Just a little over an inch, this length is about the width of a thumb and barely more than one-twelfth of a foot.
To help you visualise 1.375 inches, we’ve compiled a list of 12 common items that match this exact length.
| Measurement System | 1.375 Inches Equals |
|---|---|
| Centimeters (cm) | 3.49 cm |
| Millimeters (mm) | 34.93 mm |
| Feet (ft) | 0.115 ft |
| Meters (m) | 0.035 m |
| Fraction | 1⅜ inches (11/8 inches) |
👍 Thumb Width
- The width of your thumb at the knuckle is roughly 1.375 inches.
- This natural measuring tool travels with you everywhere.
- Use your thumb knuckle as a quick ruler for small measurements.
- Great for instant estimates without any tools.
✋ Pinky First Joint
- Distance from your pinky fingertip to the first joint ≈ 1.375 inches.
- Provides a simple visual reference for precise small lengths.
- Start at the pinky tip and measure to the first joint.
- Useful for jewelry, crafts, or fine measurements.
✌️ Index + Middle Fingers
- The combined width of your index and middle fingers ≈ 1.375 inches.
- Easy reference when holding objects or marking small lengths.
- Press fingers together and use as a visual ruler.
- Quick and intuitive measurement method.
Quick Reference: Objects Close to 1.375 Inches
| Object | Approx. Length (in inches) | Closeness to 1.375 Inches | Best Situation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Hex Nut | 1.35–1.40 in | 10 / 10 | Hardware sizing reference |
| Casino Dice | 1.37–1.38 in | 10 / 10 | Gaming and visual scale |
| AA Battery Diameter | 1.35–1.40 in | 9 / 10 | Battery compartment sizing |
| Large Paper Clip | 1.35–1.40 in | 9 / 10 | Desk-scale measurement |
| Ping Pong Ball Diameter | 1.37–1.38 in | 10 / 10 | Sports size reference |
| Safety Pin | 1.30–1.40 in | 8 / 10 | Sewing and crafts |
| Large Button | 1.35–1.40 in | 9 / 10 | Garment sizing |
| Large Walnut | 1.30–1.45 in | 8 / 10 | Natural hand reference |
| Standard Pill Bottle Cap | 1.35–1.40 in | 9 / 10 | Medication packaging |
| Dart Tip Length | 1.35–1.40 in | 9 / 10 | Dart equipment reference |
| Key Head Width | 1.30–1.40 in | 8 / 10 | Everyday size comparison |
| Medium Binder Clip | 1.35–1.40 in | 9 / 10 | Office organization |
Objects Around World (1.375) Inches Long
| Country | Traditional Item | Approx. Length | Measurement Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | Native American Bead 🟤 | ~1.4 inches | Measured across the bead’s widest diameter. Large decorative beads are common in traditional Native American jewelry and help visualize a small 1.375-inch scale. |
| 🇬🇧 UK | Royal Wax Seal 🕯️ | ~1.3 inches | Measured across the circular seal face. Wax seals have long been used on royal and official documents, making this size historically recognizable. |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | Go Game Stone ⚪ | ~1.35 inches | Measured across the stone’s diameter. Go stones are central to Japanese strategy culture and provide a precise visual reference close to 1.375 inches. |
| 🇮🇳 India | Rudraksha Bead 📿 | ~1.4 inches | Measured across the bead’s widest point. Used in Hindu prayer malas, larger Rudraksha beads clearly demonstrate this compact sacred length. |
| 🇫🇷 France | Wax Cheese Seal 🧀 | ~1.3–1.4 inches | Measured across the stamped emblem on traditional cheese rinds. These seals are iconic in French culinary heritage and match the 1.375-inch scale closely. |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | Indigenous Carved Button 🪵 | ~1.4 inches | Measured across the button’s diameter. Traditionally carved buttons appear in First Nations garments, offering a tactile cultural comparison for 1.375 inches. |
Hardware & Tools That Are 1.375 Inches
The hardware aisle contains several items that measure exactly 1.375 inches, making this measurement essential for DIY projects.
Standard Hex Nut

A standard hex nut used in construction and machinery typically measures 1.375 inches across its widest points.
Their precise 1.375-inch measurement ensures proper fit with corresponding wrenches and socket tools. Mechanics and builders rely on this standardized dimension daily, making hex nuts perfect reference objects when you need to visualize this specific length.
More Posts:17 Common Things That Are 24 Inches Long/Length
Wood Screw Head Diameter

Larger wood screws, particularly those used in deck construction and furniture building, often feature head diameters of 1.375 inches.
When you’re shopping for screws or planning woodworking projects, recognizing this 1.375-inch measurement helps ensure compatibility.
Office Supplies Measuring 1.375 Inches
Your desk drawer likely contains multiple items that perfectly represent 1.375 inches in length or width.
Large Paper Clip

A jumbo or large paper clip measures approximately 1.375 inches when measured along its longest outer edge. These oversized clips are designed to hold thicker stacks of documents together without bending or breaking under pressure.
Office workers and students frequently use these 1.375-inch paper clips for organizing important papers and reports.
Medium Binder Clip

A medium-sized binder clip measures about 1.375 inches in width across its metal frame. The spring-loaded design provides strong grip while the compact size fits easily in desk organizers and pencil cases.
These clips are essential tools in offices, schools, and home workspaces for securing documents temporarily. Teachers particularly appreciate this 1.375-inch size because it’s large enough for class handouts but small enough for student notebooks.
Gaming & Entertainment Items That Are 1.375 Inches
The world of games and entertainment features several precisely manufactured items measuring 1.375 inches.
Casino Dice

Professional casino dice, also called precision dice, measure exactly 1.375 inches on each side in many gaming establishments.
The 1.375-inch casino dice is noticeably larger than standard game dice you’d find in board games. Casinos prefer this size because it’s easier for security cameras to monitor and harder for players to manipulate dishonestly.
Dart Tip Length

The metal tip portion of a standard steel-tip dart measures approximately 1.375 inches from point to barrel connection.
Players familiar with this 1.375-inch measurement can better understand their equipment specifications when upgrading darts. Competition-grade darts maintain strict adherence to this dimension because even millimetre variations affect throwing consistency and scoring precision.
More Posts:17 Common Things That Are 30 Inches Long/Length
Food & Natural Objects Measuring 1.375 Inches
Nature produces several items that coincidentally measure close to 1.375 inches, providing organic reference points.
Large Walnut (Diameter)

A large English walnut in its shell typically measures about 1.375 inches in diameter at its widest point.
The next time you crack open walnuts, you’ll have a tasty 1.375-inch reference point sitting in your palm. Premium-grade walnuts sold for commercial use are actually sorted by size, with the largest category falling right around this dimension.
Jumbo Olive

Jumbo-sized olives, particularly varieties like Queen or Cerignola olives, measure approximately 1.375 inches in length.
Their plump 1.375-inch size makes them perfect for stuffing with cheese, garlic, or almonds. Gourmet food stores specifically market these oversized olives as “colossal” or “super colossal” when they reach this premium dimension.
Sports Equipment That Are 1.375 Inches Long
Athletic equipment manufacturers often use the 1.375-inch measurement for optimal performance and standardization.
Ping Pong Ball Diameter

A regulation table tennis ball measures 1.375 inches (40mm) in diameter according to international sporting standards.
Table tennis enthusiasts worldwide rely on this standardized dimension for fair matches and accurate practice. The International Table Tennis Federation changed the official size to 1.375 inches in 2000, making rallies slightly slower and more visible for spectators.
Golf Tee Height (Standard)

Many golfers use 1.375-inch golf tees for iron shots and fairway woods where lower ball positioning improves contact.
Understanding this 1.375-inch measurement helps golfers select appropriate tees for different course situations and weather conditions. Professional players often carry multiple tee sizes, with this dimension being the most versatile for approach shots and par-three holes.
Everyday Personal Items Measuring 1.375 Inches
Several personal care and fashion items you use daily measure exactly 1.375 inches.
Large Clothing Button

Oversized buttons used on coats, jackets, and fashion garments often measure 1.375 inches in diameter.
Sewers and designers frequently work with these 1.375-inch buttons for creating eye-catching outerwear pieces. Vintage coat buttons from the 1940s and 1950s commonly used this size, which is why restoration projects often require sourcing specialty replacements.
Safety Pin

A standard large safety pin measures approximately 1.375 inches when closed from clasp to point.
The compact 1.375-inch size makes them portable yet highly functional for carrying in purses or first-aid kits. Quilters particularly favor this dimension because it’s long enough to gather fabric layers without being unwieldy during intricate piecing work.
Electronic & Technology Components That Are 1.375 Inches
Modern electronics incorporate the 1.375-inch measurement in various components and devices.
AA Battery Diameter

The diameter of a standard AA battery measures approximately 1.375 inches (14mm) across its cylindrical body.
Recognizing this 1.375-inch standard helps when selecting battery compartments or designing electronic enclosures for custom projects. Battery manufacturers worldwide maintain strict tolerance levels within 0.1mm to ensure compatibility across billions of consumer devices.
Standard Pill Bottle Cap

Prescription medication bottles typically feature caps measuring 1.375 inches in diameter for child-safety mechanisms.
Pharmacies worldwide use these 1.375-inch caps to protect medication integrity and comply with safety regulations. The dimension was specifically chosen because it’s large enough for adults to grip comfortably while small enough to require deliberate pressure and rotation.
Conclusion
While 1.375 inches might seem like an unusual measurement, it appears throughout our daily lives in surprising ways.
From office supplies and gaming equipment to food items and hardware, recognizing what 1.375 inches looks like provides practical benefits for shopping, crafting, and DIY projects.
FAQ‘s
What is 1.375 inches in centimeters?
1.375 inches equals exactly 3.49 centimeters or 34.93 millimeters, which is just slightly larger than 3.5 cm for quick mental estimates.
How can I measure 1.375 inches without a ruler?
Use your thumb width at the knuckle, a large paper clip, or a standard casino die, all of which measure approximately 1.375 inches for instant reference.
Is 1.375 inches the same as 1 and 3/8 inches?
Yes, 1.375 inches is mathematically equivalent to 1⅜ inches or 11/8 inches when expressed as a common fraction in woodworking and construction.
What common household items are exactly 1.375 inches?
Casino dice, large paper clips, medium binder clips, ping pong balls (diameter), and AA battery diameters all measure approximately 1.375 inches reliably.
Why is 1.375 inches a common measurement?
This measurement (1⅜ inches) is a standard fractional size used in manufacturing, particularly for hardware, fasteners, and sports equipment specifications globally.
How do I visualize 1.375 inches quickly?
Think of the width of an adult thumb at the knuckle or the diameter of a ping pong ball—both approximate 1.375 inches perfectly for instant visualization.

Hi, I’m Ava Addams, the author at HowIsLong.com. I help simplify measurements with easy-to-use tools and clear explanations—so you can convert units quickly and accurately.Explore our guides to understand lengths, distances, and everyday measurements with confidence.


