At a given point, you might feel the need to measure 7 inches, but the question is, what needs to be done if you don’t have a measuring tape? This is where the references come to the rescue, provided you know about the things that are 7 inches long. In your everyday life, there are a number of things you use that measure either 7 inches or close to this benchmark. Here I will provide you with a list of such items.
7 inches are equivalent to 0.583 feet or 17.78 cm long. It is a standard unit of measurement to measure anything that falls between 6 and 8 inches on a typical ruler. Visually, 7 inches is about the length of a standard wooden pencil or a medium-sized banana.
14 Things That are 7 Inches Long
There are many items that you use in your daily life, measuring 7 inches. This length is handy for a quick mental dimension. Here are some common everyday objects that measure approximately 7 inches or very close to it in length or one key dimension. Go through the list of things that are 7 inches long:
A Standard Pencil
A standard unsharpened pencil is usually 7 inches long, thereby making it one of the most reliable references. A standard pencil is one of the most iconic everyday items, instantly recognizable and used worldwide for writing, drawing, and testing. These simple tools have been a staple since the 19th century and remain a perfect quick reference for measuring around 7 inches.
A Medium-Size Banana
Bananas are one of the most common fruits found in grocery stores worldwide. Almost everyone has a good amount of knowledge about bananas. The length of a standard banana ranges between 6.5 and 7.5 inches, making it an ideal quick visual for estimating 7 inches. This humble fruit isn’t just a handy size reference; it is packed with potassium, easy to grab on the go, and a staple in kitchens everywhere.
A Toothbrush
Every morning, when you get up, one of the first things that you look for is your “Tootbrush.” Have you ever given a thought to the length of your toothbrush and why it is so? Most adult manual toothbrushes measure around 7 to 7.5 inches from the tip of the handle to the top of the bristles, ensuring easy reach and control. This everyday item keeps your smile bright and serves as a super handy size benchmark.
A Remote Control
A remote control is a household item that is used to wirelessly operate televisions. Mostly, you notice buttons for power, volume, channels, menu navigation, and often smart features like voice control, but very rarely do you give a thought to the length of your remote control. Many traditional and full-featured models measure around 7 to 9 inches long for ergonomic grip and button layout. This is close enough to serve as a rough 7-inch reference.
7 US Quarters
As you know, a US quarter has a diameter of exactly 0.955 inches. A row of seven US quarters lined up edge-to-edge is a classic, portable way to visualize approximately 7 inches. This is perfect for quick measurements when you don’t have a ruler handy. Next time you need a quick 7-inch estimate, just grab some spare change. This everyday hack is spot-on.
iPad 10th Generation
The Apple iPad (10th Generation), released in 2022, is a versatile entry-level tablet with a modern design. The width of the said tab is exactly 7.07 inches, making it a spot-on real-world reference for visualizing 7 inches, though just a tiny fraction over. This popular tablet isn’t just great for browsing, streaming, and note-taking; its 7-inch width makes it a convenient modern benchmark for that exact length.
Butter Knife
A Butter knife, also called a butter spreader, is a common household item. This humble table essential keeps your toast perfectly buttered and doubles as a spot-on benchmark for 7 inches. It is a reliable everyday reference for around 6.5 to 7.5 inches in total length. If you don’t have a measuring tape, you can use a butter spreader as a reference.
2 Credit Cards
You carry a debit card or a credit card in your wallet. This can be used as a measurement tool. The width of a credit card is 3.375 inches. Two cards placed long-end to long-end measure exactly 6.75 inches, which is close to 7 inches, just 0.25 inches short. This makes a credit/debit card one of the best pocket references.
Two Golf Tees End to End
The most common wooden golf tee is 3.25 inches long. This is designed for drivers with larger heads. So, when two golf tees are placed end to end, it will make an excellent quick reference for approximately 7 inches. It is going to be a handy trick for golfers estimating length on the course or anywhere. All you need to do is grab a couple from your golf bag next time you need a 7-inch measure.
The Width of a Paperback Book
You will often find a paperback book lying on the floor or table. The width of this book is roughly 7 inches. The reason for the compact size of a paperback book is the convenience. The said size makes it perfect to be carried in a bag. It is one of those everyday items that can be used to estimate measurements quickly.
A Pair of Scissors
Scissors are one of the common household items. They can be found both at home and at the office. The length of a pair of Scissors is approximately 7 inches. You can therefore use them as a size reference. The availability makes them an easy and accessible reference. The scissors that you use as a tool for cutting paper to open packages can be used as a measuring reference in the absence of measuring tape.
A Smartphone
As far as the gadgets measuring 7 inches are concerned, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max are the two devices that nearly hit the 7-inch mark. The height of both devices is 6.41 inches and 6.42 inches, respectively. If you want the exact 7-inch length, you can just place your hand at the top of your phone, and you are there, slightly over the 7-inch mark.
7x Paper Clips
You can use 7 paper clips to get 7-inch lengths. The length of a paperclip is approximately 1 inch. Seven standard paper clips lined up end to end, along their longest dimension, is a classic non-standard measurement trick to measure 7 inches.
Salad Plates
The salad plates that are used at restaurants have a standard diameter of 7 inches. However, there are plates available with a larger diameter of 8 or more, but most restaurants use the smaller ones. So, if you are at a restaurant and the situation arises that you have to measure something, you can use a salad plate as a reference. This is quite handy in the absence of a measuring tape.
Conclusion
So, it has come to the fore that there are several everyday items that measure 7 inches or close to it. From the classic yellow pencil and ripe medium banana to a standard toothbrush, butter knife, or even the width of a 10th-gen iPad, 7 inches is a length woven deeply into the objects we touch every day. Whether it is two credit cards lined up, seven US quarters edge-to-edge, a full-sized TV remote, or clever combos like paper clips or golf tees, these familiar items make it incredibly easy to estimate without ever needing a ruler.
This article provides you with a list of 14 things that are 7 inches long. Go through the article to know more about it.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long is 7 Inches visually?
Visualizing 7 inches is quite simple. It is as simple as looking at your hand. From the bottom of your palm to the top of your middle finger, it measures between 6.8 and 7.5 inches.
2. How can I measure 7 inches without a ruler?
You can use a dollar bill, a wooden pencil, or 2 debit cards placed long-end to long-end as rough references.
3. What does 7 inches long stand for?
7 inches are equivalent to 0.583 feet or 17.78 cm long.
4. Why is 7 inches such a common length to visualize?
7 inches falls right in the sweet spot for many everyday handheld objects, longer than a dollar bill but shorter than a standard sheet of paper. It is a practical size for tools, gadgets, and food items we interact with daily.