Have you ever stopped to think about how often 8 inches shows up in the things we use every single day? In case you don’t have a measuring device, you can use certain things to get a rough idea of the length. Using everyday items is the most effective and viable approach. There are household items of varied lengths. So, here I will talk about the things that are 8 inches long.
8 inches is a common unit of length in the imperial system, equal to exactly 20.32 centimeters or 0.67 feet long. An 8-inch length is surprisingly common in everyday life. It is that sweet spot between too small to be useful and too big to be convenient. It is a practical size, bigger than a smartphone but smaller than a sheet of paper, and shows up in tons of everyday objects.
11 Things That are 8 inches Long
8 inches might not sound glamorous, but it is one of those practical, perfectly proportioned sizes that make the modern world feel just right. There are many everyday items that are 8 inches long, thereby making a good reference for the said measurement. Here is the list of 13 things that are 8 inches long.
A Pencil Case
The pencil case you see comes in different sizes. The standard size is 8-9 inches long and 3-5 inches wide. This size fits a dozen or more pencils comfortably without being bulky in a backpack. Since common pencil cases measure around 8 inches in length, they make a great real-world reference for visualizing that size.
Width of Book’s Hardcover
Usually, the width of a hardcover book is 8 inches, though the size can be 9 inches as well for certain books. This size is quite suitable when it comes to placing a book on a shelf or carrying it around in a bag. So, if you are looking for a reference to measure 8 inches in your reading room, pick up a hardcover book to gauge.
Dinner Plate
The dinner plate that you use at your home is about 7.5 inches in diameter, just a half inch smaller than 8 inches. It is a go-to plate for everything from casual dinners to formal settings. This makes a good reference to measure 8 inches when you don’t have a measuring tape available.
A Small Pizza
For a quick visualization, a small 8-10-inch pizza is roughly the length of that 8-inch chef’s knife. It is super handy for imaging portion sizes. A small pizza, often called a personal or individual pizza, is a compact single-serving pie that is perfect for one person. It usually measures 8 inches.
Width of Magazine
The width of a Magazine refers to the horizontal dimensions of the front cover or page when held in portrait orientation. It varies by region, genre, or publication, but most fall into a few standard ranges. Most magazines follow the 8-inch width rule. This makes it a handy reference for visualizing 8-8.5 inches in everyday terms.
A Compact Flashlight
A compact flashlight is often called an EDC or everyday carry flashlight. This sort of flashlight is often about 8 inches long, making it small enough to fit in your pocket or bag while still providing enough light for most situations. An 8-inch flashlight would be considered mid-size. The size offers you both portability and versatility during camping, traveling, or in an emergency.
A Large Smartphone
There are smartphones that are as long as 8 inches. iPhone 7 is about 8 inches long, thereby making it one of the most popular sizes in the smartphone market. If you have an iPhone 7, just pull it out and check its length. It makes a great reference and can be used to measure 8 inches when you don’t have a measuring tape.
Length of Fork
A dinner fork, also called a table fork or place fork, is yet another household item that measures approximately 8 inches. A dinner fork is a super practical reference for 7-8 inches. It is easy to grab from the drawer and visualize when you need a quick mental ruler at the table.
Average Male Hand
The average male hand is yet another viable reference for an 8-inch measurement. When measured from the tip of the middle finger to the wrist crease at the base of the palm is approximately 8 inches. This is the most commonly cited figure from anthropometric studies and health sources. So, it has come to the fore that hand size is super useful for quick mental estimates. Your own hand is often the closest ruler you carry everywhere.
IPad Mini
The iPad mini is often referred to as iPad mini 7 or iPad mini with A17 Pro. The screen size of this device is 8.3 inches. This is very close to the 8-inch reference. This is Apple’s smallest and most portable tablet, designed for one-handed use, reading, note-taking, travel, or quick tasks.
2 Toilet Paper Rolls
A standard toilet paper roll that is used for household purposes is measured around 4 -4.5 inches. If you place two rolls side by side, you will be able to create a combined width of 8-9 inches. A toilet roll is one of the most reliable bathroom shelf references for 4-5 inches per roll. So, if you are struggling to find a measuring tape, get hold of a couple of paper rolls and place them next to each other to get an 8-inch reference.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 8 inches is equal to 20.32 centimeters or 0.67 feet long. There are several things that you use in your everyday life that measure 8 inches or close to it. Next time you need a quick mental reference for about 8 inches or 20 centimeters, just glance at a dinner plate, a dollar bill stacked with a bit extra, or even your own pencil case. In this article, I have provided you with a list of certain things of the said measurement. Go through the article to know more about it.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What exactly is 8 inches in centimeters?
8 inches equals exactly 20.32 centimeters. It is a versatile mid-size length, longer than a smartphone but shorter than a standard ruler.
2. Why is 8 inches such a common measurement?
It is a practical, ergonomic size: big enough for functionality but small enough for portability and comfort. Manufacturers often choose it for tools, cookware, and devices that fit well in average adult hands.
3. How can I visualize 8 inches without a ruler?
Just grab a bill, spread your fingers, or look at nearby paper or fruit; these hacks work great in a pinch.