10 Things That are 20 inches Long/Big

We often hear measurements being mentioned without a clear visual reference to understand them fully. One such measurement is twenty inches. While it’s not a big figure, twenty inches is a common length that can be seen in various items we use daily. From household objects to personal items, understanding how big 20 inches is can help you understand and relate to the measurement more effectively. 

In this piece, we will discuss a range of common objects that measure approximately 20 inches to better understand how this dimension integrates into our everyday lives. Whether you’re comparing sizes for shopping, engaging in DIY projects, or simply curious, recognizing what constitutes this length can be surprisingly enlightening.

How Big is 20 inches?

Understanding how big twenty inches is can be crucial in various contexts, from purchasing the right size of furniture to ensuring that appliances fit in designated spaces at home or work. 20 inches is approximately equal to 50.8 centimeters, or 1.6 feet, falling somewhere between small and medium in most measurement categories. 

To put it into a familiar context, 20 inches is about the length of a standard carry-on suitcase, which is designed to fit in overhead bins on airplanes. It is also roughly the height of a typical countertop, making it a relatable measurement when considering kitchen appliances or decorative items.

By considering these practical applications, the concept of ” 20 inches length” becomes clearer and more integrated into daily decision-making processes, aiding in everything from interior design to personal shopping and beyond.

How Long is 20 inches Visually?

Visualizing twenty inches can sometimes be more relatable when we connect it with common objects whose sizes are familiar to us. Imagine lining up two standard ruler lengths end-to-end – this approximation gives you just about 20 inches. To put it in another everyday context, consider the width of a computer monitor or the height of a toddler. 

With these pictures, the number value and real-world understanding are more closely linked, making it easier to understand the size in everyday scenarios. Knowing how 20 inches looks in real life helps us understand space better and plan or build things better, whether we’re comparing it to kitchen appliances or trying to guess how tall a piece of furniture is. 

How Long is 20 inches Hair?

Having hair that reaches 20 inches in length places it around the mid-back level for most people, depending on their height and the point from which the hair grows. This length is quite significant and is often considered long hair in many cultures. 

Achieving twenty inches of hair growth typically requires patience and good hair care, as hair grows on average about half an inch per month. Thus, reaching this length can take about three to four years from a shorter style, assuming the hair remains healthy and well-maintained throughout.

Twenty inches of hair looks great and can be styled in many ways, such as in elaborate braids, luxurious curls, and elegant updos. This is why many hair lovers want this length. This measurement also serves as a milestone for many growing their hair out, particularly for those donating to charities that make wigs for medical reasons, where minimum length requirements are often around this length.

Here are everyday items that measure twenty inches long.

1. Two Letter Size Papers

Letter size paper, commonly referred to as “Letter,” measures 8.5 inches wide by 11 inches tall. A lot of different kinds of papers in the US and Canada are this size, including letters, business reports, and academic papers.

Laying two standard letter-size papers end to end gives a picture that is close to 20 inches in length. As mentioned above a letter-size paper measures approximately 8.5 inches by 11 inches. When placed lengthwise, one after the other, their combined length is about 22 inches.

However, when aligned side by side, their combined width is approximately 17 inches. This arrangement doesn’t exactly meet the 20-inch mark but gets us within a close range, making it a practical example for visualizing slightly less than twenty inches. Click here for more guidance about paper sizes.

2. Three U.S. Dollar Notes

The United States issues paper money called U.S. dollar notes, which people usually call “dollar bills.” Every bill is made from a mix of cotton and linen, which makes them feel different and last longer than standard paper.

This is a good practical way to comprehend 20 inches by aligning three U.S. dollar bills end to end. Each bill measures approximately 6.14 inches in length. When you line up three of these bills consecutively, they total around 18.42 inches. 

Similar to the letter paper example, this, too, falls a bit short of the twenty-inch mark, yet it offers a good approximation. It can be particularly handy when trying to estimate distances or sizes without a ruler at hand, using something as ubiquitous as currency to get a good sense of measurement.

Related: Everyday items That Are 2 inches Long/Big

3. Computer Monitor

The diagonal measurement of a computer monitor provides another excellent representation of an object that commonly measures around 20 inches. Standard monitor sizes include dimensions that are often close to this measurement, particularly in older models or those designed for compact workspaces. 

For instance, a monitor that advertises a 20-inch screen typically refers to the diagonal length from one corner to the opposite corner. This measurement includes not only the screen but also the frame. Understanding this dimension is crucial for setting up workstations and ensuring that the screen size meets the user’s comfort and usability standards. 

Additionally, it influences the viewing experience, affecting how graphics and texts are displayed, which is vital for designers, gamers, and professionals who rely heavily on visual outputs from their computers.

4. Tall Table Lamps

When talking about the height of tall table lamps, 20 inches is a common number. This number usually only includes the lamp base and not the shade. This size of lamp can be a great center point on a side table, adding style to the room’s decor while also providing useful lighting.

The 20-inch size is great for making the lamp look good with furniture like sleeping tables, end tables, or desks because it strikes the right balance between size and style. This height makes sure that the lamp is tall enough to light up a large area without being too tall and taking over the room.

A 20-inch lamp base can also be paired with a colorful shade to make a total height of 27 to 30 inches. This is the perfect height for reading or doing other tasks without straining your eyes. 

5. Four Standard Soda Cans

A lot of people use soda cans because they are small and strong and keep the food inside safe from light and air, which extends the shelf life of the food. They are usually made of metal, are light, can be recycled, and are made to keep the drinks inside fresh and carbonated.

If you compare 20 inches with a fun and relatable approach, consider stacking four standard soda cans on top of each other. Each soda can measures approximately 4.83 inches in height. When stacked, four cans reach a combined height of about 19.32 inches, providing a close approximation to the same size. 

Also, it can be a useful comparison for explaining dimensions to children or visual learners, making the concept of measurement more accessible and understandable through everyday objects.

6. Two Bread Knife

A bread knife is a specialized kitchen utensil designed specifically for cutting bread. Its most distinguishing feature is its serrated blade, which allows it to cut through tough bread crusts smoothly without crushing the soft interior. Typically, bread knives have blade lengths ranging from 6 to 10 inches, with some even longer for professional use.

When you place two of them vertically, you will get an excellent estimate of 20 inches. This measurement is particularly relevant in culinary settings where understanding the size and range of kitchen tools is crucial for efficient food preparation. 

A 10-inch bread knife is ideal for slicing through large loaves of bread or layer cakes, providing ample length to cut through without excessive sawing motions. Visualizing two of these knives together helps you understand the length in a kitchen context, aiding in tasks that require precision and control over larger surfaces or items.

7. A Medium-sized Suitcase

A medium-sized suitcase typically measures about 20 inches in height, making it a perfect example to imagine this length. This size is popular among travelers seeking a balance between portability and capacity. 

The 20-inch suitcase is often designed to meet airline regulations for carry-on luggage, allowing travelers to skip the baggage claim and keep their essentials close during flights. These suitcases are crafted to maximize space while fitting neatly in overhead compartments. 

The dimensions of such luggage facilitate easy handling and mobility through busy terminals and ensure that they can hold enough belongings for short to medium-length trips. Understanding the scale of a twenty-inch suitcase can help travelers make informed decisions about packing and choosing the right luggage for different types of travel scenarios.

8. Four Hair Combs

The length of twenty inches can also be achieved by laying out four standard hair combs, each measuring about 5 to 6 inches long, end to end. This is an easy and simple way to figure out the measurement, which is particularly useful in personal grooming contexts or industries related to fashion and beauty. 

Hair combs are essential tools for maintaining hairstyle and hair health, and understanding their length helps in selecting the right type for different hair types and styling needs. 

Lining up four of these combs makes the 20-inch measure easy to visualize. It emphasizes the importance of tool size in achieving desired haircare results, whether for detangling, styling, or evenly distributing hair products.

9. Professional Chef’s Knife

A professional chef’s knife with a 20-inch blade is exceptionally large, significantly longer than typical kitchen knives, which usually range from 8 to 12 inches in blade length. This unusual size is more common in specialized culinary settings where large quantities of food must be prepared or large items need to be processed. 

For example, a 20-inch chef’s knife might be used to slice whole roasts or large vegetables like pumpkins and watermelons. Using such a knife requires not only skill but also an understanding of leverage and handling to ensure safety and efficiency in the kitchen.

10. Three Pencils

Considering the length of standard pencils, which measure about 6 to 7 inches, three pencils laid end to end vertically provide a cumulative length of 18 to 21 inches, surrounding the 20-inch mark closely. This common comparison can be particularly useful in educational or artistic settings where pencils are commonplace. 

They are portable, inexpensive, and do not require any additional devices to use, unlike modern digital devices. For students and artists, understanding this length through pencils might relate directly to their experiences of sketching or writing, providing a concrete way to learn the measurement. 

Final Thoughts

This piece shows how the size of 20 inches is used in everyday life by looking at different items that are that size. These items range from personal care tools to important travel gear.

By knowing these real-world uses, the number that seems abstract becomes a real part of the choices and observations we make every day. This new understanding makes us more aware of our surroundings and improves our relationships with them. 

This makes it easier to plan, make, and use space better. Whether you’re interested in learning, home design, or just being curious, understanding the meaning of measurements like twenty inches can change the way you see and move through the world.