Did you ever take a moment to consider just how long 7 inches actually is? Yeah, you might be familiar with measurements thrown around for recipes, gadgets, or even online shopping, but sometimes it’s not easy to picture the actual size. Seven inches is barely more than half of a foot (12 inches) and approximately 17.8 centimeters if metric is your cup of tea.
To help you better understand this length, we’ve put together the following list of 13 everyday common objects that are 7 inches in length. Objects you encounter or use daily without knowing that they all have this oddly exact same measurement. From kitchen appliances and tech toys to old antique relics, you’re going to find out that 7 inches is everywhere!
1. A Standard Chef’s Knife
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- Average Length: About 7 inches (blade length).
A standard chef’s knife is one of the most common 7-inch items that you can find around you. However, remember that a standard chef’s knife is slightly different from a kitchen knife you get for everyday use, so sizes do vary between them.
The 7-inch blade is a fan favorite among home cooks. It offers the perfect balance between control and power; you can dice onions, slice meats, and chop herbs without feeling like you’re wielding a sword.
A fun fact? The shorter blade on this makes it perfect for easy chopping, and gifting a beginner, budding chef to practice their skills, before upgrading to a classic 8-inch knife. So if you have an aspiring chef tucked in somewhere in your life, this would make a perfect gift for them to give them the headstart that they need.
2. A Mini Tablet
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- Example: Amazon Fire 7 tablet.
Tech lovers, here’s one for you: compact tablets like the Amazon Fire 7 or older versions of the iPad Mini hover around the 7-inch mark. This size is considered perfect for reading eBooks, watching videos, or light browsing. It’s portable, lightweight, and fits snugly in one hand, making it ideal for commuters or kids.
3. A Vinyl Record (45 RPM Single)
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- Diameter: Exactly 7 inches.
We also have something stored for all the music lovers reading this article. Well, particularly, curators and music enthusiasts who have an affinity towards vinyl records. These records come in various sizes, but the standard 7-inch is a classic. Usually playing at 45 RPM, they were popular for singles during the mid-20th century. Even today, they’re sought after for their retro charm and warm sound.
Pro tip: If you own a turntable, add some 7-inch singles to your collection—they’re compact, affordable, and bursting with nostalgia.
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4. A Dinner Fork
Source: Unsplash
- Average Length: About 7 inches.
That glittery spoon on your plate during dinner? It’s likely to be around 7 inches long. The intention is there: long enough to be pleasant to hold during meals without being too big. While there will be varying salad or dessert forks, the regular dinner fork is usually in the same vicinity.
5. A Standard Pencil
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- Size: 7–7.5 inches when new.
The simple pencil is any artist’s good friend and the most common thing in a school. An unsharpened pencil, which you purchase fresh, is about 7 inches long. As you use and sharpen it over time, it gets shorter, just like seeing time go by in little bits.
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Did you know? One pencil can write approximately 45,000 words or draw a line that is 35 miles long!
6. A Toothbrush
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- Average Size: 6.5–7.5 inches.
The standard toothbrush, manual or electric, is about the 7-inch marker. The ergonomic shape is very easy to grasp and fits most comfortably against your teeth when you are brushing. If you are using a travel brush, then it will be slightly shorter, but full-size brushes are just under the magic marker.”
7. A Small Remote Control
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- Average Length: Around 7 inches.
Have you ever noticed your TV remote properly? Except for pressing all the buttons on it to serve the weird itch in your brain. If you have one, then you already have a good estimate of what 7 inches lok like because your standard TV remote is of that length. In fact, a streaming stick controller or even a fan remote is often 7 inches long.
This length is ideal for gripping and keeping enough space between all buttons for easy reach without making the device too bulky.
Pro tip: If you ever lose yours, check under the couch cushions—it’s always hiding there!
8. A Small Dessert Plate
Source: Unsplash
- Diameter: 7 inches.
Dessert or salad plates are usually 7 inches across, making them perfect for serving sweets, snacks, or appetizers. This size helps with portion control while adding elegance to the dining table. Pair it with a dinner plate (which is around 10–12 inches), and you’ve got a complete set.
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9. A Compact Hairbrush
Source: Unsplash
- Average Length: 7 inches.
Travel-size hairbrushes are usually 7 inches long, striking a balance between portability and performance. They can be stored in bags or backpacks with ease, enabling a quick touch-up while on the go.
10. A Sunglasses Case
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- Average Size: 7 inches long.
Your stylish frames need to be protected, and their cases do justice to that. Most hard-shell sunglass cases are approximately 7 inches long, just enough for standard-sized glasses without any extra space to spare.
11. A Clutch Purse
Source: Unsplash
- Average Length: About 7 inches.
Fashionistas realize that night clutches are in the 7-inch category, large enough to carry your basics (cell, keys, lipstick) but not large enough to be tacky. Added advantage: It will fit comfortably under your arm for a sophisticated night out.
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12. A Paperback Novel
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- Height: Around 7 inches.
If you’re a book lover, chances are you’ve held a paperback measuring about 7 inches tall. This size is standard for many fiction novels because it’s comfortable to carry and read anywhere, whether on the train or in bed.
13. A Sub Sandwich (Seriously!)
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- Average Size: Around 6–7 inches for sub sandwiches.
From your favorite sub shop to homemade creations, many sandwiches, especially subs and hoagies, are close to 7 inches long. Next time you’re biting into a footlong, remember: half of that sandwich is roughly the length we’ve been talking about.
How Long is 7 Inches Compared to Everyday Objects?
Seven inches is a little more than the width of your hand from thumb to pinky when stretched out. It’s also about the length of a dollar bill plus an inch. Thinking of it in these terms can make estimating sizes much easier!
Why Knowing Common 7-Inch Items is Useful
You might be asking: why does this matter? Knowing what 7 inches looks like comes in handy for DIY projects, online shopping (especially when dimensions are in inches), or just for satisfying your curiosity. Plus, it’s a fun way to connect with the physical world in a digital age.
Final Thoughts
And that’s a wrap on 13 everyday things that are 7 inches long! Moving from everyday utensils and gadgets to nostalgic records and fashion accessories. Next time you pick up a fork, flip through records in a store, or are simply brushing your teeth, you’ll have a new appreciation for this underrated measurement trick.
We hope you have found this guide fun and helpful. Share it with your friends and expand their knowledge on these everyday things as well.
