The Count of Things

Bluebulb Projects' The Measure of Things presents:

It's about the number of Elements on the Periodic Table.

(a.k.a. Periodic Table of the Elements, a.k.a chemical elements) (confirmed elements as of 2016)
From element number one, hydrogen, to element one-hundred eighteen, ununoctium, there are 118 confirmed elements on the Periodic Table. Ninety-four of the elements exist in nature, and the remaining twenty-four have only been synthesized in labs (not having occurred naturally in the time since scientists have begun researching them)

It's about one-and-one-tenth times the number of Wolves in Yellowstone National Park.

In other words, 118 is 1.13 times the count of Wolves in Yellowstone National Park, and the count of Wolves in Yellowstone National Park is 0.885 times that amount.

(a.k.a. Henihco'oo; a.k.a. Héetíhco'oo) (December 2014 figures; Wyoming Park area)
As of the 2014 population count, there were 104 wolves living in Yellowstone National Park, in twelve packs. All of the wolves now living in the Park are thought to have descended from the 66 wolves (re)introduced into the Park in 1995-96.

It's about nine-tenths the number of Union Stations in the United States.

In other words, 118 is 0.874 times the count of Union Stations in the United States, and the count of Union Stations in the United States is 1.14 times that amount.

(a.k.a. Union Terminal; a.k.a. Joint Station; a.k.a. Union Depot) (2016 figures)
Typically shared between multiple railroad companies and stations, there are about 135 "Union Stations" in the United States. Of these, the busiest station is Chicago Union Station, which handles 120,000 passengers each year.

It's about four-fifths the number of Moons in our Solar System.

In other words, 118 is 0.808 times the count of Moons in our Solar System, and the count of Moons in our Solar System is 1.24 times that amount.

(2015 figures) (confirmed moons only; dwarf planet satellites not included)
Astronomers and other scientists have confirmed the presence of 146 moons orbiting the major planets of our Solar System. About one third of those moons — 53 — are in orbit around the planet Saturn

It's about one-and-three-tenths times the number of Keys on a Piano.

In other words, the count of Keys on a Piano is 0.77 times 118.

(Moden layout; A₀ to C₇)
Most modern keyboards have 88 keys, comprising seven octaves and an additional major third. A full-size, acoustic piano may have as many as 12,000 separate parts.

It's about two-thirds the number of John Wayne films.

In other words, 118 is 0.663 times the count of John Wayne films, and the count of John Wayne films is 1.51 times that amount.

(a.k.a. "Duke", a.k.a. JW, a.k.a. Marion Mitchell Morrison, a.k.a. Marion Robert Morrison, a.k.a. Duke Morrison) (films starring the actor in any size role)
Known for his distinctive voice and walk, Oscar-winning Western actor John Wayne appeared in 178 films between 1926 and 1976. He was said to have the lead role in 142 of those films.

It's about one-and-three-fifths times the number of Submarines in the US Navy.

In other words, the count of Submarines in the US Navy is 0.63 times 118.

(a.k.a. Subs) (includes all types, all classes) (2015 figures)
The United States Navy maintains a fleet of 72 active submarines. A typical submarine goes to sea with a crew of about 140.