11 Common Things That Are 5 Inches Long
Have you ever tried to visualize things that Are 5 Inches Long? While it might not seem like much, this measurement is surprisingly common in everyday objects. Whether you’re working on a DIY project, estimating lengths on the go, or just satisfying your curiosity, here are 11 common things that are 5 inches long.
1. Smartphone Screens
Many older smartphone models and compact devices feature a 5-inch screen (measured diagonally) compared to a hand. While modern smartphones are getting larger, some budget-friendly and mid-range phones still use this size. For example, the Google Pixel 2 and iPhone SE (2016 version) had around 5-inch screens compared to a hand, making them a perfect example of this measurement.
2. The Width of a U.S. Dollar Bill
A U.S. dollar bill is 6.14 inches long and 2.61 inches wide. If you place two dollar bills side by side along their width, they measure just over 5 inches. If you need a quick, approximate reference for 5 inches, folding a dollar bill in half or placing two side by side can help.
3. A Half-Used Pencil
A new, unsharpened wooden pencil is 7.5 inches long. After sharpening and regular use, most pencils eventually reach about 5 inches before they become too short to write comfortably. If you have an older pencil in your home, grab a ruler and check—it might just be the perfect 5-inch example!
4. A Kid’s Toothbrush
Children’s toothbrushes are specifically designed for smaller hands and mouths, and many range between 4.5 to 6 inches. The average toddler toothbrush, for example, is about 5 inches long, making it an easy household object to use as a reference.
5. Mini TV Remote Controls
While standard remote controls are often 7–9 inches long, mini versions—such as those used for streaming devices like the Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV, and Roku remotes—are typically around 5 inches long. If you have one lying around, it’s a convenient way to visualize this measurement.
6. A Standard Teaspoon
A regular teaspoon (used for stirring coffee, tea, or eating desserts) is usually around 5 to 6 inches in length. While measuring spoons can vary, most home teaspoons fall within this size range.
7. A Folded U.S. Dollar Bill (Some Currencies Too!)
As mentioned earlier, a U.S. dollar bill is 6.14 inches long—so if you fold it nearly in half, you’ll get around 3 inches. However, some foreign currency bills are exactly 10 inches long, meaning when folded in half, they measure exactly 5 inches!
8. Index Cards (3×5 Inches)
Standard index cards used for note-taking, studying, and presentations come in different sizes, but one of the most common dimensions is 3 inches by 5 inches. That means the longer side of the card is exactly 5 inches—making it one of the easiest ways to visualize this length.
9. A Pen Cap
If you’ve ever used a standard ballpoint pen, you might have noticed that the cap (including the clip) is often about 5 inches long. This varies slightly by brand, but many common pen caps—like those from Bic or Pilot—fall within this range.
10. A Stack of 5-6 Playing Cards
A single playing card (like those in a deck of poker or Uno cards) is usually 3.5 inches tall. However, if you stack about five or six of them together, the total thickness is roughly 5 inches, depending on the cardstock quality.
11. A Half-Cut 10-Inch Sandwich
Fast-food chains such as Subway offer subs in 6-inch and 12-inch sizes, but some sandwich places serve 10-inch subs. If you take a 10-inch sandwich and cut it in half, you’ll have two perfect 5-inch portions—making this a delicious example of the measurement.
Final Thoughts
Five inches might not seem like much, but it’s a surprisingly useful and recognizable measurement. From everyday households there are objects that are 5 inches like food and tech gadgets, many items fit within this range. Whether you’re estimating a measurement without a ruler or just curious about everyday sizes, these examples should give you a great point of reference!
