How Big Is 4.5 Inches: 15 Everyday Objects In Your Home
Be it measuring an object to determine its legality during transport or simply making a nice sketch, length perceptions of everyday items are crucial. It gets a bit difficult when the length is in decimals, like 4.5 inches.
So, how big is 4.5 inches? Well, 4.5 inches equals 114.3 mm, and it is as big as a large popsicle stick or a first-generation iPhone. Small pocket knives, pocket combs, screwdrivers, calculators, or paring knives can also have a similar length.
Let me give you an idea of 15 everyday objects in the household that are about 4.5 inches or 114.3 mm long. Remember, this type of measurement might not be highly accurate. Rather, some are approximate.
15 Everyday Objects to Understand How Big Is 4.5 Inches
You might have most of the following objects at home but didn’t know they measure exactly or close to 4.5 inches in length. Get introduced to them for easier length measurements.
1. The First Generation iPhone
In today’s world, it might be hard to believe that smartphones were much smaller in the past. The young generation, especially, might not have that perception at all. If you are a bit old like me and have the first-generation iPhone in your collection, I suggest you measure its height.
The height of the first-generation iPhone is exactly 4.5 inches. So, you can now use that height as a reference point to measure other objects besides keeping the phone as a collectible.
I also want to remind you that the phone brand is not relevant here. I just mentioned it because it matches our requirements. You might find other older phone models that have the same length.
2. Short USB Cable or OTG Cable
USB cables are common in every household. Besides the long USB cables used for charging and data transfer, shorter USB cables are also available. These short USB cables can be about 4.5 inches or 114.3 mm in length.
You might also have OTG cables that are used to transfer data between a computer and a mobile device. These cables are also short and can have a length of about 4.5 inches.
Remember, the length of all short USB cables might not be the same. The length of these cables can vary between 4 and 6 inches. So, you should use a tape measure to get accurate measurements.
3. Pocket Knife
Pocket knives come in handy when you go camping or travel somewhere. Many pocket knives have an overall length of 4.5 inches. That means the blade and the grip have a combined length of 4.5 inches. Measuring the length of the knife is super important if you are carrying it in public.
4. Paring Knife
I am pretty sure you love to cut apples with your small paring knife. It is highly satisfying, right? What you might not know is that the blade of that paring knife is about 4.5 inches long. With the grip, the length might be a bit higher, like seven inches.
So, you should only use the blade to make a perception of the 4.5-inch measurement.
5. Coffee Mug
Sipping your favorite coffee is a charming way to start your day. The mug you use to drink coffee can be handy for 4.5-inch measurements. If you are using a regular ceramic mug, the height of the mug is about 4.5 inches.
Remember, the height can vary depending on the type of the mug. For example, double-wall coffee mugs are much shorter. If you need to measure something with a regular coffee mug, you can simply place the mug beside the object lengthwise.
6. Large Crayon
Crayons can help your kids express their creativity. Even adults might sometimes enjoy drawing something with colorful crayons. These crayons usually come in two size variants. The larger size measures about 4.5 inches, and the smaller size measures about 3.5 inches in length.
So, large color crayons can be a good way to measure something that is either 4.5 inches or multiple. You can put multiple crayons together or repeat the length of just one crayon to get this measurement. It is important to find out the exact length of the crayon before you use it for measurements.
7. Small Flashlight
If you love camping, you must have one of these in your backpack. Portable flashlights are about 4.5 inches or 114.3 mm long. Some flashlights may come with cables for easy carrying or storage. You shouldn’t include the cable length in this measurement.
Only the flashlight from the tip to the back measures about 4.5 inches. Depending on the brand, power, and other factors, the length can change. So, you should keep that in mind.
8. Half an A4 Paper
A4 paper is probably the most commonly used size in offices. The width of an A4 sheet is 8.3 inches or 210 mm. If you fold the sheet lengthwise, each half will be about 105 mm or 4.15 inches. Even though that is slightly smaller than what you are looking for, it can be a good reference point.
To get the exact measurement, you can move the fold line to the right or left by the width of a popsicle stick. That will give you exactly 114/115 mm or about 4.5 inches.
9. Small Calculator
Calculators come in a lot of different sizes. I assume you have a small, portable calculator at home that is used for general calculations. It should have a height of about 4.5 inches. Sometimes, the height of a calculator can be shorter than the width, depending on the design.
So, take the larger side of a pocket calculator, and it should measure about 4.5 inches. Don’t use scientific calculators because they have a larger height.
10. Small Screwdriver
Screwdrivers are probably the most common tools in every household. From testing line currents to tightening or loosening screws, this tool is of great use. Small screwdrivers are about 4.5 inches in length. It is the combined length of the screwdriver rod and the grip.
11. Toilet Paper
The most common toilet paper rolls have a height of about 4.5 inches. Some of you might get confused about the height, so let me explain. I am talking about the height when the toilet paper roll is kept on the flat sides.
So, the length will be from the top flat side to the bottom flat side. If the paper roll is already hung in the toilet, you should take the width of the roll.
12. Height of Two Bricks
Common red bricks are about 2.25 inches or 57 mm in height. If you stack two bricks on top of each other, that should give you an idea of how big it is 4.5 inches. Taking the width of one brick may also be suitable if the brick is large. Regular bricks have a width of about 105-110 mm, which is smaller than our desired length.
13. Pocket Comb
A pocket comb is super useful to keep your hair tidy, especially when you are outdoors. Such a comb is about 4.5 inches in length. But, if you use larger combs or hair brushes that are intended for home use, they might be longer.
14. Car Key Fob
I am not talking about the modern keyless cars. Let’s get back in time a bit. Your older cars might have a key fob that includes a physical key. That key can be retracted inside the key fob for easy carrying. Such a key fob will measure about 4.5 inches in length when the key is extended.
15. Five US Quarters Sideways
The diameter of a US quarter is 0.95 inches or 24.25 mm. If you assume the diameter as the width of the coin, you can place five coins side by side, which will give you about 4.75 inches. Even though it is slightly higher than what we needed, you will at least get a rough idea of the length.
Conclusion
When there is no measuring tape or ruler around you, everyday objects with a known length can be a great help. They can sometimes give exact measurements or an idea of how big a length is. So, how big is 4.5 inches?
4.5 inches is as big as a small flashlight, screwdriver, pocket comb, first-generation iPhone, coffee mug, large crayon, etc. With these familiar items, you can improve your length perceptions. Using the object for taking measurements is also possible. It is better if you can check the exact length or width of the item on the label.
