List of largest stars

Table columns:
Star name
Solar radii (Sun = 1)
Method[a]
Notes

Table rows:
cells: Orbit of Saturn
1,940–2,169
Reported for reference
cells: UY Scuti
1,708 ± 192[4]
AD
Margin of error in size determination: ±192 solar radii. At the smallest, it would have a size similar to VX Sagittarii (see below)
cells: WOH G64
1,540[5]–1,730[6]
L/Teff
This would be the largest star in the LMC, but is unusual in position and motion and might still be a foreground halo giant.
cells: RW Cephei
1,535[7][8]
L/Teff
RW Cep is variable both in brightness (by at least a factor of 3) and spectral type (observed from G8 to M), thus probably also in diameter. Because the spectral type and temperature at maximum luminosity are not known, the quoted size is just an estimate.
cells: Westerlund 1-26
1,530-1,580[9] (–2,550) [10]
L/Teff
Very uncertain parameters for an unusual star with strong radio emission. The spectrum is variable but apparently the luminosity is not.
cells: KY Cygni
1,420–2,850 [2]
L/Teff
The upper estimate is due to an unusual K band measurement and thought to be an artifact of a reddening correction error, and is thought to be against stellar evolutionary theory. The lower estimate is consistent with other stars in the same survey and with theoretical models.
cells: VY Canis Majoris
1,420 ± 120[11]
AD
Humphreys et al previously estimated the radius of VY CMa to be 1,800 R☉ to 2,200 R☉; a size so large that places it outside the bounds of stellar evolutionary theory.[12] Improved measurements have brought it down to size.[11][13] This star is a red hypergiant, although Massey et al. considered it as a normal red supergiant with a radius of only 600 R☉.[14]
cells: AH Scorpii
1,411 ± 124[4]
AD
AH Sco is variable by nearly 3 magnitudes in the visual range, and an estimated 20% in total luminosity. The variation in diameter is not clear because the temperature also varies.
cells: VV Cephei A
1,400,[15] 1,050[16]–1,900[2]
VV Cep A is a highly distorted star in a close binary system, losing mass to the secondary for at least part of its orbit. Other estimates give a range from 1,200 R☉ to 1,600 R☉.[2][17]
cells: RSGC1-F02
1,398[18]
L/Teff
cells: RSGC1-F01
1,335[18]
L/Teff
cells: HR 5171 A
1,315 ± 260,[19] 1,575 ± 400[20]
AD
HR 5171 A is a highly distorted star in a close binary system, losing mass to the secondary, and is also variable in temperature, thus probably also in diameter. Traditionally, it is considered as the largest known yellow hypergiant, although the latest research suggests it is a red supergiant with a radius 1,490 ± 540 R☉.[21]
cells: SMC 18136
1,310[3]
This would be the largest star in the SMC.
cells: PZ Cassiopeiae
1,260-1,340,[22] 1,190-1,940[2]
L/Teff
The largest estimate is due to an unusual K band measurement and thought to be an artifact of a reddening correction error. The lowest estimate is consistent with other stars in the same survey and with theoretical models, and the intermediate ones have been obtained refining the distance to this star, and thus its parameters.
cells: Mu Cephei (Herschel's "Garnet Star")
1,260[23]
Reddest star in the night sky.[24] Other recent estimates range from 650 R☉[25] to 1,420 R☉[2]
cells: LMC 136042
1,240[3]
cells: BI Cygni
1,240[2]
L/Teff
cells: Westerlund 1-237
1,233[10]
L/Teff
Calculated from an effective temperature of 3,600 K and a luminosity of 230,000 L☉.[10]
cells: SMC 5092
1,220[3]
cells: S Persei
1,212 ± 124[26]
AD & L/Teff
A red hypergiant localed in the Perseus Double Cluster. A large radius of 1,230 R☉ is due to an unusual K band measurement and thought to be an artifact of a reddening correction error. A small radius of 780 R☉ is consistent with other stars in the same survey and with theoretical models.[2]
cells: LMC 175464
1,200[3]
cells: LMC 135720
1,200[3]
cells: RAFGL 2139
1,200[27]
RAFGL 2139 is a rare red supergiant companion to WR 114 that has a bow shock.
cells: SMC 69886
1,190[3]
cells: NML Cygni
1,183[28]
L/Teff
cells: RSGC1-F05
1,177[18]
L/Teff
cells: EV Carinae
1,168[29]-2,880[30]
L/Teff
cells: RSGC1-F03
1,168[18]
L/Teff
cells: LMC 119219
1,150[3]
cells: RSGC1-F08
1,146[18]
L/Teff
cells: BC Cygni
1,140[2]-1,230[23]
L/Teff
Other recent estimates range from 856 R☉ to 1,553 R☉.[31]
cells: SMC 10889
1,130[3]
cells: VX Sagittarii
1,120 - 1,550[32]
L/Teff
VX Sgr is a pulsating variable calculated to vary in size from 1,350 R☉ to 1,940 R☉.[33]
cells: LMC 141430
1,110[3]
cells: LMC 175746
1,100[3]
cells: RSGC1-F13
1,098[18]
L/Teff
cells: RT Carinae
1,090[2]
L/Teff
cells: RSGC1-F04
1,082[18]
L/Teff
cells: LMC 174714
1,080[3]
cells: LMC 68125
1,080[3]
cells: SMC 49478
1,080[3]
cells: SMC 20133
1,080[3]
cells: V396 Centauri
1,070[2]
L/Teff
cells: SMC 8930
1,070[3]
cells: Orbit of Jupiter
1,064–1,173
Reported for reference
cells: HV 11423
1,060–1,220[34]
L/Teff
HV 11423 is variable in spectral type (observed from K0 to M5), thus probably also in diameter. In October 1978, it was a star of M0I type.
cells: CK Carinae
1,060[2]
L/Teff
cells: SMC 25879
1,060[3]
cells: LMC 142202
1,050[3]
cells: LMC 146126
1,050[3]
cells: LMC 67982
1,040[3]
cells: U Lacertae
1,022[35]
L/Teff
cells: RSGC1-F11
1,015[18]
L/Teff
cells: LMC 143877
1,010[3]
cells: KW Sagittarii
1,009[4]-1,460[2]
AD & L/Teff
Margin of possible error: ± 142 solar radii (Torres 2013).
cells: SMC 46497
990[3]
cells: LMC 140296
990[3]
cells: RSGC1-F09
986[18]
L/Teff
cells: NR Vulpeculae
980[2]
L/Teff
cells: SMC 12322
980[3]
cells: LMC 177997
980[3]
cells: SMC 59803
970[3]
cells: GCIRS 7
960 ± 92[36]
AD
cells: Betelgeuse (Alpha Orionis)
955 ± 217[37]
AD
Other recent estimates range from 887 ± 203 R☉[38] to 1,180 R☉[39]
cells: SMC 50840
950[3]
cells: RSGC1-F10
931[18]
L/Teff
cells: S Cassiopeiae
930[40][41]
cells: IX Carinae
920[2]
L/Teff
cells: HV 2112
916[42]
L/Teff
Most likely candidate for a Thorne-Zytkow Object.
cells: RSGC1-F07
910[18]
L/Teff
cells: LMC 54365
900[3]
cells: NSV 25875
891[28]
L/Teff
cells: LMC 109106
890[3]
cells: RSGC1-F06
885[18]
L/Teff
cells: LMC 116895
880[3]
cells: SMC 30616
880[3]
cells: LMC 64048
880[3]
cells: V437 Scuti
874[28]
L/Teff
cells: V602 Carinae
860[2]-1,050[43]
L/Teff & AD
Margin of possible error: ± 165 solar radii (Torres 2015).
cells: V669 Cassiopeiae
859[28]
L/Teff
cells: SMC 55681
850[3]
cells: SMC 15510
850[3]
cells: LMC 61753
830[3]
cells: LMC 62090
830[3]
cells: SMC 11709
830[3]
cells: V1185 Scorpii
830[28]
L/Teff
cells: Outer limits of the asteroid belt
816
Reported for reference
cells: LMC 142199
810[3]
cells: LMC 134383
800[3]
cells: BO Carinae
790[2]
L/Teff
cells: LMC 142907
790[3]
cells: SU Persei
780[2]
L/Teff
In the Perseus Double Cluster
cells: RS Persei
770[44]-1,000[2]
AD & L/Teff
In the Perseus Double Cluster. Margin of possible error: ± 30 solar radii (Baron 2014).
cells: AV Persei
770[2]
L/Teff
In the Perseus Double Cluster
cells: V355 Cepheus
770[2]
L/Teff
cells: V915 Scorpii
760[45]
L/Teff
cells: S Cephei
760[46]
cells: SMC 11939
750[3]
cells: HD 303250
750[2]
cells: V382 Carinae
747[47]
The brightest yellow hypergiant in the night sky, one of the rarest types of star. Achmad (1992) calculates 600 R☉ to 1,100 R☉ or 700 ± 250 R☉.[48]
cells: RU Virginis
742[46]
cells: LMC 137818
740[3]
cells: SMC 48122
740[3]
cells: SMC 56732
730[3]
cells: V648 Cassiopeiae
710[2]
L/Teff
cells: XX Persei
710[49]
L/Teff
Located in the Perseus Double Cluster and near the border with Andromeda.
cells: TV Geminorum
620-710[50] (–770)[2]
L/Teff
cells: HD 179821
704[51]
A yellow hypergiant, although most authors consider it as a supergiant, a protoplanetary nebula or a post-AGB star with a luminosity of only 16,000 L☉.
cells: LMC 169754
700[3]
cells: LMC 65558
700[3]
cells: V528 Carinae
700[2]
L/Teff
cells: The following well-known stars are listed for the purpose of comparison.
The following well-known stars are listed for the purpose of comparison.
The following well-known stars are listed for the purpose of comparison.
The following well-known stars are listed for the purpose of comparison.
cells: V354 Cephei
690[35]-1,520[2]
L/Teff
cells: Antares A (Alpha Scorpii A)
680[52]
AD
This star appears to vary its size by 165 R☉. Older estimates have given radii over 800 R☉,[53][54] but some are likely to have been affected by asymmetry of the atmosphere and the narrow range of infrared wavelengths observed.[52] Other recent estimates range from 653 R☉[55] to 1,246 R☉.[56]
cells: CE Tauri
587–593[57] (–608[58])
Second reddest star in the night sky.[24] Can be occulted by the Moon, allowing accurate determination of its apparent diameter.
cells: R Leporis (Hind's "Crimson Star")
400[59]–535[60]
Margin of possible error: ± 90 solar radii.
cells: Rho Cassiopeiae
400-500[61]
Yellow hypergiant, one of the rarest types of a star.
cells: Inner limits of the asteroid belt
412
Reported for reference
cells: Mira A (Omicron Ceti)
332–402[62]
Prototype Mira variable. De beck (2005) calculates 541 R☉.[28]
cells: V509 Cassiopeiae
400–900[63]
Yellow hypergiant, one of the rarest types of a star.
cells: CW Leonis
390–500,[64] 700[65]–826[28]
L/Teff
CW Leonis is one of the mistaken identities as the claimed planet "Nibiru" or "Planet X", due to its brightness as it approaches 1st magnitude.
cells: V838 Monocerotis
380 (in 2009)[66]
A short time after the outburst V838 Mon was measured at 1,570 ± 400 R☉.[67] However the distance to this "L supergiant", and hence its size, have since been reduced and it proved to be a transient object that shrunk about four-fold over a few years.
cells: S Doradus
100-380[68]
Prototype S Doradus variable
cells: R Doradus
370 ± 50[69]
Star with the second largest apparent size after the Sun.
cells: IRC +10420
357[70]–1,342[28]
L/Teff
A yellow hypergiant that has increased its temperature into the LBV range.
cells: The Pistol Star
340[71]
Blue hypergiant, among the most massive and luminous stars known.
cells: La Superba (Y Canum Venaticorum)
307[28]-390[72]
L/Teff
Referred to as La Superba by Angelo Secchi. Currently one of the coolest and reddest stars.
cells: Solar System Habitable Zone
305
Reported for reference
cells: Orbit of Mars
297–358
Reported for reference
cells: Alpha Herculis (Ras Algethi)
284 ± 60[73]
Moravveji et al also gives a range from 264 R☉ to 303 R☉. At an estimated distance of 110 parsecs from the Sun, this corresponds to a radius of 400 ± 61 R☉.[73]
cells: Sun's red giant phase
256[74]
The core hydrogen would be exhausted in 5.4 billion years. In 7.647 billion years, The Sun would reach the tip of the red-giant branch of the Hertzsprung–Russell diagram. (see below) Reported for reference
cells: Eta Carinae A (Tseen She)
250,[75] 60–800[76]
Previously thought to be the most massive single star, but in 2005 it was realized to be a binary system. Other estimates gives 85 R☉ to 195 R☉.[77]
cells: Orbit of Earth
211–219
Reported for reference
cells: Deneb (Alpha Cygni)
203 ± 17[78]
cells: LBV 1806-20
200[79]
Formerly a candidate for the most luminous star in the Milky Way.
cells: Orbit of Venus
154–157
Reported for reference
cells: Epsilon Aurigae A (Almaaz)
143-358[80]
ε Aur was incorrectly hailed as the largest star with a radius 2,000 R☉ or 3,000 R☉,[81] even though it later turned out not to be an infrared light star but rather a dusk torus surrounding the system.
cells: Peony Nebula Star
92[82]
Candidate for most luminous star in the Milky Way.
cells: Rigel A (Beta Orionis A)
78.9[83]–115[84]
Margin of possible error: ±7.4 solar radii.
cells: Canopus (Alpha Carinae)
71 ± 4[85]
Second brightest star in the night sky.
cells: Orbit of Mercury
66–100
Reported for reference
cells: Aldebaran (Alpha Tauri)
44.13 ± 0.84[86]
cells: Polaris (Alpha Ursae Minoris)
37.5[87]
The current northern pole star.
cells: R136a1
35.4[88]
Also on record as the most massive and luminous star known.
cells: Arcturus (Alpha Boötis)
25.4 ± 0.2[89]
Brightest star in the northern hemisphere.
cells: HDE 226868
20-22[90]
The supergiant companion of black hole Cygnus X-1. The black hole is 500,000 times smaller than the star.
cells: VV Cephei B
13[17]-25[91]
The B-type main sequence companion of VV Cephei A.
cells: Sun's helium burning phase
10
After the red-giant branch the Sun has approximately 120 million years of active life left. Reported for reference
cells: Sun
1
The largest object in the Solar System. Reported for reference

Questions about this table:
originalText: what is the biggest star in the milkyway
answer: answerTexts: UY Scuti