Have you ever wondered just how big 20 inches really is? This seemingly arbitrary measurement pops up more often than you might think in our daily lives.
From computer monitors to medium-sized suitcases, 20 inches is a dimension that surrounds us in surprising ways. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore various everyday items that measure up to 20 inches, shedding light on the prevalence of this size in our world.
How Big is 20 Inches?
To put 20 inches into perspective, let’s break it down:
- 20 inches = 50.8 centimeters
- 20 inches = 1.67 feet
- 20 inches = 0.56 yards
- 20 inches = 0.51 meters
This measurement is neither too big nor too small, making it versatile for a wide range of objects and applications. In fact, 20 inches is a common dimension in many industries, from technology to furniture design.
How Long is 20 Inches Visually?
Visualizing 20 inches can be challenging without a frame of reference. Here are some comparisons to help you picture it:
- Two subway footlong sandwiches placed end to end
- The length of an average newborn baby
- The width of a standard office chair
- The diagonal measurement of many desktop computer monitors
- The height of a typical carry-on suitcase
These visual comparisons can help you gauge the size of 20 inches in everyday scenarios, making it easier to estimate and understand this measurement in practical terms.
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How Long is 20 Inches Hair?
When it comes to hair length, 20 inches is considered quite long. Here’s what you need to know about 20-inch hair:
- It typically falls to the middle of the back or just below the bra strap for most people
- Growing hair to 20 inches can take 2-3 years for those with average hair growth rates
- 20-inch hair extensions are popular for adding dramatic length and volume
- This length allows for a wide variety of hairstyles, from intricate updos to flowing waves
“Hair is the first thing. And teeth the second. Hair and teeth. A man got those two things, he’s got it all.” – James Brown
For those aspiring to grow their hair to this length, patience and proper care are key. Regular trims, a balanced diet, and gentle handling can all contribute to healthier, longer hair.
Now, let’s dive into our list of everyday objects that measure around 20 inches.
Two Letter Size Papers
Standard letter-size paper in the United States measures 8.5 x 11 inches. When you place two of these letter size papers end to end along their long edge, you get a length of 22 inches – just slightly over our 20-inch benchmark.
Fun Fact: If you were to stack 20 inches worth of standard copy paper, you’d have approximately 5,080 sheets!
This comparison is particularly useful in office settings, where letter-size paper is ubiquitous. Understanding this measurement can help in organizing desk spaces, designing storage solutions, or even in crafting and DIY projects.
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Three U.S. Dollar Notes
A single U.S. dollar note measures 6.14 inches in length. Place three of these bills end to end, and you’re looking at 18.42 inches – remarkably close to our 20-inch target.
Interesting Tidbit: If you were to lay out 20 inches worth of $100 bills, you’d have $32,573 in cash!
This comparison not only provides a visual reference but also offers an interesting perspective on the physical nature of currency. It’s a reminder that even in our increasingly digital world, physical money still has tangible dimensions.
Computer Monitor
Many desktop computer monitors fall into the 20-24 inch range, measured diagonally. A 20-inch monitor provides ample screen real estate for most office tasks and casual computing needs.
| Screen Size | Typical Resolution | Common Use |
| 20 inches | 1600 x 900 | Office work, web browsing |
| 24 inches | 1920 x 1080 | Gaming, graphic design |
| 27 inches | 2560 x 1440 | Professional work, gaming |
The 20-inch monitor size is particularly interesting as it represents a sweet spot between portability and screen real estate. It’s large enough to comfortably view multiple windows or documents side by side, yet not so large as to dominate a desk space.
Tall Table Lamps
Many tall table lamps designed for bedside tables or living room end tables measure around 20 inches in height. This size provides a perfect balance of form and function, offering sufficient illumination without overwhelming the space.
Design Tip: When choosing a table lamp, the bottom of the lampshade should be at eye level when you’re seated next to it. A 20-inch lamp often hits this sweet spot for standard-height side tables.
The 20-inch height for table lamps is a result of decades of design evolution, finding the optimal balance between aesthetic appeal and practical lighting needs. This height allows for a warm, diffused light that’s perfect for reading or creating a cozy atmosphere in a room.
Four Standard Soda Cans
Standard aluminum soda cans are typically about 4.83 inches tall. If you were to stack four of these cans, you’d have a tower measuring 19.32 inches – just shy of our 20-inch mark.
Environmental Note: Aluminum cans are 100% recyclable and can be recycled indefinitely without loss of quality.
This comparison not only provides a relatable visual reference but also serves as a reminder of the importance of recycling. The aluminum used in soda cans can be recycled and back on store shelves as new cans in as little as 60 days.
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Two Bread Knives
While most home kitchen knives are shorter, some professional or specialized bread knives can reach lengths of up to 10 inches for the blade alone. Two of these knives placed end to end would give you our 20-inch measurement.
Culinary Tip: A longer bread knife allows for smoother, more even slices through large, crusty loaves.
The length of bread knives is a testament to the importance of specialized tools in cooking. A 10-inch bread knife can easily slice through a wide loaf of bread with a single stroke, maintaining the integrity of even the crustiest artisanal breads.
A Medium-sized Suitcase
Many medium-sized suitcases designed for checked baggage measure right around 20 inches in height or width. This size strikes a balance between capacity and maneuverability.
Travel Hack: Always check your airline’s specific size restrictions for both carry-on and checked luggage before packing.
The 20-inch suitcase is a popular choice for travelers, offering enough space for a week-long trip while still being relatively easy to handle. This size often fits easily in car trunks, overhead bins (for slightly smaller carry-on versions), and hotel closets.
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Four Hair Combs
While individual hair combs are much smaller, a set of four professional hairdressing combs laid end to end might reach close to 20 inches. These combs come in various sizes and tooth widths for different hair types and styling needs.
Grooming Tip: Wide-toothed combs are best for detangling wet hair to prevent breakage.
The variety in comb sizes reflects the diverse needs of hair care. From fine-toothed combs for precise styling to wide-toothed combs for gentle detangling, each serves a specific purpose in hair maintenance and styling.
Professional Chef’s Knife
In the culinary world, size matters when it comes to knives. While most home cooks use 8-inch chef’s knives, professional chef’s knives can be much longer. Some specialty knives, particularly those used for slicing large cuts of meat or filleting fish, can measure up to 20 inches in total length.
Knife Knowledge: The length of a chef’s knife is measured from the tip of the blade to the end of the handle.
The 20-inch chef’s knife is a specialized tool, often used in professional kitchens for specific tasks like slicing large roasts or filleting long fish. Its length allows for smooth, continuous cuts, reducing the need for sawing motions that can tear delicate foods.
Three Pencils
Standard #2 pencils are typically about 7.5 inches long before sharpening. Line up three of these pencils, and you’re looking at 22.5 inches – just a bit over our 20-inch mark.
Writing Trivia: A single pencil can draw a line 35 miles long or write approximately 45,000 words!
The humble pencil, at about 7.5 inches, is a perfect example of ergonomic design. This length fits comfortably in most hands and provides enough weight for balanced writing. It’s fascinating to think that an object we use so casually has been carefully designed to this specific length for optimal functionality.
Other Common 20-Inch Items
Adult Bearded Dragon
Bearded dragons, popular reptile pets, typically reach a length of about 20 inches when fully grown. This includes their long, scaly tail, which accounts for almost half their total length.
These fascinating creatures serve as a living example of our 20-inch measurement. Their size makes them an ideal pet for many, being large enough to handle easily but not so large as to require extensive space.
Standard Carry-On Luggage
Most airlines specify a maximum carry-on luggage size of 22 x 14 x 9 inches. The longest dimension, 22 inches, is just a smidge over our 20-inch benchmark.
This standardization of luggage sizes demonstrates how the 20-inch dimension (or close to it) has been adopted across industries for practical reasons. In this case, it ensures that luggage can fit in overhead compartments while maximizing space usage.
Large Pizza Diameter
While a large pizza from most major chains measures 14 inches in diameter, some go up to 20 inches for their extra-large or party-sized offerings.
A 20-inch pizza is truly a sight to behold, offering about 314 square inches of delicious surface area. This size is often reserved for party pizzas or specialty pizzerias that pride themselves on oversized offerings.
Typical Lawn Mower Blade
Many standard push mowers feature a 20-inch cutting deck, which means the blade itself is right around that length.
The 20-inch lawn mower blade represents a balance between efficiency and maneuverability. It’s wide enough to cut a significant swath with each pass, reducing the time needed to mow a lawn, but not so wide as to make the mower unwieldy or difficult to store.
Average Newborn Baby Length
The average newborn baby measures about 20 inches from head to toe, with most falling between 18 and 22 inches at birth.
It’s remarkable to think that most of us started our lives at this length. This measurement is crucial for pediatricians in assessing newborn health and tracking growth over time.
Standard Acoustic Guitar Body
The body of a standard dreadnought acoustic guitar typically measures around 20 inches in length.
This dimension contributes significantly to the guitar’s rich, full-bodied sound. The 20-inch body length of a dreadnought guitar has become a standard in the industry, known for producing a balanced, powerful tone suitable for a wide range of musical styles.
High-End Gaming Laptop
Some high-end gaming laptops push the boundaries with 17 or 18-inch screens, bringing them close to our 20-inch mark when measured diagonally.
These larger laptops prioritize visual experience and performance over portability, offering desktop-like gaming experiences in a (somewhat) portable package. The trend towards larger laptop screens reflects the growing demand for immersive digital experiences.
Large Houseplant (e.g., Monstera deliciosa)
The trendy Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss cheese plant, can grow leaves up to 20 inches in length.
These impressive leaves make the Monstera a statement piece in interior design. The plant’s ability to grow such large leaves is an adaptation to its natural habitat in tropical forests, where large leaves help it capture more light in the dim understory.
Snowboard for Young Riders
For young snowboarders just starting out, a 20-inch snowboard might be just the right size.
Snowboard length is typically based on the rider’s height and weight. A 20-inch board would be suitable for very young children or those just beginning to learn the sport. This size allows for easier control and maneuverability as they develop their skills.
Practical Applications of 20-Inch Measurements
Understanding the 20-inch measurement can be surprisingly useful in various contexts:
- Home Improvement: When installing shelves or hanging pictures, knowing common object sizes can help you plan your space effectively. For example, understanding that a standard pillow is about 20 inches wide can help in designing bedroom layouts or choosing appropriate shelf depths.
- Fashion and Tailoring: Understanding body measurements, including 20-inch increments, is crucial for proper fit in clothing. A 20-inch waist measurement, for instance, corresponds to a size 00 in US women’s clothing sizes.
- Sports Equipment: From snowboards to golf clubs, many sporting goods use precise measurements to ensure optimal performance. In golf, for example, the maximum allowed length for a putter is 20 inches.
- Gardening: Knowing plant sizes helps in planning garden layouts and choosing appropriate containers. Many tomato cages, for instance, are about 20 inches in diameter, which can guide spacing in vegetable gardens.
- Cooking: Understanding the size of your cookware and utensils can improve your culinary skills and kitchen organization. A 20-inch prep space on either side of your cooktop is often recommended for efficient kitchen design.
Fun Facts and Trivia About 20-Inch Objects
To add some extra flavor to our exploration of 20-inch items, here are some interesting tidbits:
- The world’s largest pizza, as recognized by Guinness World Records, had a diameter of 122 feet and 8 inches. That’s about 74 times the size of our 20-inch pizza!
- In the animal kingdom, the giant Pacific octopus can have arms spanning up to 20 feet (240 inches) from tip to tip.
- The shortest adult human on record, Chandra Bahadur Dangi, stood at just 21.5 inches tall.
- The average length of a human small intestine is about 20 feet (240 inches).
- In basketball, the distance from the backboard to the free-throw line is 15 feet (180 inches), just 60 inches shy of our 20-inch focus.
Final Thoughts
As we’ve seen, the 20-inch measurement crops up in a surprising variety of contexts, from the technology on our desks to the luggage we carry and even the pets we keep. This exploration highlights how a single dimension can unify seemingly disparate objects in our daily lives.
Understanding these common measurements can be surprisingly useful, whether you’re shopping for new furniture, planning a home improvement project, or simply satisfying your curiosity about the world around you.
The versatility of the 20-inch dimension demonstrates how standardized measurements play a crucial role in design, manufacturing, and everyday life. From the precise length of a chef’s knife to the size of our computer screens, these measurements ensure consistency and functionality across a wide range of products and applications.
Moreover, our exploration of 20-inch objects reveals the intricate balance between form and function in design. Whether it’s the perfect height for a table lamp or the ideal length for a carry-on suitcase, 20 inches often represents a “sweet spot” that combines practicality with aesthetic appeal.
As you go about your day, challenge yourself to notice the 20-inch objects around you. You might be surprised at how often this dimension appears in your daily life. By paying attention to these details, we gain a deeper appreciation for the design and functionality of the objects that surround us every day.
Remember, the world is full of fascinating measurements and comparisons. The next time you encounter a 20-inch object, you’ll have a wealth of knowledge to draw upon, making your interaction with the world around you just a little bit richer.
In conclusion, our journey through the world of 20-inch objects has taken us from the practical realms of home improvement and cooking to the whimsical world of pet bearded dragons and giant pizzas. It’s a testament to the interconnectedness of our world that a single measurement can link such diverse aspects of our lives.
As we move forward, let’s carry this newfound awareness with us. Whether you’re choosing a new monitor for your home office, packing for a trip, or simply appreciating the length of your hair, the 20-inch measurement will now hold a special significance. It’s a reminder that even the most mundane measurements can open up a world of fascinating connections and insights.
So the next time someone asks you, “How big is 20 inches?”, you’ll have plenty to talk about!
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Deborah Melindah is an experienced blogger passionate about exploring the world of dimensions. With a keen eye for detail and a talent for simplifying complex topics, she shares her knowledge on spatial concepts, measurements, and more. Deborah’s insightful posts make it easy for readers to grasp and apply dimensions in everyday life, whether for personal projects or professional pursuits.
