Introduction
This article explores 11 items That Measure 2 Centimeters long. While 2 cm is quite a small measurement, it can be tricky to picture without a measuring tool. That’s where comparisons come in handy—they make it easier to visualize. Read on to discover examples of objects that are 2 cm long and get a better sense of just how short that is.
Two centimeters is a small length to measure, equivalent to just 0.79 inches. While you don’t need a ruler to estimate it, having a reference can make it even easier. In this guide, I’ll introduce 11 common objects you can use to visualize what 2 cm looks like in real life.
How Big Is 2 cm?
As mentioned earlier, two centimeters is approximately 0.79 inches or 20 millimeters. Many everyday objects around us measure about 2 centimeters. While precise measurements aren’t always possible, a close estimation is often sufficient in various situations—and that’s exactly what this article is here to help with.
1. Quarter
The US quarter plays a significant role in our daily lives, featuring George Washington on one side and the iconic eagle on the other.
Whether it’s deciding who cleans the bathroom or who takes on babysitting duties for the pesky little cousin, we’ve all relied on this coin for some high-stakes decisions. And, of course, let’s not forget its irreplaceable role in vending machines.
With a diameter of 0.96 inches, it takes about three-fourths of the quarter’s diameter to measure up to 2 cm.
2. CD
CDs hold a special place in the hearts of 90s kids, evoking waves of nostalgia. They might not compare to today’s Spotify or YouTube, but back then, CDs were more than just music—they were an emotion.
Remember the anticipation of waiting weeks for a favorite album to release, saving up every bit of pocket money, and then playing it on repeat for hours? It was a shared experience for many.
Nowadays, CDs often make appearances on Instagram reels, where artists creatively transform these cherished memories into stunning showcases of art. It’s a beautiful tribute to an unforgettable era.
CDs play an important role in this example. To visualize 2 cm, stack 10 CDs on top of each other—the combined thickness of the stack equals exactly 2 cm.
3. Thumbtack pins
Thumbtack pins are handy tools for pinning notes or papers to Styrofoam or bulletin boards, and they’re perfect for creating a mood board.
They consist of two parts: the pin, which secures the papers to the board, and the head, usually made of flat plastic. Thumbtacks come in various lengths, but the most common ones have a pin length of about one-fourth of an inch.
To estimate 2 cm, you’d need to line up three thumbtack pins end to end—giving you a good sense of the measurement.
4. Peas
Peas are a common household ingredient and a staple for many. Some of us (myself included) even enjoy snacking on them straight from the pod—they’re surprisingly fun to eat!
A pea typically has a diameter of about 7.5 to 8.5 millimeters. To estimate 2 centimeters, take five peas, eat two of them (because why not?), and line up the remaining 2.5 peas side by side. Their combined width will give you a good idea of 2 cm.
5. Gollf Ball
From what I’ve gathered from movies, golf seems like the sport of aristocrats. It’s a quirky yet clever game—where the goal is to win by playing as little as possible! While you ponder that, let’s talk about size.
A golf ball has a diameter of about 1.68 inches, which, according to USGA rules, can’t be any smaller. To estimate 2 cm, you’d use half the diameter of a golf ball.
And if you’re trying to visualize a length of 7 inches, golf balls can come in handy for that too!
6. No. 2 Pencils
No. 2 pencils bring back a wave of nostalgia, filled with both fond and frustrating memories. Their softer, lighter lead makes them perfect for machine detection. Fun fact: the higher the pencil number, the darker the lead. Curious? Dive deeper to learn all about pencils!
The hexagonal body of a No. 2 pencil has a diameter of about one-fourth of an inch. Stack or line up three of these pencils, and you’ll get a total length of 2 cm. Whether side by side or on top of each other, the measurement stays the same—making it simple to picture how long 2 cm really is!
7. Aspirin Tablets
Who hasn’t heard of Aspirin? Even if you’ve never taken one—though that’s pretty rare—you’ve likely seen people around you rely on them. Have a fever? Take an aspirin. Got a headache? Take an aspirin. It’s almost like a never-ending cycle, and the best part is, they actually work. Research has even shown that aspirin can help reduce the risk of heart attacks.
Now, let’s take a look at the size of an aspirin tablet. With a diameter of about 1.4 centimeters, you’d need about 1.5 aspirin tablets to reach the 2 cm mark.
8. AAA Batteries
The AAA battery is a standard dry-cell battery commonly used in small devices like MP3 players, digital cameras, and TV remote controls. Smaller and more efficient than the AA batteries, AAA batteries provide a 1.5 V charge.
Each AAA battery has a diameter of approximately 10.5 millimeters. Line up two AAA batteries side by side, and you’ll get a total of 2 cm. If you’re interested in learning more about batteries, check out this article!
9. Staples
Staples come in various sizes, depending on how many sheets they can hold together. For example, a 23/10 staple with 10-millimeter legs can secure up to 70 sheets.
The 23/6 staples are the standard ones you’ll often find in homes and offices, with 6-millimeter legs. To reach 2 cm, you’d need to stack three of these staples, which will give you a combined length of 18 mm—pretty close to 20 mm, or 2 cm.
10. 100-Page Notepad
Notepads are a key part of our daily lives, whether we’re taking notes in class or jotting down a presentation schedule at work. But in this section, we’re focusing more on their size than their function. A typical 100-page notepad has a thickness of about 1.8 to 2.3 centimeters, so on average, it’s about 2 cm thick.
11. Skittles
Let’s wrap up today’s list with something fun and tasty—Skittles! They’re a staple of Halloween for many, and for some, the holiday is almost like a whole other world. Each Skittle measures about 1.27 cm, so you’ll need one and a half to get close to 2 cm.
Here’s a little life tip: always keep a pack of Skittles on hand to help you get through life’s ups and downs. Trust me, they make a difference.
Remember, 2 cm is a small measurement—smaller than 1 inch. Now, with this list of 11 everyday items, you’ve got a handy reference to visualize 2 cm whenever you need it, alongside their usual uses.