Understanding measurements is crucial in our daily lives, whether we’re redecorating a room, crafting, or simply envisioning the size of an object.
One measurement that frequently comes up in our everyday experiences is 48 inches. Understanding how long it is can help you measure items for a specific space, home improvement projects, sewing, crafting, or understanding product dimensions.
So, in this post, we’ll explore 16 relatable comparisons to help you visualize the extent of 48 inches.
From the height of an ice hockey goal to the length of standard playing cards, we’ll provide you with tangible examples, making it easier to grasp the magnitude of 48 inches in various contexts.
Let’s dive in and unravel the practical significance of this everyday measurement.
Read: 16 Common Things That Weigh About 350 Grams (+Pics)
Shall we?
Common Comparisons For 48 Inches
Equivalent to four feet or approximately 1.2 meters, 48 inches is a medium length in everyday life, neither particularly short nor long.
You can compare it to the following items.
1. An Ice Hockey Goal
In ice hockey, the standard size of a goal is 6 feet (72 inches) wide and 4 feet (48 inches) high.
The dimensions can vary in street hockey based on the specific league or informal play, but they often align with ice hockey goal sizes.
2. 6 Standard Bricks
Bricks come in various sizes and shapes to cater to specific construction needs and architectural designs. The dimensions also vary from country to country.
The most common brick size in the United States is approximately 8 inches long and 2.25 inches high.
Therefore, if you align six such bricks end-to-end, they would be about 48 inches long.
3. 8 US Dollar Notes
The United States dollar notes are an excellent way to understand small lengths, starting with six inches. They’re universally available and have standard sizes, all measuring 6.14 inches long and 2.61 inches wide, regardless of the denomination.
But you can also use them to understand medium lengths, like in our case here.
All you need is eight banknotes arranged lengthwise in a straight line. They stretch to 49.12 inches – close enough.
4. 14 Debit Cards
Similarly to the US banknotes, debit cards are universally known in many countries. In fact, you could have one or two right now in your wallet!
Their familiarity makes them excellent comparisons for small lengths, starting with 3 inches since they are all 3.375 inches long.
However, since you are most likely to picture them even if you don’t have one right now, you can rely on them for relatively longer measurements, including 48 inches.
Imagine a line of fourteen debit cards arranged lengthwise to realize how long 48 inches spans.
5. 14 Standard Playing Cards
If you regularly play card games, including poker, bridge, blackjack, and solitaire, a deck of standard playing cards could be just what you need to visualize a length of 48 inches.
Each standard playing card is negligibly longer than a debit, at 3.5 inches.
Therefore, out of a deck of 52 cards, pluck as many as 14 and arrange them end-to-end. They exceed the mark by only one inch.
6. 5 No. 10 Envelopes
Don’t let the name confuse you! No. 10 envelopes are a standard size for business and professional correspondence. They are widely used for various business communications, including invoices, statements, official letters, and business proposals.
These envelopes typically measure 4.1 inches in height and 9.5 inches in width.
To paint a picture of 48 inches, imagine five lying close to each other width-wise on a flat surface.
7. 4 & 1/2 Letter-sized Papers
Due to its widespread use, letter-sized paper remains a standard choice for everyday printing and documentation needs in many countries. Almost all letters, reports, resumes, business correspondence, brochures, and academic papers use this paper.
This paper has standard dimensions, measuring 8.5 inches wide and 11 inches long.
So, with four and a half, you should never worry again about the length of 48 inches.
8. 4 Standard School Rulers
Standard school rulers are usually 12 inches long.
Often, these rulers feature measurements on both edges, with inches on one side and centimeters on the other, to cater to different measurement systems.
Four such rulers are a perfect representative for 48 inches.
9. 9 Pens
Pens come in different sizes and styles, from ballpoint pens to felt pens to mechanical pens.
Here, we refer to the ballpoint pens, synonymous with educational institutions and office environments due to their practicality and reliability.
Although they may vary in size, the difference is usually negligible, averaging about 5.5 inches long.
So, nine such pens lying on a flat surface end-to-end are only 1.5 inches longer than 48 inches.
10. 4 & 1/2 American Footballs
The standard American football used in professional leagues, such as the NFL, has specific dimensions.
It’s about 11 inches long at the widest point, meaning you can picture five arranged end-to-end and then imagine cutting one into half at either end to get a mental image of 48 inches.
11. 3 Bowling Pins
Unlike the weight, the length of bowling pins is consistent throughout. They typically have a diameter of 4.75 inches at the widest point and 15 inches tall.
Hence, three bowling pins are only three inches shy of the 48-inch mark.
But since you know the size of debit cards or standard playing cards, you can add one to the length of three bowling pins to get a precise idea.
12. 7 Medium-sized Bananas
Bananas typically vary based on the specific variety of banana and its ripeness.
On average, a medium-sized banana measures about 6 to 8 inches long.
As such, seven medium-sized bananas can give you a picture of 48 inches if you align them end-to-end on a straight line.
13. 4 & 1/2 Burpless Cucumbers
Burpless cucumbers have thinner skin, fewer seeds, and a sweeter taste, and they are most preferred since they don’t cause burping or indigestion compared to regular cucumbers.
They are typically longer and slimmer than the traditional cucumber variety, measuring between 10 and 12 inches long.
Hence, four and a half are approximately 48 inches long.
14. 4 King-size Submarine Sandwiches
King-size submarine sandwiches are popular in many fast-food chains and delis, offering customers a sizeable portion of their favorite fillings, including various meats, cheeses, vegetables, and condiments.
These sandwiches are typically 12 inches long, twice the size of a standard 6-inch sub.
Therefore, imagine four king-size submarine sandwiches aligned end-to-end to a picture of how long 48 inches is.
15. A Stack of 10 Standard Beverage Cans
Beverage cans are convenient, portable, and easy to store, making them a preferred choice for consumers and manufacturers in the beverage industry.
They come in standard sizes, including 12 ounces (355 milliliters) for sodas and beers measuring 4.83 inches tall.
To get a practical perspective of 48 inches, picture as many as ten on top of each other.
Read: How Heavy is 130 Kilograms? (15 Common Comparisons)
16. A Stack of 4 2-liter Soda Bottles
2-liter soda bottles are typically about 12 inches tall, making them perfect comparisons for 12 inches. There might be variations depending on the brand, but the difference is usually minimal.
Hence, a stack of four 2-liter soda bottles is 48 inches long.
