As I was going about my day, I found myself pondering the peculiar dimension of 7 inches. It’s not your typical measurement, yet it seems to pop up in some unexpected places.
So, I decided to embark on a little investigation to uncover 9 common things that are 7 inches long. Let’s dive right in and explore these fascinating items, one by one.
1. iPad Mini
The iPad Mini, a beloved compact tablet from Apple, measures approximately 7.87 inches in length (200 mm). While it doesn’t quite meet the 7-inch mark, it comes close enough to be included in our list. This diminutive device is a favorite among those who prefer a more portable and lightweight alternative to the larger iPad models.
Key Facts:
- Length: Approximately 7.87 inches (200 mm)
- Build Material: Aluminum and Glass
- Common Use Case: Reading, browsing, gaming, and multimedia consumption
2. Debit or Credit Cards
Credit and debit cards, the ubiquitous plastic rectangles we use for financial transactions, typically measure 3.37 inches by 2.125 inches. While they don’t quite reach 7 inches individually, when stacked together, a typical wallet filled with these cards can easily surpass the 7-inch mark.
Key Facts:
- Length: Approximately 3.37 inches (85.6 mm)
- Build Material: Plastic with embedded microchips
- Common Use Case: Payment for goods and services
3. Butter Knife
The humble butter knife, a staple in kitchen utensil sets, often measures around 7 inches in length. Its slender design and blunt edge make it perfect for spreading butter, jam, or other toppings on your morning toast.
Key Facts:
- Length: Approximately 7 inches
- Build Material: Stainless steel or silver-plated
- Common Use Case: Spreading butter, jam, or condiments
4. Toothpicks
Toothpicks, those tiny wooden or plastic sticks used for a variety of purposes, including cleaning teeth or serving appetizers, are typically around 2.5 to 3 inches long. However, some toothpick variants designed for appetizers or cocktails can be as long as 7 inches.
Key Facts:
- Length: Approximately 7 inches (for certain types)
- Build Material: Wood or plastic
- Common Use Case: Cleaning teeth, serving appetizers, and crafts
5. Paper Clips
Paper clips, those handy office supplies used to hold papers together, are often 1.25 to 2 inches long. While this falls short of our 7-inch target, it’s worth noting that giant novelty paper clips, sometimes used for decorative purposes or advertising, can indeed reach 7 inches or more.
Key Facts:
- Length: Approximately 1.25 to 2 inches (standard), up to 7 inches (novelty)
- Build Material: Metal or plastic
- Common Use Case: Holding papers together
6. Drill Bit
Drill bits are essential tools for woodworking, metalworking, and construction projects. They come in various sizes and types, and some longer drill bits can reach or exceed 7 inches in length.
Key Facts:
- Length: Varies by type and size, some can exceed 7 inches
- Build Material: High-speed steel or carbide
- Common Use Case: Drilling holes in various materials
7. Salad Plates
Salad plates, a common part of dinnerware sets, typically have a diameter of 7 to 8 inches, depending on the manufacturer and design. While they are not exactly 7 inches long, their size is worth mentioning, especially when setting the table.
Key Facts:
- Diameter: Typically 7 to 8 inches
- Build Material: Ceramic, porcelain, or glass
- Common Use Case: Serving salads and appetizers
8. 4 Golf Balls
Golf balls are a fundamental component of the sport, and they come in various sizes and types. Standard golf balls have a diameter of approximately 1.68 inches, and if you put the 4 golf ball in the same raw you will find it’s approximately 7 inches long.
Key Facts:
- Diameter: Approximately 1.68 inches (standard), up to 7 inches (novelty)
- Build Material: Surlyn, urethane, or rubber
- Common Use Case: Playing golf
9. Pencil
Last but not least, the trusty pencil, an everyday writing instrument, typically measures around 7 inches in length. Its simple design has made it a go-to tool for jotting down notes, sketching, and solving math problems.
Key Facts:
- Length: Approximately 7 inches
- Build Material: Wood with graphite core or mechanical pencil with plastic casing
- Common Use Case: Writing and drawing
10. Subway Sandwich
A classic footlong sub sandwich from Subway, as the name suggests, measures a foot in length, which is equivalent to 12 inches. However, when you order a half-size sub, it’s approximately 6 inches long. In the world of subs, 6 inches is the standard “short” size, and it’s a popular choice for those with smaller appetites or looking for a lighter meal.
Key Facts:
- Length: Approximately 6 inches (half-size)
- Build Material: Bread, vegetables, meats, and condiments
- Common Use Case: Enjoying a tasty sandwich
11. Smartphone Screen
The screens of modern smartphones come in various sizes, but some flagship models feature screens that are around 6.7 to 6.9 inches diagonally. While this dimension doesn’t hit the 7-inch mark, it’s close enough to make your mobile device a worthy addition to our list.
Key Facts:
- Diagonal Screen Size: Approximately 6.7 to 6.9 inches
- Build Material: Glass or plastic
- Common Use Case: Communication, entertainment, and productivity
12. Standard Envelope
Standard envelopes, commonly used for mailing letters and documents, are designed to fit 8.5-inch by 11-inch sheets of paper. When folded in thirds, these envelopes become approximately 6.37 inches long. While they fall short of the 7-inch mark, they play a crucial role in everyday correspondence.
Key Facts:
- Length: Approximately 6.37 inches (folded)
- Build Material: Paper
- Common Use Case: Mailing letters and documents
13. DVD Case
The standard DVD case, used for packaging DVDs and Blu-ray discs, typically measures around 7.5 inches in height. While it exceeds our 7-inch threshold slightly, it’s an essential part of the entertainment industry for storing and protecting optical discs.
Key Facts:
- Height: Approximately 7.5 inches
- Build Material: Plastic
- Common Use Case: Storing and protecting DVDs and Blu-ray discs
14. Standard Pen
The standard ballpoint pen, a ubiquitous writing tool, is usually around 5.5 to 6 inches long. While it doesn’t quite reach 7 inches, it’s an item we encounter daily for jotting down notes, signing documents, and more.
Key Facts:
- Length: Approximately 5.5 to 6 inches
- Build Material: Plastic or metal
- Common Use Case: Writing and drawing
15. Hardcover Book
Hardcover books vary in size, but many novels and non-fiction titles come in a standard format that is approximately 9 inches in height. However, smaller hardcover books, such as those in the “pocket-sized” category, can be closer to 7 inches in height.
Key Facts:
- Height: Varies by book, some pocket-sized hardcovers are around 7 inches
- Build Material: Paper and cloth or cardboard cover
- Common Use Case: Reading and reference
These are the 15 common things that, in one way or another, can be associated with the fascinating dimension of 7 inches. While some of them may only approximate this measurement, they all play essential roles in our daily lives.