How Big Is 3 Centimeters? Things that are 3 Centimeters Long

3 centimeters is equal to 30 millimeters, 0.03 meters, and 1.181 inches.

Estimating the length of 3 centimeters is relatively easy, as it can be approximated by measuring the distance with two fingers.

But if you want to achieve a more precise measurement and don’t have a ruler readily available, you can use common things as a reference to gauge what 3 centimeters look like.

In this post, I have listed some common household items that are 3 centimeters.

1. Half a Cotton Bud

A cotton bud is a small, cylindrical stick with a cotton tip at each end. It is typically used for cleaning the ear canal, applying cosmetics, or applying medications to small areas of the skin. 

The sticks themselves are made of either plastic or paper and can vary in length depending on the intended use.

The length of a standard cotton bud or Q-tip is approximately 2.5 inches or 6.3 centimeters. 

So, half of a cotton bud would be equal to 3 centimeters.

2. Half of A BIC Lighter

A BIC lighter is a small, disposable lighter that is widely used for lighting cigarettes, candles, and other items that require a flame.

The size of a BIC lighter varies depending on the specific model, but many BIC lighters are approximately 7 centimeters in height.

So, if we picture up half of a bic lighter height it would be around 3.5 centimeters which is a little above.

3. Half The Diameter of the Soda Can

The diameter of a standard 12 oz soda can is about 2.60 inches in diameter which is equal to 6.6 centimeters.

So, if we cut the diameter of a soda can in half, we will have a total diameter of 3.3 centimeters which is just 0.3 centimeters bigger than 3 centimeters.

However, if you want to read about the dimensions of a soda can. You can read this post.

4. Half-Dollar Coin

The Half-Dollar coin is a denomination of United States currency that is worth 50 cents. It features the profile of President John F. Kennedy on the obverse side, while the reverse side displays the image of the Presidential Seal. 

The Half-Dollar coin has a diameter of 30.61 mm or 1.205 inches, which is equal to 3 centimeters. 

5. Folded Dollar Bill

A dollar bill has the dimensions of 2.61 inches (6.63 cm) wide and 6.14 inches (15.6 cm) long.

So, if you fold the dollar bill from half of its width the total width of the folded dollar bill will be around 1.3 inches or 3.3 centimeters. Which is just 0.3 centimeters larger than 3 centimeters.

6. D Battery

The D battery is a type of cylindrical dry cell battery that is commonly used in flashlights, toys, and other portable electronic devices.

It has a voltage of 1.5 volts and a typical capacity of 18,000 milliampere-hours (mAh). The D battery is larger than the AA and AAA batteries, with a diameter of 33.2 mm (1.3 inches).

Which is a little above 3 centimeters but it can give you a good idea.

7. Half a Golf Tee

A golf tee is a small peg, typically made of wood or plastic, that is used to elevate a golf ball off the ground at the beginning of a golfer’s shot.

The standard size of a golf tee is around 2.125 inches or 5.4 cm in length.

If we divide the total length of the golf tee, we will have half of the golf tee measuring little 1.06 inches, which is a little shy of 3 centimeters. But it can give a good idea of what 3 centimeters look like.

Golf tees are available in a variety of colors and materials, including bamboo, plastic, and even biodegradable options.

8. Half a Billiard Ball

Half a billiard ball refers to a spherical object cut in half along a diameter.

In the context of billiards, a complete billiard ball is typically 2.25 inches (5.715 cm) in diameter and is used for playing various games of pool or billiards. 

Half a billiard ball, therefore, would have a diameter of 1.12 inches or 3 centimeters.

9. Fox Grape

It is also known by its scientific name, Vitis labrusca. These small, sweet, and flavorful grapes are often used to make juice and jelly. 

Fox grapes tend to grow to a size of about 2.5 centimeters in diameter. That’s pretty close to the 3-centimeter mark.

Related: How Many Centimeters Are In A Meter? 

FAQs