Ever found yourself in a situation where you needed to measure the length of something but didn't have a measuring tape on hand? We've all been there!
Whether it's measuring a small space, checking the size of an object, or just satisfying our curiosity, having a reference point for length can be incredibly helpful.
In this article, we'll explore common things that are 10 centimeters long, providing you with a practical way to estimate length without a measuring tape.
How big is 10 centimeters technically?
10 centimeters is 100 mm. I don't think that's much helpful though! If you have a better idea about inches then 10 cm is a little shy of 4 inches.
1. Four US Quarters
Photo by HucklebarryfromPixabay
Placing four US quarters side by side creates a combined length of around 10 centimeters. These familiar coins are easily accessible, making them an ideal reference point for quick measurements.
Each quarter has a diameter of 24.26 milimeters, and when four quarters are placed together, they provide a reliable estimate of 10 cm.
So, the next time you need a quick measurement, reach for four quarters and visualize their collective length to gauge 10 centimeters accurately.
2. Twist Ties
Photo from Amazon
Found in most households, twist ties are versatile tools used for securing bags particularly trash bags or bundling wires. They typically come in different sizes between 4-32 inches long (10-80 centimeters). But there are smaller sizes too.
They are made of flexible metal wire coated in plastic or paper. Straighten out a twist tie and you have an instant 10-centimeter reference.
Four-inch or 10-centimeter Twist ties are commonly found in households, making them a convenient tool for quick measurements on the fly. Just make sure it is a 4" tie since there are plenty other sizes available in the market.
3. Two Credit Cards
Photo by Markus Winkler from Unsplash
The standard size of a credit card is usually roughly 5.3 centimeters (2.125 inches) in height. Simply visualize the height of two credit cards side by side to estimate ten cm.
Credit cards are commonly carried in wallets, making them easily accessible when you need a quick measure.
Alternatively, if you have a business card nearby, this will also help. In general standard business cards are 3.5″x 2″, which means their height is 2 inches. So adding up two cards will give an estimate of ten centimeters.
4. Paper clips
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Paper clips, those versatile office supplies, can serve as a reference for estimating 10 centimeters. With a variety of sizes, smallest paper clips mostly come in 2.5 centimeters size.
By chaining up four such paper clips, you create an approximate length of 10 centimeters. Paper clips are common things in homes and offices, making them easily accessible.
If you are only familiar with the most common paper clips, no need to worry. These come in a standard height of 4.4 cm. So lining up 2 and a half common paper clips will also give you a close estimate of 10cm.
5. A Standard Wooden Pencil
Photo by Lina Kivaka from Pexels
The familiar wooden pencil is often used for writing and drawing. A new, unsharpened, standard wooden pencil with eraser typically measures around 19 centimeters in length. To estimate ten cm, visualize half of the pencil's length! To know more interesting things about pencils read this article.
6. Pocket Knife
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Venturing further, we stumble upon the pocket knife, a loyal companion of adventurers and everyday heroes alike. When fully extended, its length can hover around 10 centimeters, making it a convenient reference for a quick estimate.
7. Popsicle Stick
Photo by Katrina_S from Pixabay
Measuring approximately 10-12 centimeters in length, popsicle sticks are often used for crafts or enjoying frozen treats. When estimating 10 centimeters, imagine a little less than the full length of a popsicle stick.
The ubiquity of popsicle sticks in arts and crafts or DIY projects makes them a practical reference for quick measurements.
8. Toilet Paper Roll
Photo by Alexa from Pixabay
Among the other everyday items, toilet paper rolls, the unsung hero of the restroom, could be another example here.
The inner cardboard tube of a standard toilet paper roll has a length of about 10 centimeters. This everyday household item can be repurposed as a reference for quick measurements.
9. Wallet
Photo by Emil Kalibradov from Unsplash
Did you know that your wallet can also come to the rescue when estimating lengths? Many wallets have a length of around 10-12 centimeters when folded.
Visualize the length of your folded wallet and let it swoop in to save the day, providing you with an estimate of 10 centimeters.
Your wallet is one of the most common items as you carry it everywhere probably. So, next time you find yourself without a measuring tape but in need of a quick measurement, whip out your wallet and give it a superhero-worthy mission.
10. Width of A Business Envelope
Photo by John-Mark Smith from Pexels
Measuring a business envelope can provide you with an easily accessible reference for 10 cm. Because a standard business envelope typically has a width of approximately ten centimeters.
Hold the envelope against any object in question to measure it. You'll have a handy 10-centimeter reference for all your envelope-measuring needs.
11. Two Golf Tees
Photo by Will Porada from Unsplash
Golf tees are tiny pegs used to prop up golf balls before a swing. These are commonly used on golf courses or in miniature golf games. These are often around 5 centimeters long. Here are few other common things that are of 5cm.
Combining two golf tees in length provides an approximate length of 10 centimeters.If you have golf tees available, you can easily use them as a quick reference for ten centimeters by visualizing the total length they cover when placed together.
Golf tees are easily obtainable from sporting goods stores or golf courses.
12. Combined Height of Four Hockey Pucks
Photo by soerli from Pixabay
Imagine a stack of four hockey pucks piled on top of each other. These compact disks of frozen rubber, used in the exhilarating sport of ice hockey, typically measure around 2.54 centimeters in thickness individually.
When you stack four of them together, their combined height reaches approximately 10 centimeters.
Conclusion
Estimating measurements without a measuring tape can be a challenge, but by using common things that are approximately 10 centimeters long or combining smaller length items, you can quickly and conveniently estimate 10cm when needed. For example you can think of 5 instances of 2cm objects to estimate 10cm length. The next time you find yourself in need of a quick estimate, look around you and think creatively.
Length Conversion
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