17 inches is a versatile and commonly used measurement. 17 inches strikes a practical balance, not too small, not overwhelming. This length pops up in many everyday items, thereby making it easy to visualize. In this article, I will provide you with a list of 12 things that are 17 inches long. Stay tuned to know more about it.
17 inches equals 43.18 cm, 1.417 feet, or 0.4318 meters. To put it in a more subtle way, 17 inches means 3 inches longer than a standard sheet of legal paper and a bit shorter than a typical computer monitor’s width. When you look around, you will find a number of things measuring 17 inches.
Things That are 17 Inches Long
Many everyday objects measure approximately 17 inches in one dimension, providing a tangible sense of this length. This makes visualizing easy and can be helpful when you need to measure something but don’t have a measuring device available. These things can be taken into account as a reference. Here are the things that are 17 inches long:
A Large Laptop Screen
Many gaming or workstation laptops have a 17-inch display, making the screen itself about that size corner-to-corner. It is a great real-world reference for visualizing 17 inches. It is large enough to feel substantial but still portable for a laptop. 17 inches diagonally creates a spacious display, which is perfect for multitasking, gaming, or creative work, but the overall laptop can be quite bulky compared to smaller models.
Older 17-inch Computer Monitor
An older 17-inch computer monitor, when measured diagonally across the viewable screen, is an excellent classic reference for visualizing 17 inches. These were standard desktop monitors from the 1990s to early 2000s. These show that a 17-inch diagonal screen provided a generous viewing area.
Large or Extra-Large Pizza
A large or extra-large pizza is a fantastic everyday reference for visualizing 17 inches. A 17-18-inch pizza is impressively wide. It is big enough to feed a group, dominate a table, and make a standard dinner plate look tiny by comparison. Some pizzerias offer 16-18 inch pies, with 17 inches being a common party size, or Sicilian square variant.
Very Large Men’s Shoe
U.S. men’s size 12-14 shoes are often 17 inches long externally, but some extra-large or custom sizes approach 17 inches. It is a striking real-world reference for visualizing 17 inches. A very large men’s shoe, around 17 inches, is comically long compared to average sizes. It is like holding a small ruler end-to-end, and they dwarf regular footwear.
Large Wooden Cutting Board
A large wooden cutting board is a practical kitchen reference for visualizing 17 inches. They are popular for chopping veggies, prepping meats, or serving charcuterie, providing ample surface area without being overwhelmingly huge. A 17-inch cutting board offers plenty of room for serious prep work, big enough to handle a full meal’s worth of ingredients.
Also, Read Things That are 12 Inches Long: Common Things That Measure One Foot!
Youth or Mini Baseball/Softball Bat
A youth or mini baseball or softball bat, around 17 inches long, is a perfect compact reference for visualizing 17 inches. A 17-inch bat is adorably short, easy for small hands, great for warm-ups or drills, but tiny compared to pro-level equipment. 17-inch bat in hand, reaches roughly from the ground to about knee height for an adult. However, exact lengths can vary slightly by model and brand.
Medium-Sized Backpack
A medium-sized backpack typical for school, daily commuting, or light travel often measures around 17 inches in height. This is a common dimension for everyday daypacks in the 20–30 liter range, making it a solid real-world reference for visualizing 17 inches. It is roughly the length from the base to the top of the pack on your back. Many laptop backpacks are also sized to fit 17-inch screens.
Standard Table Lamp
A table lamp that you have by your bedside or desk is yet another household reference. A standard table lamp often measures around 17 inches in total height, when measured from the base to the top of the shade or finial. Many popular models fall right in the 15–20 inch range, with 17–18 inches being ideal for average bedside use. This everyday height reference helps visualize 17 inches as something familiar in most bedrooms or offices.
Bed Pillow
Standard sleeping bed pillows are typically rectangular and come in different sizes. Many rectangular throw pillows, support pillows, or decorative bed pillows come in sizes where one dimension is close to 17 inches, thereby making them a relatable reference for this length. If you are looking for a reference, you have one lying in your drawing room or bedroom.
17-inch Alloy Car Wheel
A 17-inch alloy car wheel rim, the metal part where the tire mounts, has a diameter of exactly 17 inches. It is a very popular size for many sedans, crossovers, and entry-level sports cars. The 17-inch alloys look more compact and practical. It is great for ride comfort and everyday driving. Next time you see a car with stylish alloys, check the sidewall marking; the R17 means exactly that 17-inch reference point inside a roughly 27-inch rolling circle.
Briefcase
A standard professional briefcase, especially leather or laptop-compatible models, often measures around 17 inches in width or length, the main horizontal dimension when carried flat. This size is specifically designed to accommodate 17-inch laptops. This makes it an excellent everyday office item for visualizing exactly how long 17 inches feels. It is substantial but portable.
Closed Standard Umbrella
A closed standard compact umbrella often measures around 17 inches in length when fully collapsed and strapped, making it a perfect real-world reference for 17 inches. These are larger than ultra-mini pocket versions but more compact than full stick or golf umbrellas. Compared to smaller minis or larger golf styles, this mid-size compact is the go-to for daily rain protection without bulk. It is super relatable for visualizing exactly 17 inches.
Also, read Things That are 11 Inches Long: The Objects That Make It Easy to Visualize!
Conclusion
There are several everyday items that can be used to eyeball 17 inches. These familiar items, from tech and travel gear to home decor, make visualizing 17 inches intuitive and relatable in daily life. From the screen of a 17-inch laptop, the height of a bedside lamp casting soft light, the width of a sleek briefcase, the folded length of a trusty umbrella, the side of a decorative throw pillow, or even the diameter of a car’s alloy rim, these familiar items all converge around this precise measurement.
In this article, I have provided you with a list of 12 things that are 17 inches long. Next time, you need to measure 17 inches, you just need to be mindful of this list, and your job is done. Go through the article to know more about it.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a spot-on or very common 17-inch everyday object?
A standard 17-inch laptop screen is exactly 17 inches on many gaming or productivity models.
2. Is a table lamp usually 17 inches tall?
Yes, many standard table lamps, bedside or desk styles, stand around 17 inches tall.
3. Why does 17 inches show up so often in everyday stuff?
It is a versatile mid-size length, tall enough for good visibility and function, but compact for portability and storage.