8 Things That are Approximately 4 Centimeters Long

Four centimeters may be a small measurement just 1.57 inches but it can be surprisingly hard to picture.

For those with a good visual sense, it’s easier to compare it to everyday items of similar length.

To help you visualize and understand this measurement better, we’ve put together a list of 8 objects that are roughly four centimeters long.

Whether you’re into DIY projects or just want to sharpen your measurement skills, this guide is for you.

Let’s get started!

How Big is 4 Centimeters?

Four centimeters is about the width of two adult fingers held side by side. It’s a small distance, roughly equal to 1.57 inches.

To put it in perspective, it’s slightly shorter than a golf tee or the length of a paper clip when straightened out.

In the world of measurements, 4 centimeters falls between a pinky finger (about 2-3 cm) and the width of a credit card (about 5.4 cm).

This size is perfect for small, everyday objects that fit comfortably in your hand. Think of it as the length of a short stick of gum or the diameter of a bottle cap.

It’s a measurement that’s easy to visualize and compare to items you use daily.

Common Objects That Are 4 Centimeters Long

Many everyday items measure close to 4 centimeters in length. Some examples include a standard USB flash drive, the width of a postage stamp, and the diameter of a tea light candle.

These objects provide a tangible reference for visualizing this length in daily life.

📦 Item	📏 Actual Measurement
Two Dimes	4 centimeters (Combined diameter of two dimes)
Two Pennies	4 centimeters (Combined diameter of two pennies)
19 Half Dollars	4 centimeters (Stack of 19 half-dollar coins)
Half a Hockey Puck	4 centimeters (Diameter of half a hockey puck)
Squash Ball	4 centimeters (Diameter of a squash ball)
Six Standard Pencils	4 centimeters (Combined diameter of six pencils)
Two Nickels	4 centimeters (Height of two stacked nickels)
23 US Quarters	4 centimeters (Stack of 23 quarters)

1. Two Dimes

Picture two shiny dimes lined up side by side. These small, silver-colored coins might seem insignificant, but together they stretch to about 4 centimeters.

Dimes play a crucial role in our currency system. They’re not just pocket change; they’re tiny marvels of precision engineering.

Each dime measures roughly 1.8 centimeters in diameter. When placed edge to edge, two of them reach the magic 4-centimeter mark.

But there’s more to these coins than meets the eye. Did you know that dimes have ridged edges? This feature dates back to when coins were made of precious metals.

The ridges prevented people from shaving off small amounts of silver.

Dimes also carry historical significance. The current design features Franklin D. Roosevelt, honoring his leadership during the Great Depression and World War II.

2. Two Cents

Two pennies side by side might not seem like much. But these copper-colored coins pack a punch when it comes to measuring up.

Together, they span almost exactly 4 centimeters. It’s a perfect example of how small things can add up to something significant.

Pennies have been around for centuries. They’ve seen empires rise and fall.

Today’s penny features Abraham Lincoln’s profile, a design that’s been in use since 1909. That’s over a century of history in your pocket!

But pennies aren’t just about history. They’re about precision too. Each penny is carefully crafted to be 1.9 centimeters in diameter.

This exact size ensures that two of them line up to our 4-centimeter mark. It’s a reminder that even in our digital age, physical currency still plays a role in our daily lives.

3. 19 Half Dollars

Imagine a stack of 19 half-dollar coins. It might seem like an odd number, but there’s a reason. When piled up, these coins reach a height of about 4 centimeters. It’s a surprising way to visualize this length.

Half dollars are the unsung heroes of American currency. They’re not as common as quarters or dimes, but they have a rich history.

The current design features John F. Kennedy, commemorating the beloved president. Each coin is a small piece of art, with intricate details packed into its silver-colored surface.

But why 19 coins? It’s all about thickness. Each half dollar is about 2.15 millimeters thick. Do the math, and you’ll find that 19 of them stack up to just over 4 centimeters.

4. Half a Hockey Puck

Slice a hockey puck right down the middle. What do you get? A perfect example of 4 centimeters. It’s an unexpected way to visualize this length, but it works like a charm.

Hockey pucks are precision-made objects, designed to meet strict specifications.

A standard hockey puck is about 2.54 centimeters thick. Cut it in half, and you’re left with a slice that’s almost exactly 4 centimeters in diameter.

It’s a neat trick that shows how sports equipment can double as measuring tools.

But there’s more to a hockey puck than just its size. These rubber discs are frozen before use to reduce bouncing on the ice.

They’re also replaced several times during a game to ensure consistent play.

READ : Everyday Common Objects That Are 5 Inches Long

5. A Squash Ball

Bounce a squash ball on the ground. Watch it zip through the air. Now hold it in your hand. That small, rubber sphere is a perfect example of 4 centimeters.

It’s a tiny powerhouse that packs a lot of action into a small package.

Squash balls come in different varieties, each marked with colored dots. But regardless of the type, they all share one thing in common: a diameter of about 4 centimeters.

This size is crucial for the game. It allows players to hit powerful shots in the confined space of a squash court.

The ball’s size also affects its bounce. A squash ball doesn’t rebound like other sports balls. It’s designed to have a low bounce, making the game fast-paced and challenging.

So next time you hold a squash ball, remember: you’re holding a precisely engineered 4-centimeter sphere. It’s not just a ball; it’s a marvel of sports technology!

6. Six Standard Pencils

Line up six standard pencils side by side. Surprised? That’s about 4 centimeters right there. It’s an unexpected way to measure, but it works like a charm.

Pencils are more than just writing tools. They’re a hidden measuring stick in your desk drawer.

Each standard pencil is about 7 millimeters in diameter. Do the math, and you’ll find that six of them make up our 4-centimeter mark.

But there’s more to pencils than just their size. Did you know that the average pencil can draw a line 35 miles long? Or that it can write 45,000 words?

Pencils have been around for centuries, evolving from lead sticks to the wood-cased graphite we use today.

They’re a blend of nature and technology, with wood from cedar trees and “lead” made from graphite and clay.

READ : Common Objects That Are 4 Inches Long

7. Two Nickels

Stack two nickels on top of each other. Surprise! You’ve got yourself a 4-centimeter tall tower of currency.

It’s a simple yet effective way to visualize this length. Nickels might seem unremarkable, but they’re precision-made coins with a fascinating history.

Each nickel is exactly 1.95 millimeters thick. Put two together, and you hit the 4-centimeter mark almost perfectly.

But there’s more to nickels than just their size. Did you know they’re not made of nickel anymore? Today’s nickels are 75% copper and 25% nickel.

The nickel’s design has changed over the years. The current version features Thomas Jefferson on one side and Monticello on the other. It’s a mini history lesson in your pocket.

READ MORE: How Big Is 7 Centimeters 

8. 23 US Quarters

Imagine a stack of 23 quarters. It sounds like a lot of change, doesn’t it? But stack them up, and you’ll find they measure almost exactly 4 centimeters in height. It’s a quirky way to visualize this length, but it works perfectly.

Each quarter is about 1.75 millimeters thick. Multiply that by 23, and you hit the 4-centimeter mark spot on. But quarters are more than just their thickness.

They’re like tiny canvases, each one showcasing a different design. From state commemoratives to national park series, quarters tell America’s story in metal.

Did you know that the quarter’s design changes regularly? The U.S. Mint produces new designs to honor different states, territories, and national sites.

It’s like a miniature art gallery in your pocket. So next time you have a handful of quarters, try stacking 23 of them. You’ll have a unique 4-centimeter ruler and a stack of American history and art all in one!