How Long Is 20 cm? 20 Everyday Objects You Can Compare
Knowing “How long Is 20 cm” can be helpful when buying items. It’s about the size of a standard pencil, a small ruler, or the width of two hands placed side by side. This length is surprisingly common in everyday objects, making it easy to picture when you know where to look.
Stick with me, and you’ll discover 16 simple and fun comparisons to understand exactly how long 20 cm really is!
How Long is 20 cm? (Everything to Know)
20 cm is about the length of a standard pencil or the width of two adult hands placed side by side. If you think of a soda can, it’s a little longer than that when lying down.
It’s also close to the size of a medium-sized book. This length is short and easy to imagine because it matches things we use or see daily, like a tablet.
How long is 20 cm in inches?
20 cm is about 7.87 inches. This is just a little shorter than 8 inches. If you need a simple comparison, think of a regular loaf of bread—it’s about the same length.
It’s also similar to the size of most smartphones, which are slightly smaller than 20 cm. This makes it a handy measurement to picture everyday objects.
20 cm in feet
In feet, 20 cm is about 0.656 feet, which is a little more than half a foot. If you imagine a standard foot-long ruler, 20 cm is a little over halfway across it.
You can also compare it to the length of your forearm from your wrist to the middle of your arm. This makes 20 cm easy to imagine when thinking of small objects like books or cutting boards.
How long is 20 cm on a ruler?
On a ruler, 20 cm stretches from the starting point (0 cm) to the 20 cm mark. Most rulers also show inches on the other side, and you’ll see that 20 cm lines up with just under 8 inches.
If you have a 30 cm (or 12-inch) ruler, 20 cm is about two-thirds of the way across. It’s a quick way to visualize how long 20 cm really is.
20 cm comparison to hand
If you hold out your hand, 20 cm is about the length from the base of your palm to the tip of your middle finger. For most adults, this matches closely. If you place two adult hands side by side, their width is also around 20 cm.
This is why so many things like phones, wallets, or books are close to 20 cm—they fit comfortably in our hands.
20 cm compared to human
Compared to a person, 20 cm is very small. It’s roughly the size of a newborn baby’s foot or the length of an adult’s forearm from wrist to elbow. If you think about height, 20 cm is way shorter than your shin or lower leg.
It’s a small but noticeable length, making it easy to imagine when compared to body parts like a hand or arm.
20 cm to inches to feet
To break it down, 20 cm equals about 7.87 inches. That’s just under 8 inches. If you convert it to feet, it’s about 0.656 feet, or a little more than half a foot. Think of a soda can, a small loaf of bread, or a medium-sized tablet. It’s a size we can quickly relate to because it’s so common in everyday life.
20 cm in English
In English measurements, 20 cm is about 7.87 inches or just over 0.656 feet. That’s roughly half a foot or almost 8 inches. It’s a little longer than a pencil and about the size of many small household items like a notebook, a cutting board, or a small plant pot.
This length is practical and easy to picture in both centimeters and inches.
If you’re curious about how 5 cm compares to 20 cm, check out this list of everyday objects that are just 5 cm.
What object is 20 cm long?
Objects that are approximately 20 cm long include:
- A standard-sized pencil
- A large smartphone
- A kitchen knife blade
- A ruler
- A hardcover book
- A small plush toy
- A standard spatula.
Let’s discuss these items in detail.
20 Things That Are 20 cm Long or Big
Many common things are 20 cm long or big. The popular ones are a standard-sized ruler, a small dinner plate, the short side of A4 paper, a desktop stapler, an adult toothbrush, and an Apple Watch band.
Let’s look at 20 one of them in detail.
A Standard-Sized Ruler
A 20 cm ruler is a staple in schools and offices. It’s small, portable, and perfect for quick measurements. Unlike the 30 cm version, the 20 cm ruler is compact enough to fit in most pencil cases or pockets.
If you look at a 20 cm ruler, you’ll notice it’s a bit shorter than a standard piece of paper.
What makes it so handy is that it’s marked in both centimeters and millimeters, which helps you measure small objects precisely.
Whether you’re drawing straight lines, underlining notes, or measuring a small object, this ruler is incredibly useful. It’s also a good example of how long 20 cm is—easy to visualize and find in everyday life.
A Standard Dinner Plate Diameter
Many small dinner plates or side plates have a diameter of about 20 cm. These are the plates you might use for snacks, desserts, or appetizers. They are smaller than full-sized dinner plates, which usually measure 25-30 cm.
If you imagine placing your hand over a plate like this, it would cover most of it. These plates are perfect for portion control or for serving small meals. They’re common in many homes and restaurants, making them a great example of 20 cm in diameter.
The Short Side of A4 Paper
A4 paper is everywhere—offices, schools, and homes. Its shorter side measures around 20 cm. If you fold it in half lengthwise, the folded side is close to 10 cm.
This makes A4 paper a good way to picture 20 cm. The width of the paper is just a touch longer, so it’s an easy reference for measurements. Whether you’re printing, writing, or crafting, A4 paper gives you a clear sense of this length.
Staples Desktop Stapler
A typical desktop stapler, like the ones from Staples, measures about 20 cm in length. It’s the perfect size to hold comfortably in your hand while stapling papers. These staplers are lightweight but sturdy enough for daily tasks.
When placed on a desk, it’s easy to spot how long it is. Comparing it to other items like a pencil or ruler, you’ll see it matches the 20 cm length almost perfectly. This makes it a convenient tool and a practical size to recognize.
An Adult Toothbrush
Most adult toothbrushes are about 20 cm long. The brush head is much smaller, taking up just a few centimeters, while the handle makes up the rest.
If you hold one in your hand, it’s easy to feel its length. It’s a common household item, so picturing a toothbrush can help you understand how long 20 cm really is.
Apple Watch Sport Band (Large)
The unbuckled length of the large Apple Watch Sport Band is about 20 cm. This size ensures a snug but comfortable fit around the wrist. Many people wear these every day, so they’re familiar with this length.
When laid flat, it’s easy to see that the band stretches to the same length as a small dinner plate or a ruler. This makes it another everyday object to visualize 20 cm.
Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses Case
The case for Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses is roughly 20 cm long. This size is perfect for protecting sunglasses while still being portable. It fits easily into most bags or glove compartments.
If you place it next to a ruler, you’ll see how close it is to the 20 cm mark. This case is a great example of how this measurement fits into daily life.
Hot Wheels Track Builder Straight Track Piece
Each straight track piece in the Hot Wheels Track Builder set measures about 20.3 cm. These tracks are perfect for building creative racecourses for toy cars. If you’ve ever played with them, you know how handy this length is for connecting different pieces.
This makes it a fun and unique example of something 20 cm long that’s also a toy.
A Drinking Straw
Standard straws are often around 20 cm long. They’re long enough to reach the bottom of most glasses but short enough to use comfortably. Think of a typical soda cup at a restaurant—that’s where you’ll find straws this size.
This makes a drinking straw an easy way to picture 20 cm. It’s simple, everyday, and common.
A Pencil
Standard pencils are typically 19-20 cm long. They’re a familiar item found in schools and homes. If you hold a pencil in your hand, you’re already holding something that’s about 20 cm.
This length makes it a perfect example because pencils are everywhere. Next time you pick one up, you’ll know exactly how long 20 cm is.
A Pair of Scissors
Medium-sized scissors usually measure about 20 cm in length. These are the ones you might use for cutting paper or fabric at home.
If you compare them to a 20 cm ruler, you’ll see they match almost exactly. This makes scissors a practical example of this length.
A Remote Control
Many TV remotes are between 19-21 cm long, putting them close to 20 cm. These remotes are designed to be easy to hold and long enough to fit all the necessary buttons.
If you grab your remote and look at its length, you’ll see how close it is to 20 cm. It’s a useful and everyday reference.
A Banana
An average medium-sized banana is about 20 cm long. This length makes it easy to hold and peel. If you eat bananas regularly, you’re already familiar with this measurement.
The next time you have one, you can compare it to a ruler to see how closely it matches 20 cm.
English Cucumber
The smaller cucumbers often sold in supermarkets are around 20 cm long. These are the ones typically used in salads or as snacks.
If you hold one, you’ll see how close it is to the size of a pencil or ruler. It’s another great example of 20 cm in nature.
A Catfish
Many small freshwater catfish species grow to about 20 cm. These fish are often kept in aquariums and are easy to spot.
If you think of a fish this size, it’s about the length of a ruler or a pair of scissors. It’s a fun and unique way to picture this measurement.
Moleskine Classic Notebook
The height of a Moleskine Classic Notebook is about 20 cm. These notebooks are popular for journaling and note-taking. They’re compact enough to carry but still offer plenty of writing space.
Holding one in your hands gives you a good idea of how long 20 cm is. It’s a practical, everyday example.
A Small Frying Pan Diameter
A small frying pan often has a diameter of about 20 cm. These pans are commonly used for making a single serving of food, such as an egg or a pancake. They’re compact, lightweight, and fit easily on any stovetop.
If you measure the diameter from one edge of the pan to the other, you’ll notice it’s around 20 cm. This size is perfect for quick cooking tasks without taking up too much space. Next time you grab a small pan, you’ll see how it matches this measurement.
Apple iPad Mini 6
The height of the Apple iPad Mini 6 is about 19.54 cm, which is very close to 20 cm. This tablet is small and portable, making it a popular choice for people who want something easy to carry.
When you hold it vertically, its height gives you a near-perfect idea of what 20 cm looks like. It’s a modern, tech-friendly way to understand this measurement.
Wilton Aluminum Round Cake Pan (8-inch)
An 8-inch round cake pan from Wilton has a diameter of about 20.32 cm. This size is perfect for baking small cakes, making it a common kitchen item. Whether you’re making a birthday cake or a simple dessert, this pan is often used for personal or family-sized servings.
Next time you bake with one, you’ll see how close it is to 20 cm, making it a practical tool for visualizing this length.
UNO Card Box (Mattel)
The last item is a UNO card box. Its width is about 20 cm, which makes it compact and easy to store. It’s designed to hold a full deck of UNO cards securely while being portable for travel or game nights.
If you lay the box flat and measure its width, you’ll notice it’s right around 20 cm. It’s another fun and familiar example of this measurement in everyday life.
Once you’ve visualized 20 cm, you’ll be amazed at how much bigger 50 cm objects appear. Read details in – 50 Surprising Things That Are 50 cm Long.
Conclusion
So, now you know how long 20 cm is. Here’s the summary:
- 20 cm is the length of many everyday items like pencils, toothbrushes, and remote controls.
- Kitchen tools like small frying pans and dinner plates are also around 20 cm.
- Tech gadgets like the iPad Mini and Apple Watch Band help visualize 20 cm easily.
- Nature provides examples too, like bananas and English cucumbers.
- Toys and tools like Hot Wheels tracks or scissors match this measurement perfectly.
Understanding 20 cm just got super easy and fun.
Interested in smaller measurements? Here’s a look at everyday objects that are just 3 cm long to compare with 20 cm.
