Measuring something by eye is incredibly challenging, especially when measuring small lengths. For instance, how can you know how long 4 centimeters is (1.5748 inches) is? Simple—use everyday objects as references in your mind’s eye! The only question is, what are those objects?
You can use any of the following objects as a reference for 4 centimeters:
- Giant paper clip
- 2 dimes
- Safety pin
- Postage stamp
- Razor blade
- 2 power plug prongs
- 2 Hershey’s Kisses
- Shuttlecock
- Electrical tape
1. Giant Paper Clip
Paper clips are little twists of metal that keep our papers in check and have been doing so since the 1890s. But here’s a fun tidbit: paper clips can moonlight as DIY tools. Lost a zipper pull? Paper clip to the rescue! Need to eject a SIM card? Guess who’s got your back.
These tiny yet versatile things come in 3 common sizes, with the largest of the bunch being 2 inches long or slightly over 4 centimeters. You can also use a regular 1-inch paper clip and add the half the length of another.
2. 2 Dimes
Now, let’s talk about the dime, the smallest, thinnest coin jingling in your pocket. It’s worth ten cents, but did you know it has a secret superpower? The phrase “a dime a dozen” doesn’t apply to collecting dimes, especially if you find one from 1945 with a tiny “micro S” mintmark. That’s a collector’s dream!
Dimes measure 17.91 millimeters across, so 2 of them will get you pretty close to 4 centimeters. You can also use 2 pennies, 2 nickels, or 1-1/2 half-dollar coins.
3. Safety Pin
Safety pins are ready to patch up a tear, replace a button, or even serve as an impromptu earring. Invented in the 1800s as a means to fix clothing on the fly, it’s a testament to the idea that great solutions are often the simplest. Safety pins have also been symbols of solidarity and protest throughout history.
Open your drawer filled with random knick-knacks and look for a safety pin. #2 safety pins, which are a common size, measure 1-1/2 inches long or slightly under 4 centimeters.
4. Postage Stamp
The postage stamp is a tiny ambassador of art, history, and communication that travels the world on the corner of your envelope. The first stamp, the Penny Black, was issued in 1840 in the UK and revolutionized how we send letters. Since we pay for stamps, we don’t have to pay the mailman to deliver our envelopes across the state or country.
While postage stamps have the same purpose, their sizes aren’t always identical. According to the USPS, they can be as small as 0.87 × 0.98 inches or as large as 1.255 × 1.59 inches. Take the length of the largest stamp you can get your hands on, and the longer side will show you what 4 centimeters looks like.
5. Razor Blade
The razor blade makes sure we look our sharpest. But did you ever stop to think about its edge? It’s so finely honed that, under a microscope, it resembles a mountain range. Before the advent of this simple item, shaving was all about straight razors and a steady hand. Now, we have the luxury of a close shave without the risk of a Sweeney Todd experience.
While the thickness of a razor blade depends on the maker, the length and width remain the same—43 × 22 millimeters. If you take the longer side of the blade, it will only be 3 millimeters longer than 4 centimeters.
6. 2 Power Plug Prongs
Power plug prongs are what brings life to our gadgets. Have you ever considered the journey electricity takes to light up your world? It starts with these metal conductors. Ever been abroad and realized your plug doesn’t fit? The world recognizes at least 15 plug prong styles, which is why you can’t plug your electronics from the US in, say, Malaysia.
If you live in the US, you’re probably accustomed to type A and B prongs. Their prongs’ lengths measure between 15.9 and 18.33 millimeters. Regardless, 2 of these prongs lined up end to end can help you visualize what 4 centimeters looks like.
7. 2 Hershey’s Kisses
Hershey’s Kisses have been sweetening our days since 1907. Their name comes from the kissing sound the machine makes as it drops the chocolates onto the conveyor belt. So, sorry for those that want to be romantic by sharing a few Kisses—you’re paying homage to how the delectable chocolates are made.
With a base diameter of 0.819 inches (2.08026 centimeters), you’d need 2 of them placed next to each other to reach the 4-centimeter mark. You could also use the shorter side of a 1.55-ounce Hershey’s candy bar (5.4 centimeters) as a rough estimation.
8. Shuttlecock
The shuttlecock, or ‘birdie’, is the heart of a badminton game, zipping back and forth over the net with grace and speed. Traditionally, shuttlecocks were made of actual goose feathers, arranged meticulously to ensure perfect flight. This little object, governed by aerodynamics, can make or break your game.
There are several points you can measure on a shuttlecock, but what we need to look at is the feather tip diameter—i.e., the widest distance between feather tips. The least they should measure is 5.8 centimeters, which is decently close to 4 centimeters.
9. Electrical Tape
Let’s wrap things up with electrical tape. This stretchy, sticky marvel is the go-to for insulating wires and making electrical repairs. But beyond its practical use, did you know electrical tape comes in a rainbow of colors, not just black? Each color has a specific code, used to indicate voltage levels and phases in wiring. If you’re DIY-ing things, black is probably the only color you use, though.
Electrical tape comes in all sorts of widths, but the 1-1/2-inch variety is pretty common. And it just so happens that this width is just around 4 centimeters (3.81 centimeters to be exact).
