How is surface area to volume ratio related to cell size?

In order to facilitate biochemical reactions, a cell needs to be the right size. A larger overall surface area is similar to a filled water balloon; beyond a certain point, the limits are not increasing as much as straining. Cells typically only reach a maximum size of one square meter and frequently maintain a much smaller size. An excessively large overall surface area (one that is not created via folds, dips, and cilia) means that more area needs to be maintained.

To cut a long story short, cells use less obvious solutions to maximize surface area for reactions: cilia, dips, folds, and ridges. Cells reduce the "obvious" surface area because being smaller overall helps them to perform functions.

The surface area to volume ratio falls with increasing cell size, which affects the cell's capacity to exchange nutrients and waste products effectively and may have an effect on the functionality of the cell.