Ever wondered how big is 20 inches? It’s a measurement we come across more often than we realise. From cucumbers to hair combs, or even golf tees, there are plenty of everyday items that can help you visualise this length. In this article, we’ll go through 17 common things that are 20 inches long so that you can understand this measurement without a ruler.
We all know that life is unpredictable. You could be in a situation where you suddenly need to know how big 20 inches is. Imagine you don’t have a measuring tool on hand – after all, you probably don’t carry a tape measure everywhere you go. That’s when knowing the dimensions of everyday items becomes super helpful. It’s not just practical, but it could save you from those “Oh no!” moments.
So, buckle up! Let’s dive into some everyday items that can help you measure 20 inches without needing any special tools.
How Big is 20 Inches in Other Units of Measurement?
Length has many different units. Before discussing how big is 20 inches compared to everyday items, it’s better to see a little bit about conversions. It’s because many different people are convenient with different units. So, to fully understand 20 inches, it’s important that you know what it measures in other units as well. Here you go:
20 inches = 0.508 meters
20 inches = 50.8 centimeters
20 inches = 508 millimeters
20 inches = 1.6667 feet
20 inches = 0.5556 yards
20 inches = 0.000508 kilometers
Okay, though this is enough, here is a little more explanation explaining the back-end game of these conversions:
20 Inches to Feet:
One inch equals 0.0833 feet. To convert 20 inches to feet, multiply 20 by 0.0833:
20 × 0.0833 = 1.6667 feet
20 Inches to Centimeters:
One inch equals 2.54 centimeters. To convert 20 inches to centimeters, multiply 20 by 2.54:
20 × 2.54 = 50.8 cm
20 Inches to Meters:
One inch equals 0.0254 meters. To convert 20 inches to meters, multiply 20 by 0.0254:
20 × 0.0254 = 0.508 m
20 Inches to Yards:
One inch equals 0.0278 yards. To convert 20 inches to yards, multiply 20 by 0.0278:
20 × 0.0278 = 0.5556 yards
20 Inches to Millimeters:
One inch equals 25.4 millimeters. To convert 20 inches to millimeters, multiply 20 by 25.4:
20 × 25.4 = 508 mm
20 Inches to Kilometers:
One inch equals 0.0000254 kilometers. To convert 20 inches to kilometers, multiply 20 by 0.0000254:
20 × 0.0000254 = 0.000508 km
In summary, 20 inches equals:
1.6667 feet=50.8 centimeters=0.508 meters=0.5556 yards=508 millimeters= 0.000508 kilometers
If you’re involved in fields like DIY projects, engineering, or architecture, you’ll often need to know conversions. But for now, let’s get practical and focus on real-life items you can compare to 20 inches.
How Big is 20 Inches Visually?
Measurements become easier to understand when we relate them to things we see or use daily. The human mind tends to remember visual experiences better than abstract numbers. So, instead of just imagining 20 inches, let’s see it in terms of common objects. For example, 20 inches is roughly the size of two A4 sheets of paper, two envelopes, two cucumbers, and six crayons.
These are all great references. If you’re creative, you could also use other objects like five men’s wallets, four hair combs, or even yoga mats to visualise 20 inches. Read on to find out how each of these items compares to the length of 20 inches!
Things That Are 20 Inches Long:
There are many, many everyday items that can directly help you measure 20 inches, while others can assist you indirectly, that is, by adding or subtracting a little. So, without further ado, let’s see 20 inches examples:
- U.S. Dollar Notes
- Four Standard Soda Cans
- Three Pencils
- 10 Golf Tees
- 6 Debit Cards
- Two Letter Size Papers
- Tall Table Lamps
- Computer Monitor
- Four Hair Combs
- Two Bread Knives
- A Medium-Sized Suitcase
- A Coffee Table
- A Standard Sheet of Paper
- A Dinner Plate
- A Shower Head
- A Length of Bread
- A Large Book
How Big is 20 Inches Compared to Everyday Items?
1. U.S. Dollar Notes
U.S. Dollar Notes
U.S. dollar notes are something many of us carry around in our wallets. We use them for buying goods, making payments, and more. But have you ever thought about how they can help with measurements? If you line up three standard dollar bills, they will give you a length close to 20 inches.
This method is quite handy because most people are familiar with the size of a dollar bill. By simply stacking them together, you can easily visualise the length of 20 inches without needing any tools.
2. Four Standard Soda Cans
Standard Soda Cans
Soda cans are another everyday item we all recognise. Most cans are approximately 5 inches tall, and if you stack four of them, you’ll have a total length of just under 20 inches. This is a simple and quick way to visualise the measurement.
You don’t even need to measure; just think of a four-pack of your favourite drink. The height of these cans, when stacked, gives you a good sense of how long 20 inches really is.
3. Three Pencils
Three Pencils
Pencils are something we all use at school, work, or home. A standard pencil is around 7 inches in length. So, if you place three of them end to end, you’ll get a measurement close to 20 inches.
This example works well because pencils are easily accessible. By using something as simple as a pencil, you can understand the 20-inch length without having to worry about precise measurements.
4. 10 Golf Tees
Golf Tees
Golf tees are small but practical items, often used for holding golf balls in place. Each tee measures roughly 2 inches. When you line up 10 tees in a row, you’ll have a total length of 20 inches.
It’s a great way to visualise this measurement because you don’t need any fancy tools. Just grab a few tees from your golf kit, and you’ll get a clear idea of how long 20 inches really is.
5. 6 Debit Cards
6 Debit Cards
Debit cards are an essential part of daily life for most people. They’re used for payments, withdrawing money, and online shopping. If you line up six standard-sized cards, their combined length will be about 20 inches.
Since we often carry cards with us, it’s an easy and practical reference point. The familiar size of a debit card makes it easy to picture the 20-inch measurement.
6. Two Letter Size Papers
Two Letter Size Papers
Letter size papers are commonly used as a source for official documentation. A letter size paper has a length of 11 inches. If you arrange two of them longitudinally you’ll get a length of 22 inches. Though it’s a little more than 20 inches, still, it’s a good reference to visualize how big is 20 inches. It’s because you can easily find letter size paper in official, business and educational settings.
Even right now if you’re in your office just take two documents and align them end to end, you’ll get a perfect handy reference for 20 inches.
7. Tall Table Lamps
Tall Table Lamps
Many homes use table lamps to brighten up rooms. A typical small table lamp measures about 20 inches in height. This makes it a great visual comparison for understanding this length.
If you’re unsure about 20 inches, think about the lamps on your side tables. Most are around this size, making them a perfect real-world reference point.
8. Computer Monitor
Computer Monitor
A 20-inch computer monitor is quite a popular size for desk setups. It’s not too big and not too small, offering a good balance for both work and entertainment. This size is a great example for understanding the length of 20 inches.
Since many people use monitors every day, you can easily picture the size. A 20-inch monitor offers a perfect reference for how long 20 inches is, without needing a ruler or measuring tape.
9. Four Hair Combs
Four Hair Combs
Hair combs are commonly used for styling and grooming. A standard hair comb is usually about 5 inches long. If you line up four combs side by side, the total length will be around 20 inches.
This method is easy because most of us have a comb lying around. By using four combs, you can quickly visualize how long 20 inches really is.
10. Two Bread Knives
Two Bread Knives
Bread knives are quite useful in the kitchen. The typical length of a bread knife is about 10 inches. If you place two bread knives end to end, you’ll reach a total length of 20 inches.
This example is great because you likely use a bread knife often. By visualising two of them, you can easily understand the length of 20 inches.
11. A Medium-Sized Suitcase
Medium-Sized Suitcase
When it comes to travel, medium-sized suitcases are a common item. These suitcases are typically 20 inches tall, making them perfect for carry-on luggage. This is a great reference because most of us have used one at some point.
If you travel often, think of the suitcase you take on short trips. The 20-inch length of a standard carry-on suitcase makes it an easy way to visualise the measurement.
12. A Coffee Table
A Coffee Table
The coffee table is another staple in most living rooms, where you often place drinks, books, or decorative items. Typically, a standard coffee table measures about 40 inches in length. This is double the length of 20 inches, so you can easily use the table to compare measurements. Just imagine cutting the length of your coffee table in half, and you’ll have a good visual reference for 20 inches.
This visual comparison helps you understand measurements when arranging furniture or setting up a space in your home. The coffee table, being a familiar object, gives you a useful and quick comparison for estimating lengths like 20 inches, all without needing a tape measure. It’s a practical tool to keep in mind.
13. A Standard Sheet of Paper
Standard Sheet of Paper
A standard sheet of A4 paper is something you probably use daily, whether for printing or writing notes. The length of an A4 sheet is about 11.7 inches. Now, if you place two of these sheets end to end, you get a length just shy of 24 inches. But if you fold a sheet a little bit, you’ll be able to visualise how 20 inches compares quite closely.
This method can help you estimate space in areas where you don’t have any measuring tools. By simply using paper, a familiar object in your life, you can gain a sense of distances in everyday situations. It makes your measurements feel more intuitive without relying on technical equipment.
14. A Dinner Plate
A Dinner Plate
Dinner plates are a common item in any household, aren’t they? They’re used for serving meals, and you probably use them several times a day. Most standard dinner plates have a diameter of about 10 inches. So, imagine placing two of them next to each other. This arrangement gives you approximately 20 inches, which can be surprisingly accurate for measuring in a pinch.
What’s more, when you’re hosting dinner or preparing meals, it’s easy to mentally measure a distance by using plates as a reference. You can gauge if a space is large enough for your plates and, therefore, estimate whether it’s around 20 inches. This everyday object provides a quick and practical way to make estimates.
15. A Shower Head
Shower Head
Shower heads are another object you encounter every day, and most are positioned about 20 inches above your head. If you consider the distance between your head and the shower head, it’s often around that length. This gives you an instant way to gauge how high or low a space is when you’re working with areas like a bathroom.
When you adjust the shower head or remodel your bathroom, you can use this reference to ensure that the head is at a comfortable height. Without measuring tools, the distance from the shower head to the floor often gives you a reliable approximation of 20 inches. It’s one of those everyday references that make life simpler.
16. A Length of Bread
A Length of Bread
A loaf of bread is another everyday object that can help you estimate 20 inches. Standard loaves of bread usually measure about 12 inches in length. If you place two loaves side by side, you get a length that’s very close to 20 inches. This comparison works well in kitchens, whether you’re measuring space on a countertop or trying to visualise an area for baking.
Bread loaves are a convenient, everyday item to use when you need to quickly estimate a measurement. The next time you pull out a loaf for your sandwiches, you can use it to gauge distances around the kitchen or elsewhere. This simple visualisation method helps make measurements more intuitive without the need for any extra tools.
17. A Large Book
A Large Book
Large hardcover books are typically around 10 inches in height. If you stack two of them on top of each other, you’ll get a height that’s about 20 inches. These kinds of books are something many people use for reading or decoration, so they serve as a perfect reference for quickly estimating length.
Next time you’re cleaning or organising, think of how two large books could represent 20 inches. Whether you’re measuring a shelf or planning a space, books can help you visualise this length. Their familiar shape and size give you a handy way to estimate distances and make your everyday tasks a bit easier.
Conclusion
With these references, you’ll never be stuck wondering how big is 20 inches again. Whether you’re at home, at work, or on the go, these everyday items can help you understand and measure 20 inches quickly and efficiently.
I hope the article was a source of knowledge for you; let me know in the comments how many items you remember as a reference for 20 inches. See ya next time, signing off. Happy measurements!
