When you don’t have a ruler on hand, knowing the approximate lengths of everyday items can be a lifesaver. One measurement that comes up often is 5 inches, a practical length for a variety of tasks, from organizing storage to ensuring things fit just right. Luckily, several common items measure about 5 inches, making them perfect for quick visual references.
This guide covers 12 everyday objects that are about 5 inches long. Familiarizing yourself with these items can make it easier to estimate measurements, whether you’re arranging furniture, planning a DIY project, or checking if something will fit in your bag.
Why Knowing Object Sizes Can Be Surprisingly Helpful
Having a rough idea of the size of common objects can be more useful than you might think. For example, if you’re decorating a room, you might want to visualize how much space a particular item will take up. Or, you may find yourself checking if an item you’re about to purchase online will fit where you need it. With knowledge of these approximate sizes, you can make quick judgments without having to pull out a measuring tape every time.
12 Everyday Items That Are About 5 Inches Long
Here are 12 items around 5 inches in length. For each, we’ll cover why this size is helpful and how to use these items as measurement tools in everyday life.
1. Smartphone Width
Most smartphones these days are about 5 inches wide. If you have your phone on you, then you already have a convenient measuring tool in hand. When you’re in a tight spot and need a quick measurement, just think of your phone. It’s especially useful for measuring small spaces, such as between shelves, in drawers, or even in your car.
Practical Tip: Try using your phone’s width to measure small surfaces, like a bedside table, to make sure your phone or other items will fit.
2. Index Card
The classic 3×5-inch index card is a staple in offices and classrooms alike. Its 5-inch length is a great tool for visualizing small spaces or organizing paperwork. You’ll often find index cards in a variety of situations, whether you’re studying, planning a presentation, or brainstorming ideas.
Practical Tip: Keep an index card in your wallet or notebook. It’s lightweight and can be pulled out whenever you need to visualize 5 inches.
3. Table Fork
A standard dining fork is typically about 5 inches in length. This is handy when you’re in the kitchen or at a dining table and need to estimate smaller dimensions. Forks are also conveniently available almost everywhere, making them an accessible measuring reference for many household tasks.
Practical Tip: If you’re setting up a dining space or checking how utensils will fit in storage trays, a table fork’s length can give you a quick 5-inch measurement reference.
4. Sticky Note Pad
Many sticky note pads measure roughly 5 inches on one side, especially the larger ones meant for more detailed notes. Having sticky notes around is already convenient, but their approximate size makes them an even better tool for quick measurements.
Practical Tip: Use a sticky note pad when organizing items on your desk or when planning a layout in a notebook. You can also use the sticky note itself to mark off sections or as a rough placeholder.
5. Teaspoon Handle
The handle of a typical teaspoon is around 5 inches long, making it another helpful tool for everyday measurements. You’ll likely have teaspoons handy in the kitchen, where they’re often used for cooking, baking, and serving.
Practical Tip: When organizing your kitchen or laying out items in a drawer, a teaspoon handle’s length can help you measure small areas or align items neatly.
6. Small Plant Pot Diameter
Indoor plant pots often come in a 5-inch diameter, especially for smaller plants like succulents or herbs. Knowing the size of a plant pot can help you estimate the amount of space required on windowsills, bookshelves, or counters.
Practical Tip: If you’re planning a plant arrangement or checking how much space you have on a ledge or shelf, a small plant pot can be a helpful visual aid for measuring around 5 inches.
7. Small Notebook Width
Compact notebooks, especially those designed for quick notes, are commonly about 5 inches wide. This makes them great for estimating space, especially if you’re packing a bag or arranging items on your desk.
Practical Tip: Use a small notebook as a spacer or measurement tool for bags, pockets, or drawers. If it fits, chances are other items of similar length will fit as well.
8. Flashlight
Many small flashlights, particularly those meant for household use, are around 5 inches in length. They’re compact enough to carry around, yet sturdy enough to serve as a handy measuring reference.
Practical Tip: If you’re setting up tools in a drawer or arranging camping supplies, you can use the flashlight’s length as a rough guide for organizing spaces or fitting other items.
9. Large Paper Clip
The jumbo paper clip is about 5 inches long, making it larger than standard clips and perfect for holding bigger stacks of papers. In addition to office organization, the jumbo clip serves as a lightweight measuring reference.
Practical Tip: Keep a jumbo paper clip at your desk. When you’re working on organizing papers or setting up a binder, you’ll have a quick 5-inch reference.
10. Playing Card Width (Stack of 4-5 Cards)
A small stack of playing cards measures roughly 5 inches wide. Playing cards are a staple in most homes and can serve as an easy measurement tool for quick tasks, especially when arranging game accessories or storage.
Practical Tip: Stack up a few playing cards when you need a measurement reference on game night or when organizing card collections or boxes.
11. Toothbrush Handle
The handle of a standard toothbrush is typically about 5 inches long. In the bathroom, this can help you with quick measurements for storage solutions or when setting up toiletry items.
Practical Tip: Use your toothbrush handle as a quick gauge when you’re setting up a travel kit or organizing bathroom storage. It’s a practical item to help with space planning.
12. Wallet Width
A folded wallet is usually around 5 inches wide. This can be helpful when checking if an item will fit into a bag, pocket, or drawer. Having a standard size in mind can also make online shopping easier, as you can imagine items relative to your wallet.
Practical Tip: Measure your wallet against items you’re thinking of purchasing, like small bags or pouches, to make sure they’ll fit your essentials.
Conclusion
Knowing approximate measurements of common items is a handy skill that makes life a little easier. With this list of items around 5 inches long, you’ll always have an idea of whether things will fit, how much space they’ll take up, and how to arrange them. The next time you need a quick measurement, look around for one of these items—no ruler required.
FAQ
How accurate are these measurements?
Each item here is approximately 5 inches, but slight variations exist. However, they’re close enough for quick, everyday measurements.
Why is it helpful to know the size of common items?
Knowing sizes helps with visualizing spaces and making rough estimations, especially when organizing or shopping online.
What other items might be around 5 inches?
Other items include small jars, some makeup brushes, and travel-size toiletries. You may find even more around your home!