Measuring 2 centimeters can be challenging to do without a ruler, as it equates to just 0.79 inches. However, with the right everyday objects, this task is easy!
In this guide, I’ll demonstrate 8 different items you can use to approximate how long 2 centimeters is.
1. The 100-Page Notepad thickness
If you’re looking for a notepad, head to your local stationery store. You’ll likely be directed to a mini notebook measuring 5×8 inches containing between 25 and 100 pages. Perfect for jotting down notes, this notepad is a great choice for keeping track of your ideas and plans.
The thickness of a notepad is directly related to the number of pages it contains. Generally, a 100-page notepad will measure between 1.8 to 2.3 centimeters thick.
2. Diameter of Two AAA Batteries
AAA batteries, also known as triple-A batteries, are small, cylindrical batteries that are commonly used in a wide range of electronic devices, such as TV remote controls, digital cameras, and portable radios. They are smaller in size than AA batteries and are typically used in devices that require a smaller battery.
The diameter of a AAA battery is about 0.41 inches (10.5 mm), while two batteries together produce a collective diameter of approximately 2 centimeters.
3. Penny or Dime‘s Diameter
If you’re in the United States, coins can be used to measure two centimeters. A penny is 19.055 millimeters in diameter, while a dime has a size of 21.21 millimeters. After converting these measurements to centimeters, one penny will equal 1.9055 cm and a dime will give you 2.121 cm.
Stacking 10 $1 coins side by side of each other will give you a result of exactly 2 centimeters, as coins typically measure 2 millimeters in thickness.
Related: How Big Is 6 Centimeters?
4. Half a Golf Ball
Golf balls are spherical, dimpled objects designed to be hit with a golf club during a game of golf. The size of a golf ball is regulated by the governing body of the sport, the R&A. The balls must not be larger than a certain size in order to remain competitive.
The USGA Rules of Golf state that a golf ball must have a diameter of no less than 1.68 inches, meaning if it were cut in half, each half would measure 0.84 inches wide – slightly over two centimeters.
5. Three Staple Pins
​Staples are available in a range of sizes, each with its own capability to bind paper. A 23/10 staple has legs that are 10 millimeters in length, allowing it to securely bind up to 70 sheets of paper at once. Additionally, only two legs from this size staple measure 2 centimeters in length.
Size 23/6 staples are the most common size used for everyday stapling tasks. They have legs that measure 6 millimeters in length, which means that it would take three of these staples placed side-by-side to get close to 2 centimeters. You can use them in either an office or home setting.
6. Three Standard No. 2 Pencils
The size of a No. 2 pencil can vary slightly depending on the specific brand and type, but most No. 2 pencils are about 7.5 inches (19 cm) in length and 0.25 inches (0.64 cm) in diameter. To measure close to 2 centimeters, you would need three pencils placed side by side.
The diameter of a No. 2 pencil is slightly larger than the diameter of most other pencils, such as No. 1 or No. 3 pencils, which are typically slightly thinner.
7. Three Common Thumbtack Pins
Thumbtack pins, also known as push pins or map pins, are small, pointed objects that are used for attaching items to a surface, such as a bulletin board or map. They are typically made of metal or plastic and have a sharp point on one end and a flat, circular head on the other.
Thumbtacks are small pins typically measuring around ¼ of an inch long. When you multiply this length by three, you get 0.75 inches, which is very close to 2 centimeters in size. Depending on the brand, the size of a thumbtack may vary slightly.
8. 2.5 Peas
You can find convenient frozen bags of peas or mixed vegetables at your local supermarket. These bags typically contain carrots, corn, green beans, and peas. If you prefer to purchase the vegetables fresh, you will need to shell them yourself before cooking. Alternatively, you can opt to eat the pods as well!
The diameter of a pea can vary, but it is usually between 7.5 and 8.5 millimeters. When two peas are placed side by side, their collective width is usually around 2 centimeters. Measuring the individual diameter of a pea can give you an accurate representation of its size.
Conclusion:
There are a variety of items that measure around 2 centimeters in size, ranging from AAA batteries and staples to No. 2 pencils and half a golf ball.
Knowing the size of common items can help you better visualize how large or small something is, so next time you’re looking for a specific size, you’ll know what to look for. ​The metric system is the standard unit of measurement in many countries, and knowing how to measure in this system is essential.
Regardless of what you’re measuring, understanding the basics of metric measurements can be incredibly helpful. Hopefully, this article has provided you with the information needed to understand how big is 2 centimeters.