I could tell you that 6 inches is the same as 15.24 centimeters, but without a point of reference, you may still struggle to visualize how long that is. The good news is that there are hundreds of common items that are 6 inches long that will help you visualize this measurement in your mind’s eye.
Today, we’re going explore common things that will give you a sense of what 6 inches looks like. From the standard size of credit or debit cards to screen size of an everyday gadget, you can use these items to help measure small distances without a ruler or tape measure.
A Dollar Bill
Here’s something many people keep in their back pockets, literally! The humble dollar bill, with its green and white design, is not just a symbol of financial worth, but also a useful way for measuring small objects. The length of one bill is 6.14 inches, which makes it the perfect makeshift ruler in a pinch.
Need to measure something quickly? Just grab 1 bill from our wallet and use its length as a reference. Whether you’re trying to gauge the size of a small object or the distance between two points, the dollar bill is a convenient and accessible option. So next time you’re in need of a ruler, don’t underestimate the power of the almighty dollar bill.
Toothbrush
The toothbrush, an essential tool for oral hygiene, may seem like an unlikely measuring device, but in a pinch, it can be just as effective as a ruler. With an average length of 7 inches, most of them exceed the standard 6-inch measurement, but fear not! By holding it at one end and using the bristles as a guide, you can easily estimate a distance of 6 inches.
This makes toothbrushes a handy tool for measuring small spaces or objects when a ruler is not readily available. If you have a longer toothbrush, don’t include the head (around 2 inches) to get roughly six inches tall or long.
Ballpoint Pen
Who knew a ballpoint pen could do more than just write? Its standard length of 6 inches (this measurement includes the cap) makes it a perfect substitute for a ruler for small items. An entire 50-count pack of ballpoint pens will give a total length of about 25 feet when arranged end to end.
Just multiply the number of pens by half a foot, and you’ll have your final measurement! And if you don’t have a ballpoint pen nearby, fear not! A medium-sized felt tip pen of 5.5 inches can easily substitute as a makeshift ruler in a pinch. Just make sure to use a steady hand to get an accurate measurement.
Pencil
Ah, the trusty pencil—a writing instrument that has been used for centuries. But did you know that it can also be used to measure objects? With an average length of 7.5 inches, a pencil can easily be used to measure half a foot.
Simply align six pencils end-to-end and you have a makeshift ruler at your disposal. And the best part? If you make a mistake, you can easily erase and start again. Make sure to use a new pencil since a sharpened pencil will be slightly smaller.
Hot Dog Sausage
This delicious American classic also doubles as a surprisingly accurate measuring tool! With an average length of 6 inches, using a hot dog can be used as a fun and unconventional ruler. Simply place the hotdog against the object you want to measure and count the number of hotdogs needed to reach the end.
It’s a great way to estimate the length of small objects or spaces, and it adds a little bit of fun to the measuring process. So, if you want to know things that are 6 inches long, imagine a hotdog in your imind’s eye!
Chef’s Knife
A chef’s knife is the most common type of knife in the kitchen. It may be designed for slicing and dicing, but did you know it can also be used as a measuring tool? With a blade typically ranging from 6 to 12 inches long, it can be a fantastic way to measure a distance of 6 inches. Simply hold the knife blade to the object. And if you’re feeling particularly chef-inspired, you can even whip up a tasty meal with your freshly measured ingredients.
Two Credit Cards
They may be small in size, but they can pack a punch when it comes to measuring. You should know that the standard length of credit cards is 3.3 inches long, so use two credit cards placed end-to-end equal roughly 6 inches (6.7 inches, to be more precise), making them a perfect and convenient makeshift ruler.
Don’t have a credit card on hand? Well, you can just as easily use a debit card or any government-issued ID card since they are all the same size!
Cake Pans
Cake pans are designed for baking delicious treats, but in a pinch, you can use it instead of a measuring tape or ruler to get 6 inches. One of the smallest round cake pan sizes is 6 inches in diameter, so you’ll only need one of them to measure half a foot.
You can also use the cake baked in the 6-inch pan if you don’t have a ruler, but you might end up with a crumby mess!
iPhone X Model
For those with an iPhone X, you can use it to measure 6 inches (or close to it). The iPhone X has a screen size of 5.8 inches—a comfortable size for pockets.
So, orienting your phone diagonally can be helpful way to know how long 6 inches is. If you have a more updated iPhone—such as the iPhone 14 Pro Max with a screen of 6.7 inches—you can also start measuring things that are closer to 7 inches but still closely enough to half a foot.
Micro USB Cable
This versatile little cord connects us to our devices and keeps us powered up! With so many different lengths available, it can be tough to know which one to choose.
But did you know that even the shortest cable can be used to measure half a foot? With a little bit of careful folding, you can turn that 3-foot cable into a 6-inch measuring tool in no time! It’s a nifty little trick that comes in handy when you need to measure small objects or spaces.
A Candle
These delightful sticks are usually made of wax that light up our lives and improve the ambience of a room, scented or unscented! Candles come in a variety of sizes and shapes, from tiny tea lights to grandiose taper and pillar designs.
Many candles measure around 4 to 6 inches, so get the largest one you can get your hands on and use that to measure half a foot with ease! Just remember that a burned candle becomes shorter, so you may need a fresh one for measuring half a foot.
A Cucumber
Cucumbers are a cool, crisp and refreshing veggie that’s the perfect addition to any salad or sandwich! With their satisfying crunch and juicy texture, cucumbers are the ultimate snack for those who love a little crunch in their lives. But like any type of produce, cucumbers come in different sizes. Medium-length cucumbers, however, are usually 6 inches long, give or take an inch or 2.
Chopping Board
Earlier, I spoke about how a knife can be used to measure half a foot in a pinch. If you’re uncomfortable working with sharp objects, just whip your chopping board out of your kitchen drawer! The typical chopping board measures around 12 inches wide, so if you’re looking for something that measures 6 inches, this is it!
Zip Ties
These plastic fasteners come in a variety of lengths and widths, but if you’re a DIY enthusiast, you’re most likely familiar with the 12-inch variety. If this is the case, you’re in luck!
To measure six inches, just fold the zip tie in half! Alternatively, you can use a single 4-inch zip with and half of another one to get a rough estimate of 6 inches.
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