This might seem like a riduculous question, but it is actually more common than you think.
Not everyone has a clear idea of how long 2 inches actually is, it is ahrd to visualize that specific length.
So how exactly can you do it? The simple answer is by having examples of things that are 2 inches in length.
Whether it be something that you see if your everyday life or an object that you can find in your car or out on the street, this will help you visualize how long 2 inches actually is.
So how big is 2 inches exactly (see also our article on converting 7 inches)? What common objects can you find that are 2 inches? Why do you need to know exactly how long 2 inches is?
Well, if you are looking for the answers to these questions and a whole lot more, then we would suggest you keep reading.
So How Big Is 2 Inches Exactly?
Inches are an imperial measurement, which is primarily used in America. The only reason you might want to measure 2 inches in other terms is if you wnat to convert it to a metric measurement such as centimeters.
2 inches in centimeters is around 5.08 centimeters or 50.8 milimeters.
However, if you do not have a ruler or tape measure to hand, then it might be difficult to really imagine what 2 inches exactly looks like.
So here are a few items that you’ll find pretty much anywhere that are more or less 2 inches in length.
Items That Are 2 Inches In Length
Soda Cans
Now, when we say soda cans, we need to get a bit more specific. It’s not the length of the can, more the radius of the top of the can.
If you look at the part of the can where the ringpull is located, you’ll notice that this is the thinnest part of the can, being much narrower than the middle.
This part of the can is more or less exactly 2 inches. This actually makes it a lot easiuer to measure if you do not have a ruler to hand.
Place the top of the can against whatever you are measuring (we’ll be honest, this only really works well against a completely flat surface).
Once you have done this, you canmark both sides. This way you’ll know how far 2 inches is.
You can then place this next to the last marker and keep going until you have measured your surface in 2 inch increments.
Credit Card
Now everybody has a credit card and luckily they come in a universal measurement, so everybody will have the same size of credit card in their wallet.
Howvere, which part of the credit card will be the correct one to measure with? The length of your average credit card is around 3 inches, whereas it’s the width that is just over 2 inches in length.
Because the credit card is not exactly 2 inches, then you should only use it for rough measurements.
If you are looking for something a little more precise, then we would always recommend the traditional ruler.
However, there are plenty of other identification cards (see also ‘Thank You Card Standard Size‘) that are exactly the same sizes as your credit card, as this is what makes them ideal for fitting into your wallet.
Golf Tee
Now, this object can be slightly tricky, as there are different types of tee that can come in a variety of different lengths.
However, when it comes to getting your 2 inches, then you’ll be looking at the standard kind of tee.
The standard golf tee is exactly 2.12 inches in length, so again, if you are looking for a precise measurement, then you might want to choose something else.
You can get tees that are much smaller, at around 1.5 inches. You can also find tees that are around 4 inches.
If you notice that your tee is larger than normal, then you might want to get it checked by someone who knows a thing or two about the game.
Quarters
No, we need to preface this once again by being slightly more specific – you need to make sure that you have 2 quarters, as 1 quarter measures at just under 1 inch (0.955 inches to be precise).
Now, quarters are another invlauyble resource that should be available in any person’s wallet or purse.
If you are looking for something that you can line up against the wall and measure any length of surface, then you can’t go wrong with quarters.
You can even make your own measuring stick by taping a row of quarters together!
However, quarters are not always the most practical method of measuring things. Glueing quarters together might seem easy at first, but we can assure you that it will not always be the easiest of tasks.
Paper Clip
Most likely you will have a paperclip lying around your house or in the drawer in your kitchen.
One of the great things about using paperclips is the fact that are a specific length and very easy for you to measure.
Paperclips are around 1 inch in length, which means that if you want to meaure 2 inches, then you’ll have to tape together 2 paperclips.
This will be a lot easier to do than a quarter, mostly owing to the shape of a quarter.
The fact that a paper clip has a flat edge is great, as it will allow you to get a straighter measurement a lot easier.
Billiard Ball
Whe it comes to precision, there is no more accurate a sport than pool or billiards. There are very specific measurements that the objects in the sport have to abide by in order to qualify.
The diameter of your average billiards ball is around 2.25 inches. This means that it should only be used for rough measurements.
If you are in a bar trying to measure something, perhaps a space of wall to hang your picture frame, then you can just lean over to the pool table (see also ‘Ping Pong Table Dimensions‘) and grab a billiards ball to mark the area that you need.
You’ll need to make sure that you mark your area with colored balls, as the white ball on a pool table is much larger than all of the others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Should I Be Measuring 2 Inches?
You can measure a lot of things that might be 2 inches. For example, if you are meausring a 2 inch tattoo on your body, you might be trying to find the right place on your body to have it.
You might also have to move a bookcase, sofa or other peice of furniture 2 inches closer or further away from your wall.
Sometimes moving certain objects will often require you know the precise measurements of objects and surfaces.
How Big Is A 2-Inch Circle?
Sometimes if you are doing a woodworking rpoject, you’ll need something that will fit into your circle exactly.
Well, if you need a quick visual prompt, then an Oreo cookie is around 2-inches in diameter.
How Can You Measure Inches Without An Object?
Well, luckily the body can provide us with its own meauring devices. The distance between the tip of your thumb to the knuckle under your thumb is around 1-inch in length.
This will help you if you are trying to measure something but you have no tools to hand at all.
Conclusion
We hope that our guide to 2 inches has really helped you to determine the length of something using household objects or even your own body.
Most of these objects do not give you exact measurements, so if you need that extra precision, then we would recommend using a ruler with exact measurements on the side.
What Size Is It started because of that passion, but I have also chosen to write about other size, weight, and value related topics that have interested me.
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