

72

David Beckhams

How to estimate it

Fermi’s official “Napkin math”

You never need either David's actual weight. How much bigger than a man is the statue? Visitors at its feet barely reach its knee, so call it 3 times a person in every direction, then remember marble is heavier than a body.

Statue vs. a man
≈ 3× taller
Bulk goes up 3 × 3 × 3
≈ 27 bodies
Marble vs. a body
× 2.5
27 × 2.5
≈ 70

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

Source calculation & reference
Michelangelo's David with its carved base (Galleria dell'Accademia)
5,560 kg
David Beckham's listed playing weight (MLS profile, 6'0", 170 lb)
≈ 77 kg
5,560 ÷ 77
≈ 72

Reference cited by Fermi: Galleria dell'Accademia di Firenze (David: 517 cm, 5,560 kg with its carved base) and Major League Soccer's official player profile (Beckham listed at 6'0", 170 lb)

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