71% of the Earth's surface is made up of

The story behind the answer

Water. About 71% of Earth’s surface is covered by oceans, seas, lakes, and rivers, which is why Earth is called the “Blue Planet.” Land (continents and islands) makes up the remaining ~29%, so options like forests and deserts—both subsets of land—cover far less of the whole planet.

Most of that water (about 97%) is salty ocean water; only ~3% is freshwater, and most freshwater is locked in ice or stored underground. This vast water cover drives the water cycle, moderates climate, and supports life and weather systems. Memory tip: Think “Seven of every ten Earth pixels are blue”—71% water—so continents are the smaller share.