If you’ve ever wondered what 14 inches looks like in real life, you’re in the right place. This measurement, just a bit longer than a foot, often comes up in everyday situations — from laptops and backpacks to kitchen tools and pet accessories. Understanding 14 inches can make shopping, crafting, and planning easier.
In this guide, we’ll show you 14 things that are approximately 14 inches long, give you practical tips for estimating this length without a ruler, and explore its real-world uses. Let’s get started!
Key Takeaways
- 14 inches = 35.56 cm, slightly longer than a foot, commonly used for mid-sized items.
- Items like laptops, backpacks and keyboards are often about 14 inches long.
- You can estimate 14 inches without a ruler using tricks like stacked credit cards or the width of your forearm.
- Knowing 14 inches is helpful for packing, DIY projects, and organizing spaces.
What Does 14 Inches Really Mean?
Before diving into examples, let’s define what 14 inches really is. 14 inches equals 35.56 centimeters and is just a little longer than a standard 12-inch ruler, or about 1.17 feet. This makes it an ideal length for products and objects that need to balance size and portability.
From 14-inch laptops to cutting boards and backpacks, many items in our everyday lives fit into this length range. 14 inches is commonly used because it’s large enough to be functional, yet small enough to be manageable.
It’s the sweet spot for several products, especially in the world of electronics, kitchen tools, and bags.
14 Common Things That Are 14 Inches Long
Now, let’s explore 14 things that are about 14 inch long. These objects are not only common, but they also provide an easy visual comparison for 14 inches. Some of these items might surprise you!
1. A 14-Inch Laptop
One of the most recognizable examples of 14 inch is a 14-inch laptop. It’s a popular size that strikes the perfect balance between screen real estate and portability. Whether you’re working, or watching videos, this size provides ample space for productivity without being too bulky.
2. A Medium Cutting Board
A standard cutting board used in most kitchens measures 14 inch in length. It provides enough space for slicing vegetables or carving meats while still fitting comfortably on kitchen counters.
3. A Backpack
Many backpacks designed to fit laptops measure about 14 inch wide. This size is large enough to carry books, gadgets, and personal items but compact enough to fit into most overhead compartments when traveling.
4. A Computer Keyboard
A full-size keyboard, especially those with number pads, often measures around 14 inch across. This is especially useful for those working on computers and needing ample space for typing.
5. A Large Men’s Shoe
Men’s shoes, especially those in larger sizes (such as size 12–13), often measure about 14 inch from heel to toe. This is a great reference when comparing shoe sizes.
6. A Large Water Bottle
Many reusable water bottles designed for outdoor activities or gym use measure about 14 inches tall. These bottles are ideal for carrying a large volume of water while staying compact enough to fit into backpacks.
7. A Laptop Sleeve
A laptop sleeve designed for 14-inch laptops typically measures 14 inch in length. It’s a convenient size for those who want to keep their laptops safe while on the move.
8. A Desk Lamp Arm
The adjustable arm of many desk lamps extends to about 14 inch, offering a handy reference for those looking to estimate this length in their workspace.
9. Legal-Size Paper
Legal-size paper measures exactly 14 inch long, which is helpful when you need to measure this length with a sheet of paper.
10. Credit Cards
If you line up four standard credit cards, you’ll get 14 inch. This is an easy and portable way to estimate the length when you don’t have a ruler on hand.
11. A Large Dog Collar
Many dog collars for medium-sized dogs are approximately 14 inch long when measured flat. This is useful for pet owners who need to adjust collars or measure them accurately.
12. Two Bananas Lined Up
The combined length of two medium-sized bananas is about 14 inch. This is a fun and simple way to visualize 14 inches in your kitchen or at the grocery store.
13. Golf Tees
If you line up five golf tees, you’ll get about 14 inch in height. This is a practical visual reference for sports enthusiasts or anyone with basic golf accessories at home.
How to Estimate 14 Inches Without a Ruler
Sometimes, you don’t have a ruler, but you can still estimate 14 inches. Here are some simple visual tricks:
Your Forearm: Measure the distance from your elbow to your wrist — for many adults, this length is approximately 14 inches.
Legal-Size Paper: A legal-size sheet of paper measures 14 inch long, making it a reliable reference
Credit Cards: Line up four credit cards to get 14 inch.
Bananas: Place two bananas end-to-end to get a 14-inch measurement.
These tricks can help you quickly estimate 14 inches without needing a measuring tool.
Real-World Applications of Knowing 14 Inches
Understanding 14 inches is useful for more than just measurement. Here are some scenarios where this knowledge comes in handy
Furniture Shopping: When buying desks, bookshelves, or storage ideas, 14 inches is a common reference for size.
Packing: When traveling or moving, 14 inch can help determine if an item will fit in a suitcase, box, or carry-on bag.
Crafting and DIY: Whether you’re cutting wood, paper, or fabric, knowing 14 inches can help with accurate measurements in your projects.
Cooking: If you’re spacing items like cookies or measuring a tray, 14 inches provides a good reference for uniformity.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long is 14 inch in centimeters?
14 inches is equal to 35.56 centimeters.
2. Can I estimate 14 inches without a ruler?
Yes, you can use legal-size paper, four credit cards, or your forearm to estimate 14 inches.
3. What are some other things that are 14 inch long?
Examples include laptops, backpacks, cutting boards, golf tees, and credit cards stacked together.
4. Why is knowing 14 inches useful?
It helps with packing, DIY projects, furniture shopping, and other everyday tasks.
Why Knowing 14 Inches Matters
Whether you’re measuring items around your home, shopping for new products, or trying to estimate sizes on the go, 14 inches is a useful measurement to keep in mind.
By understanding what 14 inches looks like and recognizing common items of this size, you’ll be more confident in your everyday tasks. The next time you need to visualize 14 inch, try using the visual hacks and examples from this guide to make your life a little easier.
