10 Surprisingly Common Things That Are About 20 Inches Long

9 Common Things That Measure 20 Inches Every day, we interact with countless objects of varying shapes and sizes. Some measurements are so familiar that we rarely stop to consider their importance.

One such measurement is 20 inches—a length that pops up more often in our surroundings than we might realize.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at everyday items that are 20 inches long, and discuss how this specific length is both practical and relevant in our daily routines.

How Long is 20 Inches?

Twenty inches equals about 50.8 centimeters.

To picture this length, imagine the width of a standard school ruler or the height of a small child’s play chair. It’s a size that’s compact enough to be convenient, yet substantial enough to serve a wide range of practical uses.

📊 20 Inches Visualization Table

Item / Structure	Approx. Length	Description
Carry-On Suitcase	20 in.	Standard height for airline carry-on luggage, designed to fit overhead compartments.
Large Pizza Box	20 in.	Width of an extra-large pizza box, commonly used for party-sized pizzas.
Standard Pillow	20 in.	Typical width of a bed pillow, found in most households.
French Rolling Pin	20 in.	Classic baking tool, often used for rolling dough in kitchens.
Computer Monitor (Diagonal)	20 in.	Common diagonal size for desktop monitors, balancing screen space and desk fit.
Two Size 10 Shoes (heel-to-toe)	20 in.	Placing two men’s size 10 shoes in a row equals about 20 inches.
Three Standard Rulers	20 in.	Nearly two rulers (12 inches each) lined up, a familiar classroom reference.
Tall Table Lamp	20 in.	Height of many table lamps, ideal for desks and bedside tables.
Standard Pillowcase (Width)	20 in.	Width matches a standard pillow, handled during bedding changes.
Two Basketballs Side-by-Side	20 in.	Two regulation basketballs placed together nearly equal 20 inches in length.

1. Carry-On Suitcase

• Actual Measurement: 20 inches tall

• Description: Standard carry-on luggage for most airlines is 20 in. in height, designed to fit overhead compartments.

• Why It’s Relatable: If you’ve ever wheeled a suitcase through an airport, you’ve handled something exactly 20 in. tall.

2. Large Pizza Box

• Actual Measurement: 20 inches wide

• Description: Many large pizza boxes, especially those for extra-large pizzas, measure 20 in. across.

• Why It’s Relatable: Next time you order a giant pizza for a party, the box gives you a perfect sense of this length.

3. Standard Pillow

• Actual Measurement: 20 inches wide

• Description: A typical bed pillow is about 20 in. wide, making it a familiar household reference.

• Why It’s Relatable: If you’ve ever made a bed, you’ve handled this length daily.

4. French Rolling Pin

• Actual Measurement: 20 inches long

• Description: A classic French rolling pin, used for baking, is usually 20 in. from end to end.

• Why It’s Relatable: Bakers and home cooks often use this tool, making it a handy kitchen reference.

5. Computer Monitor (Diagonal)

• Actual Measurement: 20 inches diagonal

• Description: Many desktop monitors are 20 inches diagonally, balancing screen space and desk size.

• Why It’s Relatable: If you work at a desk, your monitor is likely close to this size.

6. Two Size 10 Shoes

• Actual Measurement: Each shoe is about 10 inches long; two in a row equal 20 inches.

• Description: Lining up two men’s size 10 shoes heel-to-toe gives you 20 inches.

• Why It’s Relatable: Shoes are universal, and this comparison works for most households.

7. Three Standard Rulers

• Actual Measurement: Each ruler is 12 inches; 1.67 rulers make 20 inches, but three side-by-side is a close visual.

• Description: Standard school rulers are 12 in.; placing nearly two together gives you 20 in.

• Why It’s Relatable: Rulers are found in every home, office, and classroom.

8. Tall Table Lamp

• Actual Measurement: 20 inches tall

• Description: Many table lamps are designed to be 20 in. tall, providing ideal lighting for desks and bedside tables.

• Why It’s Relatable: If you have a lamp on your nightstand or desk, it’s likely around this height.

9. Standard Pillowcase (Width)

• Actual Measurement: 20 inches wide

• Description: The width of a standard pillowcase is about 20 in., matching the pillow it covers.

• Why It’s Relatable: Every time you change your bedding, you handle this length.

10. Two Basketballs Side-by-Side

• Actual Measurement: Each basketball is about 9.5 inches in diameter; two together are about 19 in., very close to 20.

• Description: Placing two regulation basketballs next to each other nearly equals 20 in.

• Why It’s Relatable: Sports fans and families with basketballs can easily visualize this.