When it comes to tiny measurements, 2 millimeters (mm) might not seem like much—but it’s actually bigger than you think when compared to everyday objects. To put it in perspective, 2 mm equals 0.2 centimeters or about 0.08 inches.
Because this size is so small, it helps to compare 2 mm to familiar things. In this guide, we’ll explore 13 common items and distances that are about 2 millimeters long or thick.
Understanding 2 Millimeters
- 2 mm = 0.2 cm
- 2 mm = 0.08 inches
- 2 mm = thickness of a nickel coin (U.S.)
This tiny length is often used in jewelry, science, engineering, and everyday life where precision matters.
13 Things That Are About 2 Millimeters Long
1. The Thickness of a Nickel Coin
A U.S. nickel coin is about 1.95 mm thick, which is nearly 2 mm.
2. A Pencil Tip
When sharpened, the tip of a wooden pencil is often around 2 mm wide at its sharpest usable point.
3. Two Credit Cards Stacked Together
A single credit card is about 0.76–1 mm thick, so stacking two makes about 2 mm.
4. A Standard Toothpick Width
Most wooden toothpicks measure 1.5–2 mm thick, making them close to 2 mm in diameter.
5. A Raindrop from Light Rain
Raindrops vary, but drizzle or small drops often measure around 2 mm in diameter.
6. A Grain of Rice (Thickness)
While the length of rice is larger, the thickness of a grain is about 2 mm.
7. Mechanical Pencil Lead (Thick Version)
Common mechanical pencils use 0.5 mm or 0.7 mm lead, but thick 2 mm lead refills exist—exactly matching this size.
8. A Watch Battery (Thin Types)
Some small button cell batteries are about 2 mm thick.
9. A Standard LEGO Brick Wall Thickness
The thin plastic wall of a LEGO brick is around 2 mm thick.
10. A Fingernail Trim
When you clip your fingernail, the growth length often measures around 2 mm.
11. A SIM Card Thickness
A standard SIM card is about 0.76 mm, but stacking two or three makes around 2 mm—close to this measurement.
12. The Width of a Ballpoint Pen Tip (Broad Type)
Ballpoint pens come in sizes like 0.7 mm, 1.0 mm, and 1.6 mm. The thicker versions reach close to 2 mm in line width.
13. A Small Ant
Some ant species measure around 2 mm long, making them a perfect living example of this size.
Visualizing 2 Millimeters
- It’s the thickness of a nickel or two stacked credit cards.
- It’s the size of a tiny insect or grain of rice.
- It’s small, but noticeable—unlike a single millimeter, which is harder to see.
Final Thoughts
So, how big is 2 mm? It’s about the size of a toothpick’s width, a nickel coin’s thickness, or a grain of rice. While it may seem tiny, this little measurement is crucial in design, engineering, and even everyday life when accuracy matters.
Next time you want to imagine 2 mm, just think of two credit cards stacked together or a small ant crawling by.