How Long is 9 Inches? 12 Common Things That Are 9 Inches Long

objects that 9 inches long

How big is 9 inches? It’s shorter than a foot, which is 12 inches, but it’s roughly the length of a large banana. Many other items around you are also about 9 inches long. If you don’t have a measuring tool, you can use various random objects for estimation. While it might seem unusual, this can be an effective solution. In this article, we’ll cover some everyday objects that are approximately 9 inches long.

What do you mean by 9 Inches Long?

9 inches long, which means the measurement is about 22.86 centimeters. For easier measurements, consider:

1 inch = 2.54 centimeters 

9 (Nine) inches is equal to 9 × 2.54 = 22.86 centimeters.

How Big is 9 Inches in Other Units?

9 Inches in Yards 0.25 yards
9 Inches in Centimeters 22.86 centimeters
9 Inches in Millimeters 228.6 millimeters
9 Inches in Pixels 2700 pixels

How long is 9 Inches visually?

9 inches is roughly the length of a large tablet or a standard dinner plate. It’s also about the width of a typical hardcover book or a medium-sized ruler.

How can it be measured in 9 Inches without a ruler?

To measure 9 inches without a ruler, you can use a standard sheet of printer paper, where the longer side (Eleven inches) can be used to estimate just under a quarter of its length. Another method is to use a large smartphone or a medium-sized book, which are often close to this length. If you have a standard paperclip (about 1 inch long), line up nine paperclips to get a rough measurement.

Things Equal to 9 Inches: List of Random Things

Below is the list of objects that are around Nine inches long:

  • 0.5 Liter Coke Bottle
  • 2 Standard-Sized Straws
  • Stick Shift Extension
  • Cake Knife
  • Size 6 Shoe
  • Letter-Size Paper
  • Large Banana
  • Smartphone
  • Luncheon Plates
  • Three Baseballs
  • Three Soup Cans
  • One and a Half US Dollar Bills

0.5 Liter Coke Bottle

halt liter coke

If you’re ever in a pinch for measuring, a 0.5-liter Coke bottle can be surprisingly useful. With a length of about 8 inches in height, it’s a handy reference. When you include the proximal phalanx of your forefinger (1 inch tall), you can estimate around 9 inches. I’ve used this trick more times than I’d like to admit—especially during those impromptu DIY projects!

2 Standard-Sized Straws

colorful straws

Straws are often overlooked as measuring tools, but they can be quite handy. A standard straw is approximately 8.5 inches long. I’ve found that stacking two straws end-to-end gives you a close estimate of 9 inches, making them a great makeshift ruler when you need one!

Stick Shift Extension

stick shift extension

For car enthusiasts, a stick shift extension is not just for comfort; it’s also a neat measuring tool. Most extensions are around 9 inches long, which makes them perfect for quick measurements. I’ve used mine more than once to measure things in a pinch while working on my car.

Cake Knife

cake knife

Cake knives are more than just kitchen tools; they’re great for measuring too. Typically about 9 inches long, they come in handy when you need a quick reference. I often use mine not only for baking but also for measuring lengths when I’m out of proper tools.

Size 6 Shoe

size 6 shoe

In the U.S., a size 6 shoe is approximately 9 inches long. If your shoe size matches, you’ve got a built-in measuring tool. It’s a practical way to gauge lengths, especially when you’re on the go and don’t have a ruler handy.

Letter-Size Paper

letter size paper

Standard letter-size paper measures 8.5 by 11 inches long. Although it’s not precisely 9 inches long, it’s close enough for most practical purposes. I use this paper frequently for work and find it useful for quick measurements when I don’t have a ruler.

Large Banana

banana

Bananas come in various sizes, but a large one typically measures around 7-9 inches. This fruity reference is not just for snacking; it’s a fun way to gauge lengths when you need a quick measurement in the kitchen.

Smartphone

smartphones

Many smartphones, like the iPhone 14 or Google Pixel 8, are close to 6 inches long. By placing two side-by-side, either vertically or horizontally, you can approximate a length of around 9 inches. I use this trick all the time when measuring things while multitasking on my phone.

Luncheon Plates

luncheon plates

Many luncheon plates are around 9 inches in diameter. They’re a practical item to use as a reference for size, especially when setting the table or plating food. I always appreciate how useful these plates are for both dining and measuring.

Three Baseballs

baseball

Baseballs have a diameter of about 2 inches to 2.94 inches. Line up three of them side-by-side, and you get close to 9 inches. It’s a fun way to visualize measurements, especially if you’re a fan of the sport and have some baseballs lying around.

Three Soup Cans

soup cans

The standard soup can has a diameter of about three inches. Place three cans in a line, and you’ll get a total of 9 inches. I often use this method when organizing pantry items and need a quick measurement reference.

One and a Half US Dollar Bills

folded us dollar

A US dollar bill is about 6.14 inches long. By placing one and a half bills end-to-end, you get a length close to 9 inches. It’s a handy trick I’ve used for quick measurements, especially when I’m dealing with cash or organizing notes.

Tips for Precise Measurements

  • Use the Right Tools: Invest in a good measuring tape, ruler, or caliper for accuracy, which helps you measure easily.
  • Measure Multiple Times: To ensure accuracy, measure several times and use the average if needed.
  • Align Properly: Ensure the measuring tool is aligned correctly with the object to avoid errors in values.
  • Avoid Parallax Errors: View the measurement from a straight-on angle to prevent reading inaccuracies.
  • Use Reference Objects: Familiar items, like a standard sheet of paper or a credit card, can help estimate measurements when precise tools are unavailable.

How to measure 9 Inches at Home without Tools?

  • Standard Sheet of Paper: The width of a sheet when folded to 9 inches.
  • Large Book: Height of a large hardcover book.
  • Dinner Plate: Diameter of a medium-sized plate.
  • Hand Span: Distance from the tip of your thumb to the tip of your pinky when extended.
  • Remote Control: Length of a typical TV remote.

How to measure 9 Inches while traveling without Tools?

  • Smartphone: Length of some smartphones or e-readers.
  • Travel-sized Bottle: Height of a slightly larger travel bottle.
  • Travel Wallet: Length of a standard travel wallet or passport holder.
  • Compact Umbrella: Length when folded.
  • Folded Map: Length of a folded travel map.

Final Thoughts

9 inches is a bit shorter than a foot and can be visualized through various common items. For instance, a standard piece of notebook paper is approximately 9 inches in height, and a typical smartphone is about this length. A medium-sized frying pan or a hardcover book can also give you a good sense of this measurement. Additionally, a 9-inch pizza or a standard cereal bowl can help you picture what 9 inches looks like. These everyday objects offer a practical way to understand and estimate the length of 9 inches in daily life.

Related:

things that are 10 inches

things that are 9.5 inches