The length of 18 inches can be difficult to visualize if you don’t have an accurate way to measure it.
One of the best methods to figure out the size of something is to compare it to other items of similar size.
If you are looking to get a sense of how long 18 inches really is, comparing the following objects will be helpful.
How long is 18 inches?
18 inches is equal to 45.72 centimeters or 1.5 feet.
Here are other items that are 18 inches long.
2 Watch straps
A watch strap is the actual item that connects to the watch allowing it to fit around your wrist. These are also called watch bands and can be made out of plastic, leather, cloth, metal, and other materials.
Although many people don’t wear a watch to tell time anymore with all the tech products available, they are still worn as a fashion statement.
Watch straps will vary in size and depending on the size of your wrist, there are many to choose from.
A common length for a watch strap is around 9 inches long. Therefore if you placed 2 of them lengthwise, they would equal 18 inches long.
Here is my current watch strap which showing it’s just over 9 inches long.
Back scratcher
How annoying is it when you have an itch in the middle of your back and can’t reach it?
Enter the back scratcher.
These are a tool made specifically for reaching areas of your back that you can’t reach. Many back scratchers are made out of plastic or bamboo and will have claws or tips on the end to help relieve an itch.
Back scratchers are generally in the range of 17 – 22 inches long. It’s common for people to use an 18 inch long back scratcher which seems to be the right length for the averaged size person.
6 Post-it notes
Post-it notes are very popular around the home or office. They are available in a few different sizes and are basically a small piece of paper with a strip of glue on the back used to attach notes to a folder or other document.
Post-it notes were introduced in 1977 and are still commonly used today. The sizes of these notes can range from 1.5 x 2 inches up to 5 x 8 inches.
The most common size for a Post-it note is 3 x 3 inches. So 3 inches wide and 3 inches tall. If you are looking to get an idea of how long 18 inches is, just take 6 Post-it notes and stick them side by side. They will equal 18 inches in length.
9 – #12 Wood screws
A wood screw is specifically designed to perform better than other types of screws when working with wood projects. They are pointed metal screws with sharp threads designed to be most effective when inserted into wood and holding 2 pieces together.
A variety of wood screw sizes are available, with the most common size being the #12 wood screw which is 2 inches long. Using this screw is a great reference for length and if you had 9 of them placed together, they would equal 18 inches long.
4 – 12 oz coffee mugs
If you are anything like me, you will have a favorite coffee mug. Many people have an addiction to collecting coffee mugs and love their coffee.
Many coffee mugs are made out of ceramic material as it is very solid and durable. But they can also be made out of glass, metal, and copper.
Coffee mugs are also available in a variety of sizes. The 12 oz mug is very popular and it can be used easily as a size reference. Most 12 oz coffee mugs are 4.5 inches tall. So if you were to place 4 of these same mugs one on top of the other, they would equal 18 inches tall.
6 Post-it notes that are 3 x 3 inches each placed side by side equals 18 inches long.
2 Bowling balls
Bowling is a very popular sport that is played around the world. Bowling balls have evolved from using wood to rubber materials in the early 1900s to now being made out of plastic, polyester, urethane, and resin.
The common bowling ball used in 10 pin bowling leagues has a diameter of 8.592 inches. So if you measure the distance through the center of the ball touching both sides, it would equal 8.592 inches. If you can imagine 2 bowling balls side by side, they will give you an idea of how long 18 inches is.
9 AA batteries
An AA battery is one of the most common power cells in the world today. They are swappable and fit in many devices providing power to the unit.
You can use a variety of battery types to measure the length of something. Batteries come in different sizes and are a great tool to use for measuring.
The AA battery is 2 inches long. To get an idea of how long 18 inches really is, you just need to place 9 of these batteries together lengthwise to equal 18 inches long.
Half of a walking step
Walking steps are great to use as a reference for measuring the length of something. You can use walking steps to measure longer distances such as feet and yards, but can also be used to help visualize smaller measurements.
The average human has a walking step of 3 feet wide or 36 inches. If you were to measure 1 full walking step and cut it in half, it would equal very close to 1.5 feet which is 18 inches. This will give you a reasonable idea of how long 18 inches is.
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