20 inches, in contrast to 19 inches, is quite a common size and usually measured to decipher the length of larger objects.
20 inches is equal to just under two feet, or 50.8 centimeters. And measuring this value is attainable even without using any measuring tool!
If you are a DIY enthusiast, or into interior decorating, crafting, and organizing— estimating how long is 20 inches may also help you cut materials like wood, fabric, or pipes to the correct length.
To make things easier for you, we have listed items that are approximately 20 inches long.
So what are you waiting for? Let’s learn about them!
Table of Contents
How Long Is 20 Inches? Find Out Using These Common Items.
We have compiled a list of typical items that you can use as references to help you picture what 20 inches looks like.
Continue reading!
1. Standard Base Cabinet
Standard cabinet widths differ based on the type of cabinet. The standard width of base cabinets is 21 inches.
If you shred an inch off of its width, you will get an estimated length of 20 inches.
Whether you are checking if that new picture frame will fit on the wall or organizing kitchen tools or planning the layout of kitchen storage, this cabinet is your go-to for quick and easy measurements.
Its versatility makes it a trusty helper for sizing up various items around the house!
2. Large Monitor Screen
The majority of monitor screens have a diagonal measurement of 19 to 34 inches from corner to corner. Taking 20 inches at hand, you have your desired measurement!
Use it as a handy ruler to gauge the length of documents, compare the size of gadgets, or even estimate the dimensions of your favorite photos. Its impressive size turns everyday tasks into a breeze, making measurements a delightful part of your tech-savvy toolkit.
This measurement can also assist in setting up a home office or gaming station, ensuring that your monitor fits well and provides an optimal viewing experience.
3. Carry-On Luggage
Carry-on luggage should not exceed 22 inches in length, 14 inches in width, and 9 inches in height, including handles and wheels.
So if you can remove two inches from its length, you will easily get a length of 20 inches. Some carry-on luggage pieces are designed to be around 20 inches in length too.
With this length, your trusty carry-on luggage becomes a versatile measuring companion beyond the airport.
Whether you are sizing up a cozy nook for a new bookshelf or ensuring that adorable coffee table fits snugly in your living room, this compact travel essential proves its utility in the most unexpected measurements.
This dimension is also crucial for travelers, ensuring that their luggage fits airline requirements for overhead bin storage.
So, let your carry-on do double duty as your go-to measuring sidekick for all those moments when size truly matters!
4. Large Coffee Tables
The ideal size for large coffee tables is 16 to 20 inches, but no more than 20 inches.
Need a quick estimate? Lay the table across that mysterious box you’ve been eyeing – if it fits, you’ve got a 20-incher!
It’s the friendly giant of measurements, making sizing up things around the house a breeze.
Also in home decorating and furniture arrangement, understanding this measurement can be vital for creating a harmonious and functional living space.
5. Medium Microwave Oven
Widths of a medium microwave oven can range from about 21 to 25 inches. That’s a few inches extra of 20 inches, so you can remove them and get your 20 inches of measurement!
This medium microwave oven not only efficiently warms up your favorite meals but also serves as a surprisingly handy measuring tool.
Its compact size allows you to gauge the width of smaller objects, making it a versatile kitchen companion for quick measurements when you need a friendly kitchen helper on your side.
This dimension is also important for kitchen layout planning, appliance fitting, and maintaining an efficient cooking space.
6. Standard Pillow
Standard bed pillows are often 20 inches long.
These pillows are not just for sweet dreams. They are a handy measuring buddy too!
Whether you are eyeing up a new rug or checking if that space in the living room can fit a cute side table, this pillow is the perfect makeshift ruler. Its versatility goes beyond bedtime, making it your go-to measurement companion for all sorts of home adventures!
7. Large Suitcase
The width of a large suitcase is 19 inches. Adding one more inch will give you a length of 20 inches.
This roomy wide suitcase is not just for packing clothes – its broad size makes it a versatile measuring companion.
Whether you are checking if a new piece of furniture will fit through the doorway or ensuring your latest shopping finds fits inside, this suitcase goes beyond travel. It becomes your trusty tool for sizing up a variety of items.
This measurement is also significant for travelers in selecting suitcases that maximize packing space while being easy to handle.
It’s the friendly giant of measurements, ready to lend a hand in making sure everything fits just right!
8. Medium Dog Crate
The width of a medium dog crate can be around 19 inches, just an inch less than 20 inches.
Beyond its original purpose of providing a cozy and secure space for your furry friend, its compact size makes it a handy tool for measuring other objects around the house
Examples include measuring the width of a bookshelf or the length of a small table.
So, whether for your pup’s comfort or DIY projects, this crate brings versatility with its width!
9. Large Serving Tray
The serving tray dimensions can range from 12″x15″ to 19″x13”. If you take the larger dimension and add an inch to it, you will get a length of 20 inches.
This large serving tray goes beyond its culinary duties and can be your trusty measuring companions.
Its length makes it a versatile tool for gauging other objects, whether you are checking the dimensions of a bookshelf or ensuring that new furniture fits seamlessly into your space.
With this platter, practicality meets style, making it a delightful addition to your kitchen and beyond.
10. Medium-Sized Television
A television’s screen size is determined diagonally. A 20-inch or smaller medium-sized TV is ideal for a tiny space like a kitchen.
Beyond its role as an entertainment hub, this compact screen doubles up as a handy makeshift ruler.
Need to measure a photo frame? Just grab your TV and let its 20-inch charm simplify your dimensions with a touch of tech-savvy flair!
11. Back Scratcher
As everyone knows, unless you have a tool to extend your reach, it might be challenging to reach some parts of your back to scratch an itch.
This is why back scratchers are made, at a convenient length of 20 inches.
With its generous 20-inch length, a back scratcher isn’t just for reaching those elusive itches. It is a versatile tool for everyday measurements.
For example, if you are checking the depth or width of a tricky shelf, this handy gadget goes beyond its scratching duties to become your go-to measurement companion.
Its simplicity makes sizing up tasks a breeze, turning your back-scratching moments into multifunctional measuring triumphs!
12. Three iPhone 12 Max Pro
Apple released a press release on October 13, 2020 introducing the iPhone 12 Max Pro, which has a length of 6.33 inches.
Now imagine the fun of stacking three iPhone 12 Max Pro side by side– they add up to 18.99 inches, which is pretty close to 20 inches.
It is like having a gadget ruler that can estimate the size of other objects. Whether you are eyeballing the length of a desk or gauging the height of a pizza box, this quirky method adds a tech-savvy twist to everyday measurements.
13. Eight Tennis Balls
The International Tennis Federation states that the diameter of a tennis ball should be between 2.57 and 2.70 inches. Stacking up eight of these tennis balls will give a range of 20.56 to 21.6 inches of length.
These fuzzy companions not only bring a sporty touch to your day but can also serve as a surprisingly handy measuring tool.
From checking the length of a small bookshelf to gauging the space for your favorite potted plant, these tennis balls add a delightful twist to practical measurements.
You can also take up two objects of 10 inches each and make them approximate to 20 inches!
14. Elbow Length Oven Mitts
Oven mitts that are elbow length are 19.7 inches. This value is very close to 20 inches, which you can use as a reliable reference.
These Elbow Length Oven Mitts not only protect your hands from hot surfaces but also serve as handy makeshift rulers!
Need to measure something quickly? Just grab these mitts, stretch them out, and voila – you have got a convenient way to gauge the length of other objects.
It is like having a versatile kitchen tool with an extra measure of usefulness!
15. Six Standard Playing Cards
Since ordinary playing cards are typically 3.5 inches long, six of these arranged side by side in a line will give a length of 21 inches (approximately 20 inches).
This playful makeshift measuring tool can bring joy to your day as you use it to measure the length of your favorite book or the height of a cheerful potted plant.
Who knew that a deck of cards could unlock a world of measurements and make everyday tasks a delightful game?
An Overview Of What 20 Inches Looks Like As Other Units
This conversion table will guide you to interconvert inches and other units, thus diversifying your measurement game!
| Unit Of Measurement | Corresponding to 20 inches |
| Kilometer (km) | 0.000508 |
| Meter (m) | 0.508 |
| Centimeter (cm) | 50.8 |
| Millimeter (mm) | 508 |
| Micrometers (μm) | 508000 |
| Mile | 0.00032 |
| Yard | 0.56 |
| Foot | 1.67 |
| Nautical mile | 0.00027 |
Conclusion
By now you must be well familiar with what 20 inches look like. Sometimes it looks like a carry-on luggage, and sometimes a large suitcase!
Nonetheless, nothing beats the sight of an accurate length of 20 inches measured by a measuring tool. So always opt for measuring tools before you go about making estimated measurements.