How Long is 50 Mm? 19 Common Comparisons (+Pics)

50 millimeters equals 5 centimeters, or 1.97 inches, or 0.05 meters.

It’s a measurement unit often used in photography for lens focal lengths and in various contexts for small distances.

Understanding how long it is can help you in everyday life when measuring small objects, such as dimensions for DIY projects or crafting.

This post aims to help you understand the length of 50 millimeters by comparing it to familiar items, from business cards to paper clips.

Read: How Far is 1600 Feet? 16 Common Comparisons

Read on.

19 Common Comparisons For 50 Millimeters

1. A business card width

Business cards are often used informally for estimating measurements because they are widely available, consistently sized, and easy to carry.

The standard dimensions of a business card are usually 88.9 by 50.8 mm.

So, you can compare 50 mm to the width of a standard business card.

2. An ATM card width

ATM cards provide a quick and accessible way to estimate measurements, especially in small-scale applications.

ATM cards are usually 2.125 inches or 53 mm wide, meaning you can visualize 50 mm as slightly shorter than that width.

You can also use debit or credit cards in place of ATM cards since they have similar dimensions as ATM cards.

3. 2X a US quarter dollar

Using coins to estimate small lengths or gaps, especially where precise measurements are not critical, is a simple and accessible way to gauge dimensions in everyday scenarios.

For example, a US quarter dollar is 0.955 inches wide, making it a perfect reference for one inch.

And since 0.955 inches equals about 24.25 mm, you can lay two US quarter dollars to get a sense of 50 mm.

4. A ⅓ of a US dollar note

Dollar bills are commonly available and easy to carry, making them convenient for quick measurements in everyday situations.

Regardless of the denomination, all US dollar notes are 6.14 inches (about 155 mm) long.

So, a third of the dollar is approximately 50 mm.

5. A ⅓ of a ballpoint pen

Since pens come in various standard sizes, you can use them as a quick reference point when a ruler or measuring tape is unavailable.

Most ballpoint pens (commonly found in schools and offices) are usually about 15 centimeters (150 mm) long.

Therefore, if you visually divide it into three equal segments, each would be approximately 50 mm long.

6. Half the width of a No. 10 envelope

No. 10 envelopes are a standard size used for mailing invoices, letters, and various official documents.

They measure approximately 4.125 x 9.5 inches or 104.8 x 241.3 millimeters.

So, 50 mm is approximately half the width of the No. 10 envelope.

7. A ¼ width of a letter-sized paper

The letter-size papers are the most widely accepted choice in office settings and everyday use for various documents, including letters, business correspondence, and official forms.

These papers are 8.5 inches wide and 11 inches long, or 216 x 279 millimeters.

Thus, 50 mm is comparable to a quarter of their width.

8. A ¼ of a standard red brick

Red bricks are a popular construction material known for their durability, versatility, and timeless aesthetic appeal.

They’re available in different sizes, with the most common in many countries, including the United States, measuring 8 inches (approximately 200 mm) long.

So, visualize dividing a standard red brick into four equal portions. Each will be approximately 50 mm long.

9. A stack of 2 hockey pucks

A hockey puck is a disc-shaped object used in ice hockey as the main object of play.

A standard hockey puck has a diameter of 3 inches (76 mm) and a height of about 1 inch (25 mm).

So, imagine stacking two hockey pucks to understand how long 50 mm is.

10. Airpod charging case

Wearing Airpods, including in public spaces, has become the norm, thanks to social influence and trends. Due to their familiarity, they can provide a tangible reference point for estimating small measurements.

Although the Airpods are available in different models, their charging cases are almost the same size, about 53 mm in height.

Therefore, you can visualize 50 mm as a little smaller than the height of an Airpod charging case.

11. A toilet paper roll

The inner cardboard tube of a toilet paper roll typically ranges from 3.7 to 4 inches in length or about 100 millimeters.

So, 50 mm is half the length of a toilet paper roll.

12. 5X an AAA battery

AAA batteries are widely used in various electronic devices, such as remote controls, flashlights, digital cameras, and small toys.

They are usually 44 mm long and have a diameter of about 10 mm, varying slightly depending on the manufacturer.

Thus, placing five AAA batteries in a parallel format gives you a sense of 50 mm.

13. 3X a standard dice

Dice are small, often cubical objects used in various games and activities.

The most common type of all dice is a six-sided die (singular of dice) with faces numbered 1 to 6, suitable for tabletop games.

Since it measures 16 mm on each side, picture placing there end-to-end to realize a measurement close to 50 mm.

14. Soda can lid diameter

Soda cans are a popular packaging choice for carbonated beverages, providing a convenient and portable way to store and consume drinks.

The 12-ounce soda can (the standard size for many carbonated beverages) is usually 4.83 inches tall and has a diameter of about 50 mm at the lid. It’s a perfect reference for 50 if you can get one.

15. A lemon

Although lemons come in various sizes, and the dimensions can vary based on factors such as the variety of lemon and growing conditions, they usually flirt with 50 mm in diameter.

So, if you can recall how big these citrus fruits are, that’s what 50 mm looks like.

16. Shot glass bottom diameter

Shot glasses are small, typically cylindrical vessels with a straight or slightly tapered shape designed to hold and measure spirits or liquors for consumption.

They come in various sizes, but the most common has a capacity of 30 milliliters and a diameter of about 50 millimeters at the bottom.