20 cm equals 7.87 inches, just a hair under 8 inches. This guide walks you through 6 everyday things that are 20 cm long, so you can picture the size without ever touching a ruler.
Whether you’re shopping online or measuring for a DIY project, these examples make how big is 20 cm easy to answer.
| Measurement Unit | 20 cm Equals |
|---|---|
| Millimeters (mm) | 200 mm |
| Centimeters (cm) | 20 cm |
| Meters (m) | 0.2 m |
| Kilometers (km) | 0.0002 km |
| Feet (ft) | 0.6562 ft |
| Yards (yd) | 0.2187 yd |
| Miles (mi) | 0.0001243 mi |
Quick Reference: Objects Close to 20 cm
| Object | Approx. Length (in cm) | Closeness to 20 cm | Best Situation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard TV Remote Control | 18–22 cm | 10 / 10 | Quick household reference |
| 8-Inch Chef’s Knife Blade | 20.3 cm | 10 / 10 | Kitchen measurement reference |
| Large Kitchen Spatula | 18–22 cm | 10 / 10 | Cooking size estimate |
| Trade Paperback Novel | 20.3 cm | 10 / 10 | Book size comparison |
| Standard Salad Plate | 18–21 cm | 9 / 10 | Circular size reference |
| Adult Hand Span | 17–20 cm | 9 / 10 | Portable body-based estimate |
Standard TV Remote Control
A typical TV remote control sitting on your coffee table right now is likely close to 20 centimeters long. Most full-size remotes from brands like Samsung and LG land between 18 and 22 cm, with the average sitting right at the 20 cm mark.
This makes the remote one of the easiest 20 cm objects to check against, since nearly every American household owns one. Next time you’re picturing this length, just glance at the remote resting on your couch arm.
8-Inch Chef’s Knife Blade
The blade on a standard 8-inch chef’s knife measures exactly 20.3 centimeters, making it one of the most precise real-world references around. Professional kitchens and home cooks alike rely on this exact size for daily chopping and slicing tasks.
Because the measurement is so consistent across brands, this knife blade doubles as a built-in ruler in your kitchen drawer. If you ever need to eyeball 20 cm long objects while cooking, your knife is already sitting right there.
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Large Kitchen Spatula
Most full-sized kitchen spatulas measure somewhere between 18 and 22 centimeters, with the sweet spot landing almost exactly at 20 cm. That length gives home cooks enough reach to flip pancakes or scramble eggs without getting too close to a hot pan.
Since spatulas show up in nearly every kitchen drawer across the country, they’re a handy stand-in whenever you’re estimating how long is 20 cm during meal prep. Grab yours and hold it next to anything you’re trying to measure.
Trade Paperback Novel
Standard trade paperback novels, the format used for most fiction sold in U.S. bookstores, measure right around 20.3 cm or 8 inches tall. This exact height is standardized so books fit neatly on shelves and inside backpacks.
Because paperbacks are so common on nightstands and in backpacks, they make one of the most reliable things that are 20 cm long to check against visually. Stand one upright, and you’re looking at almost exactly 20 cm of height.
Standard Salad Plate
A typical American salad or side plate measures between 18 and 21 centimeters across, with most landing close to the 20 cm diameter. Manufacturers keep this size consistent so plates stack neatly and fit standard dishwasher racks.
Unlike a straight object, this plate shows off 20 cm as a circular distance rather than a length. It’s a useful comparison for anyone trying to picture width instead of height.
Adult Hand Span
Measured from the wrist crease to the tip of the middle finger, the average adult hand span lands close to 20 centimeters, especially for men. This built-in measuring tool travels with you everywhere, no drawer or bag required.
Women’s hand spans tend to run a bit shorter, closer to 17 to 18.5 cm on average, so this trick works better as a ballpark estimate. Still, it’s one of the fastest ways to eyeball 20 cm long distances anywhere you go.
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Conclusion
To sum it up, 20 cm equals 7.87 inches, or just under 8 inches on a standard ruler. From the TV remote on your couch to the paperback on your nightstand, these six everyday objects make this measurement easy to picture. Next time you need a quick size check, one of these familiar items is probably within arm’s reach.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is 20 cm in inches?
20 cm equals 7.87 inches, which is just under the 8-inch mark. For quick mental math, you can round it to about 8 inches.
What does 20 cm look like?
20 cm is easy to visualize using everyday objects such as a TV remote, chef’s knife blade, or paperback novel. These objects are commonly around 20 cm long.
Is 20 cm the same as 8 inches?
Not quite. 20 cm is 7.87 inches, so it is about 0.13 inches shorter than 8 inches. The difference is small enough to ignore for casual estimates.
How can I measure 20 cm without a ruler?
You can estimate 20 cm using the distance from your wrist to your middle fingertip, depending on your hand size, or compare it with a paperback book that is close to 20 cm long.
Is 20 cm considered a large or small measurement?
20 cm is a medium-sized measurement. It is large enough to be noticeable but small enough to hold comfortably in one hand. It falls between small pocket-sized objects and longer household tools.
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.
