A measurement of 10 cm is frequently used in everyday situations, especially when gauging smaller objects or distances.
So, it pays to know several things that weigh 10 cm as they can help you estimate sizes, make DIY measurements, and gauge the dimensions of objects or spaces.
To help you make informed decisions regarding the length of 10 cm, I’ll show you 15 things that are just as long to serve as reference points.
Read: 10 Common Things That are Approximately 11 Inches Long (With Pictures)
Let’s dive in.
Things That Are About 10 Centimeters Long
Ten centimeters is a short distance, equivalent to about four inches.
You can compare it to the following items to understand how long it is.
1. A Standard Playing Card
Standard playing cards are a versatile and widely recognized deck of cards used in various card games such as poker, bridge, blackjack, and solitaire.
They’re an excellent way to determine short distances as they have standard sizes.
They’re usually 3.5 inches long (about nine centimeters), so they can give you an impression of 10 cm. It’s slightly longer than one.
2. 2 Business Cards
Business cards are a valuable tool for networking and making a professional impression, as they are a tangible representation of a brand and contact details.
If you have collected one or a few in the last conference, trade show, or seminar you attended, you need only two to determine a length of ten cm.
They have unnoticeable variations, with most being usually two inches (5 cm) long.
3. Half a Standard Pencil
Remember the pencils you used to draw or write with during school days?
These ubiquitous items often remind you of childhood creativity and the satisfaction of creating something by hand.
And if you can picture how long they are, you are well-placed to understand a distance of 10 cm.
They are usually 19 cm long, so you need a half.
4. A Pen
Pens are also easy to remember and picture, having spent many years writing with them, from elementary school to college and university. In fact, you might have some at home since they never become obsolete, no matter the technological advancement.
As you probably know, pens are available in different sizes, depending on the manufacturer.
However, the difference is usually minimal, with most being approximately 5.49 inches (13 cm) long.
So, you can think of 10 centimeters as something slightly shorter than a standard pen.
5. 4 US Quarter Dollars
Quarter dollars are arguably the most popular coins in the United States due to their high value. Most coin-operated devices, such as candy machines and parking meters, usually prefer them.
They are an excellent way to understand small lengths such as 2 inches, so you can use them for 10 centimeters since it belong in this class.
To do so, arrange four quarters end-to-end in a straight line, as they’re all usually 0.955 inches (2.4 cm) long.
6. 2 Standard Paper Clips
Did you know that paper clips have existed since the late 19th century?
And since then, these little thin fellows have become simple yet indispensable office supplies, symbolizing organization and efficiency.
Paper clips are available in different sizes, but to determine 10 cm, we are interested in only standard paper clips. These are most common, usually found in every office and some homes.
They’re usually 1.75 inches (4.45 cm) long, meaning you can imagine two placed end-to-end to realize a distance of ten cm.
7. A Softball
Softball is a popular sport similar to baseball. The main difference is it’s played with a larger ball and on a smaller field.
It’s a great way to promote teamwork, physical fitness, and social interaction, and if you regularly play it, the balls are all you need to understand how long 10 cm is.
They have a diameter of 10 cm.
8. Half a Bowling Ball
Bowling balls come in various sizes, weights, and materials to suit every playing style and lane conditions.
That said, the standard and the most common bowling ball has a diameter of about 8.5 inches (approximately 20 cm).
So, ten centimeters is half its diameter.
9. Half a Size 5 Soccer Ball
Suitable for players aged 12 and older, Size 5 soccer balls are the standard size used in professional and adult soccer matches.
They have a diameter of 8.8 inches (roughly 20 cm), and although that may vary, the difference is usually unnoticeable.
So, similarly to a bowling ball, half a Size 5 soccer ball is a reliable reference for 10 cm.
10. Half a Volleyball
Volleyball is another sport-related way to determine how long 10 centimeters is. Volleyball may not be as dominant as football, but has a significant following at various levels, including recreational, high school, college, and professional leagues. Hence, there’s a good chance you are familiar with the balls.
They are approximately as big as Size 5 soccer and bowling balls, so picturing half the one is an excellent way to determine 10 cm.
11. Half a Standard Brick
Bricks are versatile construction materials we often encounter in many places, including streets, sidewalks, and pedestrian pathways. They are also visible in unplastered buildings.
They are available in different sizes depending on the country, so always check with your country before using them as reference points.
In the United States, a standard one is usually eight inches long (about 20 cm).
So half of it represents 10 cm.
12. A Toilet Paper Roll
Well, toilet paper rolls are a must-have household item as they are crucial for personal hygiene.
They come in various sizes and thicknesses, with most being approximately 3.7 inches long or ten cm.
So, everyone should be able to get a picture of 10 cm.
13. Half an Adult Toothbrush
Similarly to toilet paper, a toothbrush is a must-have household item in every household for the same reasons.
Their accessibility and familiarity make them excellent reference points for various small-length measurements, including 10 cm.
All you need to do is picture half their length since they are approximately 20 cm long.
14. A No. 10 Envelope
Do not let the name confuse you!
No. 10 envelope is the standard business envelope in the United States. Business letters, invoices, checks, and almost all official documents use this envelope size.
It’s approximately 10 cm wide, making it a perfect reference point for 10 cm.
It’s widely recognized and accepted for professional correspondence due to its standardized size and compatibility with most printers and mailing equipment.
So chances are you are familiar with it if you don’t have one lying at home.
Read: 10 Common Things that are 17 Inches Long
15. A Popsicle Stick
Popsicle sticks are versatile and commonly used in various craft projects and activities. You can use them to create everything from simple structures to intricate art pieces.
These sticks are usually 4.5 inches (approximately 11 cm) long.
Therefore, if you can picture the last one you held or can find some, look no further for a reference of ten cm.
