12 Things That Are 20 Inches Long or Big

When trying to visualize 20 inches, it can be helpful to compare the measurement to common items we see and use daily. This measurement can often be tricky to conceptualize without a reference point. Whether you’re gauging the size of a 20-inch computer monitor, estimating the length of a medium-sized suitcase, or considering the height of a standard table lamp, this comprehensive guide will help you understand what 20 inches looks like in real life. From household objects to familiar tools, this article presents 12 things that are 20 inches long or big, making it easier for you to picture this length in a variety of contexts.

How Big is 20 Inches?

To put it in perspective, twenty inches equals 50.8 centimeters or slightly more than half a yard (36 inches). Think of the distance from your elbow to the tip of your fingers—that’s around 20 inches for many people. This length is widely used across household objects, making it easy to relate to.

In terms of visualizing 20 inches, it is just under two feet, which is a measurement people can easily picture. Whether you’re looking at furniture, appliances, or tech gadgets like a 20-inch computer monitor, this length is practical and common.

How Long is 20 Inches Visually?

Visually, 20 inches is a moderate length. It’s long enough to cover the width of small furniture items, fit within suitcases, or even appear in tech accessories like TV screens or monitors. If you were to stretch your arm out, the length from your elbow to fingertips is a rough approximation of twenty inches. This makes it easy to gauge when you’re visualizing this length without using a ruler.

How Long is 20 Inches of Hair?

When it comes to hair length, 20 inches can be considered long. For most people, hair at this length reaches just below the shoulders, down to the mid-back. Stylists often refer to 20-inch hair as suitable for versatile styles such as braids, waves, or layered cuts. If you’re growing your hair out, 20 inches allows for more freedom with various updos and longer styles.

12 Things That Are 20 Inches Long or Big

Let’s find the items 12 Things That Are 20 Inches Long or Big below:

1. Two Letter-Size Papers

The standard letter-size paper used in offices and schools is 8.5 by 11 inches. When you stack two of these papers end to end, their combined length is 22 inches, just slightly over 20 inches. This is a simple way to visualize twenty inches using an object that most people have readily available.

Table: Dimensions of Letter-Size Papers

Measurement	Dimensions
One letter-size paper	8.5 x 11 inches
Two papers (stacked)	22 inches total length

Although the total length of two papers exceeds 20 inches by a small margin, it’s a close enough comparison that can help you picture what 20 inches looks like.

2. Three U.S. Dollar Notes

A single U.S. dollar note measures approximately 6.14 inches in length. By laying three of them side by side, you get a total length of 18.42 inches—very close to twenty inches. While it’s not an exact match, this method provides a quick and accessible way to estimate the length.

Table: Length of U.S. Dollar Notes

Item	Length
One U.S. dollar note	6.14 inches
Three U.S. dollar notes	18.42 inches

The combined length of three dollar notes comes up just under 20 inches, giving you a nearly accurate sense of the measurement.

3. Computer Monitor

When discussing a 20-inch computer monitor, the measurement refers to the diagonal distance across the screen, from one corner to the opposite corner. For monitors with a 16:9 aspect ratio, the actual width and height of the screen can vary slightly, but the following dimensions are typical for a 20-inch monitor.

Table: Dimensions of a 20-Inch Computer Monitor

Measurement	Dimensions
Diagonal Size	20 inches
Width	~17.4 inches
Height	~9.8 inches
Aspect Ratio	16:9

This 20-inch monitor size is popular for home offices or smaller workspaces due to its compact yet practical dimensions. The screen offers enough space for multitasking, browsing, and watching videos while remaining easy to fit on most desks.

4. Tall Table Lamps

Tall table lamps are often designed to be functional yet compact, providing enough height for illumination while fitting well on desks or nightstands. Many of these lamps measure close to 20 inches in height, making them a good visual reference for the length. They are commonly used for reading or accent lighting in bedrooms and living rooms.

Here’s a comparison of typical lamp heights to 20-inch tall table lamps:

Table: Tall Table Lamp Heights

Lamp Type	Average Height
Desk Lamp	~15-18 inches
Tall Table Lamp	~20 inches
Nightstand Lamp	~18-22 inches
Floor Lamp	~50-60 inches

20-inch tall table lamps provide just the right balance between function and style, and their size makes them ideal for fitting into various interior spaces without overpowering the room.

5. Four Standard Soda Cans

A standard soda can typically measures about 4.83 inches in height. By stacking four soda cans on top of each other, you would reach a total height of approximately 19.32 inches, which is very close to twenty inches. This comparison provides a simple and effective way to visualize the length.

Table: Standard Soda Can Height

Item	Height
One standard soda can	~4.83 inches
Four standard soda cans	~19.32 inches total

Though slightly under twenty inches, stacking four standard soda cans gives you an excellent point of reference for this length. It’s an easy comparison, especially since soda cans are common items in most households.

6. Two Bread Knives

A typical bread knife usually measures about 10 inches in length. By placing two bread knives end to end, you achieve a total length of 20 inches. This measurement is particularly useful in the kitchen, as bread knives are designed to cut through loaves of bread with ease, thanks to their serrated edges.

Table: Bread Knife Length

Item	Length
One bread knife	~10 inches
Two bread knives	~20 inches total

This straightforward comparison illustrates how twenty inches can be easily visualized using everyday kitchen tools. If you’re looking to measure out lengths in the kitchen or gauge sizes, thinking of two bread knives can be an effective way to understand the measurement practically.

7. A Medium-Sized Suitcase

When shopping for luggage, a medium-sized suitcase typically measures around 20 inches in height. This size is ideal for weekend getaways or short trips, as it provides enough space for essentials without being too cumbersome to carry.

Table: Medium-Sized Suitcase Dimensions

Suitcase Size	Height	Width	Depth
Medium-sized suitcase	~20 inches	~12-14 inches	~8-10 inches

This measurement makes it a popular choice for travelers, particularly those looking to meet carry-on requirements for airlines. A 20-inch suitcase fits well in overhead compartments and is manageable for most travelers to maneuver through airports. Understanding the dimensions of a medium-sized suitcase can help you make informed decisions when selecting luggage for your next adventure.

8. Four Hair Combs

Standard hair combs typically measure around 5 inches in length. By placing four hair combs end to end, you would create a total length of 20 inches. This provides a helpful visual reference, especially since combs are such common household items.

If you were to line up these combs, you’d see that four hair combs closely match the 20-inch measurement:

Table: Hair Comb Length

Item	Length
One standard hair comb	~5 inches
Four hair combs	~20 inches total

The simplicity of using combs as a measuring tool offers a quick and accessible way to picture twenty inches without needing a ruler or measuring tape. This comparison is particularly useful in everyday life, where combs are found in nearly every home and easily accessible.

9. Professional Chef’s Knife

Imagine stepping into a bustling kitchen where the sharp glint of a professional chef’s knife catches your eye. These knives are the workhorses of the culinary world, known for their balance, precision, and razor-sharp blades. Typically, the blade of a professional chef’s knife ranges between 8 to 12 inches. However, when you include the handle, the total length can extend closer to 20 inches for some of the larger models.

This length is particularly useful in commercial kitchens where chefs need to make precise cuts on large ingredients, like a hefty cut of meat or a towering stack of vegetables. Whether you’re chopping, slicing, or dicing, the extended reach of the knife makes kitchen tasks efficient.

Table: Professional Chef’s Knife Length

Component	Length
Blade length	~8 to 12 inches
Handle length	~4 to 6 inches
Total knife length	~12 to 20 inches

The length of a professional chef’s knife often varies, but larger models are perfect for chefs who prefer a longer tool to tackle more extensive prep work. If you hold one of these knives in your hand, it’s easy to feel the full scale of twenty inches as you work through your ingredients.

10. Three Pencils

A typical standard pencil measures around 7.5 inches in length. If you lay three pencils end to end, their combined length will be approximately 22.5 inches. Although this slightly exceeds twenty inches, it offers a close visual approximation that can help you easily gauge the measurement.

Table: Pencil Length

Item	Length
One pencil	~7.5 inches
Three pencils	~22.5 inches total

While not exactly 20 inches, this comparison is practical for everyday use, especially since pencils are readily available. The next time you’re trying to visualize 20 inches, simply think of three pencils lined up—this will give you a solid sense of the length.

11. Baseball Bat

A standard youth baseball bat typically measures around 20 inches in length. This size is designed for younger players who are learning to swing and control the bat effectively. Here’s a breakdown of the dimensions for a youth baseball bat:

Table: Baseball Bat Length

Item	Length
Youth baseball bat	~20 inches
Standard adult baseball bat	30 to 34 inches

While 20-inch baseball bats are primarily used in youth leagues, they serve as a useful reference for understanding this specific measurement. For context, adult baseball bats are generally much longer, making the 20-inch bat a manageable size for skill development and training in younger players.

12. Body Pillow

A standard body pillow typically measures around 20 inches in width. This size makes it versatile for various uses, whether for support while sleeping, as a decorative element on a bed, or as a cozy addition to a couch. The length of 20 inches is common for body pillows, allowing them to provide comfort and support without overwhelming a space.

Table: Body Pillow Dimensions

Item	Dimensions
Standard body pillow	20 inches wide

Using a 20-inch body pillow can enhance your comfort and help maintain proper body alignment while you sleep. It also adds a stylish touch to your bedding setup, making it a practical and aesthetically pleasing choice.

Conclusion

Understanding twenty inches can be a practical tool in everyday life, whether you’re choosing a 20-inch computer monitor, measuring with letter-size papers, or selecting the perfect kitchen knife. Knowing what 20 inches looks like helps with everything from home decor to practical purchases, making it easier to make informed decisions.

By considering the dimensions of common objects like tall table lamps, standard soda cans, and even professional chef’s knives, you can better visualize how twenty inches fits into your world. Whether you’re picturing it in hair length, suitcase sizes, or household items, this measurement is common, versatile, and useful in many aspects of daily life.

This version replaces the bullet points with tables and paragraphs, providing detailed and structured information while maintaining clarity. Each section offers practical knowledge about everyday items that are 20 inches long, using facts and visuals to enhance understanding.

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