When it comes to measurements like 20 meters long, the number might feel abstract until you relate it to real-world objects. At approximately 65.6 feet, this length is significant enough to encompass various structures, objects, and even natural features that we encounter in our daily lives or hear about in fascinating contexts.
In this article, we’ll explore 10 things that are about 20 meters long, providing detailed explanations for each example to help you visualize and understand this distance better.
Here Are 10 Things That Are About 20 Meters Long
1. Two Full-Sized Shipping Containers
A standard shipping container used in freight transport is 12 meters (40 feet) in length. Placing two of these containers end to end equals 24 meters, which is slightly longer than 20 meters but close enough for a relatable comparison.
Shipping containers are a common sight at ports, on large trucks, or even repurposed as modular homes or offices. Their sturdy construction and uniform size make them an excellent reference point. Visualizing two of these large containers placed in a straight line provides a tangible sense of how long 20 meters is.
2. A Bowling Lane
A standard bowling lane, measured from the foul line to the center of the head pin, is 19.2 meters (63 feet) long. This distance makes bowling lanes one of the closest real-world comparisons to 20 meters.
If you’ve ever been to a bowling alley, imagine standing at the start of the lane and looking down toward the pins. That visual stretch is a great representation of 20 meters, making it easier to grasp how long it truly is.
3. The Length of a Blue Whale
The blue whale, the largest animal on Earth, can grow up to 20 to 30 meters (65 to 98 feet) in length. A blue whale’s immense size is one of nature’s most astounding wonders, and its length provides a perfect example of 20 meters.
Picture the majestic blue whale stretched out in the ocean. Its immense length is awe-inspiring and serves as a vivid reference for understanding 20 meters. Seeing a life-size model or a detailed illustration of a blue whale can help you fully appreciate the scale of this distance.
4. A Semi-Truck with Its Trailer
A semi-truck with a standard trailer attached measures about 18 to 20 meters (60 to 65 feet) in total length. These vehicles are essential for transporting goods across long distances and are a familiar sight on highways worldwide.
Next time you see a semi-truck, think about its length from the front of the cab to the back of the trailer. This massive vehicle provides an everyday example of how long 20 meters is, especially for those who frequently encounter them on the road.
5. A Competitive Swimming Pool Lane
In Olympic-sized swimming pools, a single lane is typically 25 meters long, but many training or recreational swimming pools have lanes that measure 20 meters. These pools are common in gyms, schools, and smaller sports facilities.
Imagine swimming across a single lane of such a pool. For swimmers, this distance represents a standard measure for timed laps, making it an excellent and relatable example of 20 meters.
6. A Double-Decker Bus
A double-decker bus, like the ones famously seen in London, measures about 20 meters (65 feet) in length. These buses are designed to carry many passengers efficiently and are often used in urban areas or as sightseeing buses.
Standing beside one of these buses or observing it from a distance gives you a clear sense of how long 20 meters is. Their elongated shape and distinctive design make them a perfect visual reference for this length.
7. A Suspension Bridge Cable Span
On smaller suspension bridges, the distance between the two main towers or cable spans often measures approximately 20 meters. These bridges, used to cross narrow rivers, streams, or gaps, are common in urban and rural areas alike.
Walking along such a bridge, you can easily estimate the 20-meter span by considering the distance between its supporting towers. Suspension bridges are not only functional but also visually striking, offering a practical and scenic way to understand this measurement.
8. A Mature Oak Tree
A fully grown oak tree can reach a height of approximately 20 meters (65 feet). These trees are known for their longevity, strength, and towering presence in forests, parks, and even private gardens.
Standing beneath the canopy of an oak tree and looking up toward its highest branches gives you a real-life example of 20 meters in vertical height. It’s a stunning natural reference for this length, connecting the concept of measurement to the beauty of the environment.
9. A Row of 10 Compact Cars
A typical compact car, such as a hatchback, is about 4 meters (13 feet) long. Placing five of these cars end to end creates a row measuring approximately 20 meters.
Picture a parking lot with compact cars lined up bumper to bumper. This arrangement provides a relatable and everyday comparison for understanding 20 meters, especially for those who drive or frequently encounter vehicles.
10. A Paraglider Wing Span
The wingspan of a paraglider, used for recreational or competitive flying, typically measures around 20 meters. These lightweight, fabric canopies are carefully designed to maximize lift and provide stability in the air.
For those who enjoy extreme sports or have seen paragliders soaring above scenic landscapes, the wingspan of the canopy is an excellent example of 20 meters. The elegant curve of the wing in the air adds a dynamic and visual element to understanding this distance.
Conclusion
20 meters is a significant measurement that finds its way into various aspects of life, from nature to vehicles and man-made structures. By relating this length to familiar objects like blue whales, double-decker buses, bowling lanes, and oak trees, it becomes easier to visualize and understand its scale.
Whether you’re looking at transportation, architecture, or wildlife, these comparisons provide a vivid sense of how long 20 meters is, making it a practical and relatable measurement. Through these examples, you can appreciate the versatility and significance of this distance in the world around us.