how do we measure complexity?

[Mr. Crow]

we all understand complexity, a rock is simple a cell is complex, a pole is simple my pc is complex, but how do we quantify it?

[Theseus1234]

I guess it's mostly just perceived variety and preciseness required for things to form/be created. Rocks are commonplace, although their molecular structure can be quite interesting, it is lifeless and basically immobile and can contain a variety of elements in many configurations. Cells, on the other hand, are naturally moving parts requiring precise amounts of elements in certain configurations in order to function. Same goes for a computer.

[Elfdude]

Occam's razor.