Seventeen inches is a common length found in many everyday objects. It’s often used to measure laptops, backpacks, and small tools. Knowing examples of this size helps you visualize and compare objects more accurately.
What do you mean by 17 Inches Long?
When we talk about things that are 17 inches long, we’re referring to objects that measure exactly 17 inches from one end to the other. This measurement equals approximately 43.18 centimeters or just over 1.4 feet, making it a common size you’ll find in everyday household items and objects around you.
How long is 17 Inches Visually?
Seventeen inches is about a foot and a half long, which equals approximately 43.18 centimeters in the metric system. To help you visualize this measurement, imagine the length of a standard laptop screen measured diagonally that’s roughly how long 17 inches appears in real life.
How can it be measured 17 Inches without a Ruler?
You can measure things that are 17 inches long without a ruler by using common household items as reference points. Here’s a simple table showing everyday objects and how to combine them to estimate 17 inches:
| Object | Approximate Length | How Many Needed |
| Dollar Bill | 6 inches | 3 bills (18 inches total) |
| Credit Card | 3.4 inches | 5 cards (17 inches) |
| Adult Hand Span | 7-9 inches | 2 spans + a bit more |
| Standard Pen | 5.5 inches | 3 pens (16.5 inches) |
| Smartphone | 6 inches | 3 phones (18 inches total) |
| CD/DVD | 4.7 inches diameter | 3.5 discs placed side by side |
15 Things Equal to 17 Inches: List of Random Things
- A large laptop screen (around 17 inches)
- A standard frying pan handle
- Length of a football (American football)
- A medium-sized hardcover book
- Width of a medium-sized backpack
- Standard-size gardening trowel
- Length of a medium-sized umbrella
- The width of a large pizza box
- A portable carry-on suitcase
- A typical skateboard deck
- The Height of a Small Table Lamp
- A bicycle tire diameter
- The Length of a Standard Keyboard
- A Desktop Monitor Screen
A Large Laptop Screen (Around 17 Inches)
A 17-inch laptop screen is one of the most common things that are 17 inches long when measured diagonally from corner to corner. This screen size offers a perfect balance between portability and viewing comfort for work and entertainment.
A Standard Frying Pan Handle
Many common things that are 17 inches long can be found right in your kitchen, and a standard frying pan is one of them. When you measure from the edge of the pan to the end of the handle, most medium to large skillets hit this exact length.
Length of a Football (American Football)
An official NFL football measures about 11 inches long, but when you account for the full diagonal measurement from tip to tip during a spiral throw, it’s one of the perfect things that are 17 inches long that sports fans instantly recognize.
A Medium-Sized Hardcover Book
A medium-sized hardcover book is one of the most common things that are 17 inches long when measured diagonally from corner to corner. Many coffee table books and textbooks fall into this category, making them perfect everyday references for visualizing this length.
Width of a Medium-Size Backpack
Most medium-size backpacks measure around 17 inches in width, making them one of the most practical things that are 17 inches long that people carry daily.
Standard-Size Gardening Trowel
A standard gardening trowel is one of those things that are 17 inches long when measured from the tip of the blade to the end of the handle. This measurement makes it perfect for digging, planting, and transferring soil in your garden beds.
Length of a Medium-Size Umbrella
A standard medium size umbrella typically measures around 17 inches when folded and closed, making it one of the most portable things that are 17 inches long that fits perfectly in bags and backpacks.
The Width of a Large Pizza Box
When you’re looking for things that are 17 inches long, a large pizza box is one of the most recognizable examples. Most pizzerias use boxes that measure right around 17 inches to fit their large pizzas perfectly.
A Portable Carry-On Suitcase
Many compact carry-on suitcases measure exactly 17 inches in height, making them one of the most practical things that are 17 inches long for frequent travelers.
A Typical Skateboard Deck
A standard skateboard deck is one of the most recognizable things that are 17 inches long. Most street-style skateboards measure around 17 inches from truck to truck, giving riders the perfect balance for tricks and street skating.
A Standard Briefcase
Things that are 17 inches long include the classic standard briefcase, which typically measures right around this length to perfectly fit letter sized documents and laptops. This practical dimension makes briefcases one of the most recognizable things that are 17 inches long in professional settings.
A Bicycle Tire Diameter
Most standard adult bicycle tires measure around 17 inches in diameter, making them perfect things that are 17 inches long for visual reference. If you’ve ever handled a bike tire, you’ve worked with this exact measurement.
Common Misconceptions About Item Measurements
Many people assume that things that are 17 inches long will always look the same size, but that’s not quite true. The shape of an object dramatically changes how we perceive its length a thin laptop appears much different from a round pizza, even when both measure exactly 17 inches.
A Desktop Monitor Screen
Many desktop monitor screens measure exactly 17 inches diagonally, making them one of the most common things that are 17 inches long found in offices and home workspaces worldwide.
The Height of a Small Table Lamp
Small decorative table lamps often stand about 17 inches tall from base to top, making them perfect examples of things that are 17 inches long that add both light and style to bedside tables and desks.
The Length of a Standard Keyboard
A full-sized computer keyboard typically measures between 17 and 18 inches in length, making it one of the everyday things that are 17 inches long that office workers and gamers use constantly without realizing its exact dimensions.
How to measure 17 Inches at Home without Tools?
- Use Your Forearm – Measure from your elbow to your fingertips, which typically spans 16-18 inches for most adults, giving you a close estimate of things that are 17 inches long
- Dollar Bills Method – Line up three dollar bills end-to-end (each is 6 inches), which gives you 18 inches, just one inch more than your target measurement
- Hand Spans – Most adult hand spans measure 7-9 inches, so two hand spans placed consecutively will get you very close to 17 inches
- Standard Sheet of Paper – Use two letter-size papers (8.5×11 inches) placed along their shorter edge, giving you 17 inches exactly
- Large Dinner Plate Plus Remote – A typical dinner plate (10-11 inches) combined with a TV remote control (about 6-7 inches) laid end to end approximates things that are 17 inches long perfectly.
How to measure 17 Inches while traveling without Tools?
- Elbow to Fingertips – The distance from your elbow crease to your fingertips typically measures 16-18 inches for most adults, making it perfect for estimating things that are 17 inches long
- Visualize a Laptop Screen – Picture a 17-inch laptop screen diagonally, a common reference point that most travelers have seen or used during their trips
- Use Your Shoe Length – Two average adult shoes (about 10 inches each) placed heel-to-toe minus a couple inches gives you approximately 17 inches
- Water Bottle Method – Standard water bottles are typically 8-9 inches tall, so two bottles stacked equal roughly things that are 17 inches long
- Smartphone Plus Hand Spans – A smartphone (6 inches) plus one full hand span (about 8 inches) and a few extra fingers gets you close to measuring things that are 17 inches long while traveling
Final Thoughts
Seventeen inches is a versatile and practical length found in many everyday items, from electronics to travel gear. Understanding this measurement helps in estimating sizes and making informed choices. Recognizing objects of this length also improves spatial awareness in daily tasks.
What are some common things that are 17 inches long?
Some common items that are about 17 inches long include a laptop screen, a car wheel rim, and a standard pillow width.
How long is 17 inches compared to everyday objects?
Seventeen inches is roughly the length of a laptop or the width of a medium-sized backpack.
Is 17 inches longer than a foot?
Yes, 17 inches is 5 inches longer than a foot, since 1 foot equals 12 inches.
What household items measure about 17 inches?
Household items around 17 inches include a computer monitor, a cutting board, and some desk lamps.
How can I visualize 17 inches without a ruler?
You can imagine 17 inches as slightly longer than the length of a standard laptop or about one and a half sheets of printer paper placed end to end.
What’s the metric equivalent of 17 inches?
Seventeen inches is equal to approximately 43.18 centimeters.
Daniel is a skilled content creator with 4 years of experience writing blogs on measurement, weights, and dimensions. Now, he brings his expertise to MeasureCore.com, delivering accurate, insightful, and user-friendly resources for global readers.