7 Everyday Objects that are approximately 3 Inches long
Sometimes you find yourself in a situation where you need to determine the measurement of something that is precisely 3 inches long, but you lack any measuring tools. In such cases, it can be challenging to visualize and grasp the length of 3 inches without a proper reference.
However, fear not, as we are here to help you with this predicament. This article presents a curated list of 7 common household objects that happen to be 3 inches long. By comparing the object in question with these items, you can gain a general sense of its measurement.
3 inches is equivalent to 7.62 cm which is so small and also kind of tricky to conceptualize without a measuring tool and it requires good visual skills to estimate this length without any measuring instrument.
Without further ado, let’s delve into the heart of the matter.
7 Common things that are 3 Inches long
Following is the list of 7 everyday things that are 3 inches long. These objects can serve as makeshift measuring tools in situations where you lack proper measuring instruments. By utilizing these items, you can gauge and approximate the desired length of various objects. Let’s explore this list of versatile tools that can assist you in determining the length of objects accurately.
1. Index Finder
The Index Finger Method holds the top spot in this list for its simplicity and personal adaptability. When lacking a measuring tool, this method proves reliable as it relies on the precise length of one’s own hand and fingers. I personally love this method and strongly recommend you all guys to use this method as your first priority.
While hand sizes vary among individuals, the average length of an index finger is approximately 3 inches. This provides a practical baseline for gauging objects of similar length without a dedicated measuring tool.
The index finger consists of three distinct sections called phalanges: the distal, middle, and proximal phalanges. Each phalanx (plural: phalanges) measures approximately 1 inch in length. By considering the combined length of all three phalanges of the index finger, a total length of 3 inches can be estimated.
Individuals with larger or smaller hands may find it useful to measure the lengths of all their fingers during their free time. This way, they can have a range of personal reference measurements available for use when a measuring tool is not accessible.
2. Folded US Dollar Bill
Another excellent method for visualizing objects that are 3 inches long involves the use of a US Dollar bill. US Dollar bills have a standardized length of exactly 6.14 inches across all denominations. While this measurement exceeds our desired 3 inches, we can still utilize it as a measuring tool by employing folding techniques.
By folding a US Dollar bill in half, its length is reduced precisely to 3.06 inches. Although there is a slight difference of 0.6 inches, this variation is negligible for our purpose of estimating and gaining a general understanding of the desired 3-inch length.
The convenience of this method lies in the fact that most people carry US Dollar bills in their pockets or wallets, making it readily accessible as a makeshift measuring instrument. So, the next time you need to measure something that is 3 inches long, simply reach for a US Dollar bill and fold it in half to serve as a reliable measuring reference.
3. Debit Card
In our modern digital era, credit and debit cards have become ubiquitous, making them a convenient and easily accessible option for measuring objects that are 3 inches long. With credit and debit cards being widely available to most individuals, this method offers accessibility and ease of use when a measuring tool is not readily at hand.
Credit and debit cards adhere to a standardized size set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The width of credit cards is precisely 3.375 inches, while their length measures 2.125 inches. We can use the width of the card as a reference for our desired 3-inch mark.
Although the width slightly exceeds our 3-inch measurement by 0.375 inches, this discrepancy of 0.375 inches is equivalent to approximately 1 centimeter and can be disregarded. Since our goal is to obtain a general estimation of 3 inches, comparing the width of a credit card with other objects can help us achieve that.
Therefore, this method earns the third spot on our list of things that are 3 inches long. Next time you need to gauge a length of 3 inches, simply grab your credit card and compare its width with various objects to get a rough estimation.
4. Crayons
One nostalgic and playful item that can serve as a measuring tool when other options are unavailable is crayons. Many of us have fond memories of using crayons during our childhood, and it’s not uncommon for there to be that one kid who proudly flaunts the largest crayon in the box to impress their friends. Today, I’m here to share that crayons can indeed be utilized for measuring purposes when no other measuring instrument is at hand.
Crayons typically range in length from 3 to 4 inches. Most commonly, they fall within the 3 to 3.5-inch range, which comfortably fits within our desired 3-inch mark. Although there might be slight variations in length among different crayons, these minor differences can be disregarded for our purpose of obtaining a general estimation of 3 inches. Therefore, crayons can still be effectively used as a practical measuring tool.
So, the next time you find yourself in need of measuring a length of 3 inches, reach for a crayon from your childhood collection. Embrace the nostalgia and use it as a reference to gauge the desired length. With crayons in hand, you can bring back those delightful memories while obtaining a reliable measurement.
You can also read: 5 Common things that are 1 meter long
5. Baseball (Ball)
Despite the decline in popularity of baseball, it remains a beloved game that many of us enjoyed playing or watching during our childhood. In the context of our article, a baseball ball can also serve as a common item measuring approximately 2.86 to 2.94 inches in diameter.
While this measurement falls slightly below the 3-inch mark we are aiming for, the difference is negligible and can be easily overlooked. Using a baseball ball still provides a general idea of objects that are 3 inches long. So, let’s not forget the thrill and excitement of baseball as we add it to our list of items for estimating the desired length
6. 3 US Quarters
Another readily accessible item that can serve as a practical measuring tool is the US quarter. With its widespread availability, using US quarters for estimating 3-inch measurements becomes convenient and effective.
A US quarter has an exact length of 0.955 inches, which is approximately equivalent to 2.4 centimeters. To measure 3 inches, one can align three US quarters vertically. While the combined length of these quarters amounts to 2.86 inches, it still falls within the range of our desired 3-inch mark and can be utilized as a reliable measuring tool.
By utilizing US quarters, you can easily gauge objects and obtain a general understanding of their 3-inch length. So, the next time you find yourself without a dedicated measuring instrument, simply gather three US quarters and align them vertically for a quick estimation.
7. 1/2 Smart Phone
Smartphones, with their varying sizes across different models, companies, and manufacturers, can be leveraged as measuring tools if we have knowledge of our own device’s dimensions. By referring to reliable sources like GSM Arena, we can determine the height and dimensions of our smartphones and utilize them for measurement purposes.
For example, let’s consider the iPhone 12, which has an exact length of 6.06 inches. By taking half the length of an iPhone 12, we arrive at 3.03 inches, which is nearly the exact length of 3 inches. This measurement comfortably falls within our desired 3-inch mark and can be employed as a reliable measuring reference.
Therefore, if you are familiar with the dimensions of your smartphone, such as an iPhone 12, you can utilize half its length to obtain an approximate 3-inch measurement. Remember to consult the specifications of your specific device and embrace the convenience of using a familiar item as a measuring tool.
Honorable Mention:
In this article, we have provided detailed information about seven common household items that fall within the 3-inch mark, making them suitable as makeshift measuring tools when conventional measuring instruments are unavailable.
However, in addition to these seven items, there are several other objects that are approximately 3 inches in length and can also serve as measuring references. While not included in our detailed list, these items offer further alternatives for estimating the desired length.
- 1/4 Height of 2L soda bottle
- 3 Bottlecaps
- A Quarter Zip Tie
- 1 Post-it note
- 1/6 Square toss pillow
- Six AA Batteries
- Half a Standard Pen
By exploring our surroundings, we can discover numerous objects that align with or closely approximate the 3-inch measurement. These objects, though not extensively discussed in this article, possess the potential to assist in obtaining a general understanding of 3 inches.
Conclusion:
The measurements provided in this article are not intended to be precise, as they can indeed vary between different models or companies. Rather, their purpose is to provide a general idea of length and assist in developing visual measuring skills.
Among the 14 methods listed (with 7 detailed), I still strongly recommend utilizing the first method as your primary option. Using your own hand as a reference offers the advantage of easy accessibility, and you can further enhance your measurements by considering different parts of your fingers, thumb, or palm. These measurements can be applied when you find yourself in need of gauging lengths without a measuring tool.
I appreciate your time reading this article, and I encourage you to explore our other articles covering various lengths and measurements. I’m confident you’ll find them enjoyable. Take care and goodbye for now!
