15 Things You’d Be Surprised Are Just 5 Inches

15 Things You’d Be Surprised Are Just 5 Inches

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Written by Scarlet Wright

June 3, 2025

Have you ever tried picturing exactly how long five inches is? It’s a bit tricky without something familiar to compare it to. That’s where handy, relatable references come in. Using everyday items as visual references can give us a better grasp of that 5-inch measurement — something surprisingly practical when you need an accurate measurement but don’t have a ruler around. Let’s explore a collection of common 5-inch items. These objects aren’t just random; many have a standardized size, making them reliable measuring tools or convenient references when you need to put inches into perspective. Ready? Let’s roll.

15 Things You’d Be Surprised Are Just 5 Inches

1. Two and a Half Business Cards

Two and a Half Business Cards

A standard business card in North America measures about 3.5 inches in length and 2 inches in height. Stack two and a half business cards end to end, and you get roughly five inches. Business cards are a surprisingly handy reference, especially since they’re commonly carried in wallets or pockets. They can act as a quick, convenient measuring tool when precision isn’t critical.

2. Five US Quarters

Five US Quarters

Each US quarter has a diameter of about 0.955 inches. Stack five quarters, and you get a height just under five inches (around 4.77 inches). While slightly less than five inches, it’s close enough to use as a makeshift measuring reference in everyday situations, especially since quarters are ubiquitous across North America and often easy to grab.

3. Two Standard Playing Cards

Two Standard Playing Cards

Standard playing cards measure approximately 3.5 inches by 2.5 inches. Lay two cards side-by-side along their longer edge, and the combined length is about seven inches, which is more than five. However, if you trim the length slightly or overlap a bit, two cards roughly represent a five-inch length, making them familiar visual references. Playing cards’ consistent size makes them handy for casual measurements, especially in school life or game nights.

4. Nail File

Nail File

A typical nail file is about five inches long, making it an essential grooming tool that’s compact yet practical. These files often have standardized dimensions to fit comfortably in cosmetic bags or pockets. They double as convenient measuring tools for small lengths, proving that beauty and functionality can go hand in hand.

5. Router Antenna

Router Antenna

Many external router antennas measure roughly five inches long. Their compact size helps balance between effective signal transmission and space-saving design, making them a practical and familiar tech item around the home.

6. Hair Comb

Hair Comb

Compact hair combs, designed for portability, often measure close to five inches in length. Their consistent size means they can double as a handy reference for quick length comparisons. As an essential grooming tool, the hair comb blends practicality and compactness effortlessly.

7. Standard Soda Can

Standard Soda Can

A typical 12-ounce soda can measures about 4.83 inches tall—not quite five inches, but close enough to serve as a relatable visual reference for the 5-inch size. This standardized size is familiar to many and a handy tool to imagine other measurements by comparison.

8. 3 Table Tennis Balls (Ping-Pong Balls)

3 Table Tennis Balls (Ping-Pong Balls)

Standard table tennis balls have a diameter of exactly 40 millimeters (about 1.57 inches). Stack three balls, and you get just under five inches (around 4.71 inches). While slightly less, they’re close enough to act as a quick visual reference. If you add a little space between them, it’s easy to think of these balls as a fun measuring tool.

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9. Two and a Half Pink Erasers

 Two and a Half Pink Erasers

Classic pink erasers, often found in school supplies, measure roughly 2 inches long. Stack two and a half, and you get about five inches—making them a nostalgic but surprisingly practical reference from school life. These familiar objects work well as quick, handy measuring tools for small tasks.

10. Small Pocket Knife

Small Pocket Knife

Small pocket knives generally have blades or handles that measure about five inches, striking a good balance between portability and functionality. These versatile tools are reliable for everyday use, and their consistent size makes them a good measuring reference when needed.

11. Flashlight

Flashlight

Compact flashlights designed for portability often measure close to five inches in length. This size keeps them handy yet powerful enough for emergencies or everyday tasks, offering a reliable measuring tool when you need a quick reference.

12. Compact Mirrors

Compact Mirrors

Compact mirrors, popular for on-the-go grooming, often come in a size near five inches. Their compact size and consistent dimensions make them not only essential tools but also convenient visual references for the 5-inch size.

13. Pill Organizer

Pill Organizer

Weekly pill organizers usually measure about five inches in length to accommodate daily medication slots while remaining portable. Their standardized size means they’re familiar to many and can serve as a quick, practical measurement reference.

14. Hershey’s Candy Bar

Hershey's Candy Bar

A standard Hershey’s milk chocolate bar measures about 5.4 inches long. Though slightly longer than five inches, it’s close enough to be a relatable reference, especially when you want a quick mental picture of that length. Packaged food items like this often have consistent sizes for consumer convenience.

15. One-Third Sheet of Legal Paper

One-Third Sheet of Legal Paper

A legal sheet measures 8.5 by 14 inches. Cut one-third of the width, and you get roughly 4.7 inches—close to five inches. Paper dimensions are standardized, making them practical references for office or school use.

16. Three Wine Corks

Three Wine Corks

An average wine cork is about 1.75 inches long. Stack three, and you get approximately 5.25 inches—just over five inches. For wine lovers, this quirky reference shows how everyday items from different lifestyles can serve as helpful, tangible measuring tools.

Final Thoughts

Next time you need to imagine or measure five inches but don’t have a ruler, remember these everyday items. From business cards to candy bars, these common 5-inch items provide quick, reliable visual references and make measuring less of a chore. Whether you’re organizing school life, handling household tasks, or just curious about common measurement sizes, these familiar objects offer an imaginative and practical way to keep inches into perspective. It’s funny how often we overlook such handy, compact-size treasures, isn’t it? Don’t miss out—become a part of the SizeLoom

About Scarlet Wright

Scarlet Wright is the Content Strategist at SizeLoom, where she turns everyday measurements into meaningful stories. With a sharp eye for detail and a background in UX writing, she makes sure every comparison clicks.

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