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How long is 20 inches? This measurement can be visualized by comparing it to various everyday items. For example, it’s roughly the length of a standard laptop screen or a medium-sized ruler. It’s also about the width of a large piece of paper or the height of a typical dining chair seat. 

Understanding what 20 inches looks like in practical terms helps with various tasks, from home decorating to DIY projects. In this guide, we’ll explore 11 common things that are approximately 20 inches long to give you a clearer idea of this measurement.

What do you mean by 20 Inches long?

20 inches long refers to a length measuring exactly equivalent to about 50.8 centimeters. It’s a standard measurement used for various objects and distances.

How long is 20 Inches visually?

Visually, 20 inches is about the width of a large laptop screen, the length of a standard dinner plate, or roughly the height of a small book or a medium-sized house cat.

How can it be measured by 20 Inches without a ruler?

To measure 20 inches without a ruler, you can use common objects like a large laptop or a dinner plate for reference. You can also use your arm; the distance from your elbow to the tip of your fingers is often around 18 to 22 inches, so it provides a good estimate.

How Long is 20 Inches: 11 Things Equal to 20 Inches

  1. Standard Laptop Screen
  2. Large Dinner Plate
  3. Medium-Sized Television
  4. Standard Guitar
  5. Decorative Wall Clock
  6. Large Cookbook
  7. Suitcase Handle
  8. Small Shower Rod
  9. Standard Pillow
  10. Large Book
  11. Length of Pipe

Standard Laptop Screen

laptop

A typical laptop screen measures about 20 inches diagonally. This size is common for mid-range laptops, providing a balance between portability and screen real estate. You can use this as a reference for visualizing 20 inches.

Length of Standard Laptop Screen Standard Laptop Screen is 20 Inches long.

Large Dinner Plate

Many large dinner plates have a diameter of around 20 inches. This size allows for ample space for meals, making it ideal for serving generous portions. This can help you gauge the length of 20 inches in everyday objects.

Length of Large Dinner Plate Large Dinner Plate is 20 Inches long.

Medium-Sized Television

television

Some medium-sized televisions have a screen size of approximately 20 inches. This is a popular size for smaller rooms or secondary TVs, providing a clear view without dominating the space. This can be a handy reference for 20 inches.

Length of Medium-Sized Television Medium-Sized Television is 20 Inches long.

Standard Guitar

A standard acoustic guitar is about 20 inches long from the bridge to the end of the body. This measurement gives an idea of the instrument’s size and how it fits in the musician’s lap. This can be useful for visualizing 20 inches.

Length of Standard Guitar Standard Guitar is 20 Inches long.

Decorative Wall Clock

wall clock

Many decorative wall clocks measure around 20 inches in diameter. This size ensures that the clock is visible and functional while serving as a decorative piece on the wall. This size can be a good reference for 20 inches.

Length of Decorative Wall Clock Decorative Wall Clock is 20 Inches long.

Large Cookbook

cookbook

A large cookbook often measures about 20 inches in height. This size allows for ample space to include detailed recipes and illustrations, making it easier to follow cooking instructions. Use this to visualize 20 inches in a practical context.

Length of Large Cookbook Large Cookbook is 20 Inches long.

Suitcase Handle

suitcase handle

The handle of a standard suitcase typically extends about 20 inches from the ground when fully extended. This length helps travelers maneuver their luggage comfortably. This can help you understand what 20 inches looks like.

Length of Suitcase Handle Suitcase Handle is 20 Inches long.

Small Shower Rod

Many small shower rods are about 20 inches in length. This size is suitable for smaller shower stalls or curtain arrangements, providing adequate coverage without being overly large. This is a helpful reference for 20 inches.

Length of Small Shower Rod Small Shower Rod is 20 Inches long.

Standard Pillow

pillow

A standard pillow often measures about 20 inches in width. This size provides a comfortable and supportive surface for resting or sleeping. This can be a useful way to visualize 20 inches.

Length of Standard Pillow Standard Pillow is 20 Inches long.

Large Book

book

A large book, such as a coffee table book, can measure about 20 inches in height. This size makes the book a prominent and eye-catching addition to any bookshelf or table. This measurement can help you picture 20 inches.

Length of Large Book Large Book is 20 Inches long.

Length of Pipe

A length of pipe used in plumbing or construction can often be found in 20-inch sections. This measurement is practical for various applications where pipes need to be cut to fit specific lengths. This can be a good reference for 20 inches.

Length of Length of Pipe Length of Pipe is 20 Inches long.

How long is 20 Inches: Measurement at Home

  • At home, 20 inches is about the length of a standard large laptop screen or a medium-sized coffee table. It can also be the height of a typical kitchen countertop or the width of a small to medium-sized picture frame.

How long is 20 Inches: Measurement while traveling

  • While traveling, 20 inches is roughly the length of a carry-on suitcase or the width of a large travel backpack. It is also close to the size of a standard airplane seat back or a travel pillow.

How Long is 20 Inches: Fun Facts

  • Standard Ruler Length: A standard ruler is typically 12 inches long, so 20 inches is about 8 inches longer.
  • Tablet Screen: Many tablets have screens that are around 20 inches diagonally.
  • Size of a Laptop: Larger laptops can have screens close to 20 inches in width.
  • Width of a Small TV: Some small televisions are about 20 inches wide.
  • Width of a Door Frame: The width of some door frames can be around 20 inches.
  • Length of a Large Book: A large hardcover book can be about 20 inches long.
  • Size of a Picture Frame: Picture frames, especially for large photos, can be around 20 inches on one side.
  • Height of a Small Trash Can: Many small trash cans are about 20 inches tall.
  • Length of a Medium-Sized Dog: A medium-sized dog can be around 20 inches long from nose to tail.
  • Width of a Computer Monitor: Some older computer monitors are approximately 20 inches in width.
  • Length of a Backpack: Many backpacks are around 20 inches tall.
  • Size of a Pizza Box: Large pizza boxes can be about 20 inches in diameter.
  • Height of a Small Plant Pot: A large plant pot can be around 20 inches tall.
  • Width of a Cabinet Door: Some cabinet doors in kitchens are about 20 inches wide.
  • Length of a Baseball Bat: A short baseball bat can be around 20 inches long.
  • Size of a Wall Clock: Large wall clocks can have a diameter of about 20 inches.
  • Width of a Small Desk: Some compact desks are around 20 inches wide.
  • Length of a Medium-Sized Painting: Medium paintings can be about 20 inches long.
  • Size of a Cushion: Some decorative cushions or pillows are around 20 inches square.
  • Width of a Bench: Some small benches or seating areas are about 20 inches wide.

Final Thoughts

20 inches is a handy measurement to keep in mind for various everyday tasks. From the width of a laptop screen to the height of a chair seat, knowing what 20 inches looks like can help you with home projects, shopping, or even organizing spaces. By relating this length to familiar objects, you can easily visualize and apply this measurement in practical ways.