Sometimes, it’s hard to picture measurements in your head. If someone says, “This is 20 centimeters long,” you might pause and think, “What does that actually look like?” That’s where real-world comparisons come in handy.
To make it simple:
- 20 cm = 0.2 meters
- 20 cm = 200 millimeters
- 20 cm = 7.87 inches (almost 8 inches)
That means 20 cm is a little shorter than a standard ruler (30 cm) and a bit longer than most smartphones. Let’s look at 8 common things that are about 20 centimeters long, so you can easily picture this length in daily life.
8 Things That Are About 20 Centimeters Long
1. A Standard Pencil Case
Most pencil cases for students measure around 18–20 cm, making them a perfect size match for this measurement.
2. A Large Smartphone Plus Case
While most phones are about 15 cm tall, when you add a case and measure diagonally, the size often comes close to 20 cm.
3. A Dinner Plate Diameter
Many small to medium dinner plates have a diameter of 20 cm, which makes it an easy household example.
4. A Tablet (Smaller Models)
Compact tablets or e-readers, like the Kindle Paperwhite, usually measure 19–21 cm in height.
5. A Small Ruler
Some school rulers (the half-sized ones) measure 20 cm long, making this a straightforward example.
6. A Hardcover Book
Many novels and textbooks stand about 20 cm tall, especially standard hardcover editions.
7. A Cooking Pan Diameter
Small frying pans or saucepans are often 20 cm across, making them a common kitchen reference.
8. A Water Bottle
Compact reusable bottles often measure 20 cm tall, making them an everyday item that matches this size.
How to Imagine 20 cm Easily
- It’s two-thirds of a standard ruler.
- Roughly the length of an adult’s hand plus part of the wrist.
- Just about the height of a small book or a plate.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know what 20 centimeters looks like, it’s easy to spot this measurement all around you—from books and plates to bottles and pans.
Remember: 20 cm = nearly 8 inches, so next time someone mentions it, you can quickly picture everyday objects of that length.
Understanding simple size references like this not only helps in school and DIY projects but also makes shopping, cooking, or even online ordering much easier.