11 Common Things that are 17 Inches (in) Long (+Pics)

Measurements play a crucial role in our daily lives, from selecting the right furniture to organizing spaces. While traditional measuring tools are reliable, understanding common objects that match specific lengths can be incredibly helpful when you need a quick reference point. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore eleven everyday items that measure approximately 17 inches in length.

How Long is 17 Inches?

Before diving into our list of common objects, let’s understand exactly how long 17 inches is. This measurement equals approximately 43.18 centimeters or 431.8 millimeters. To put this into perspective, 17 inches is slightly longer than a standard sheet of legal paper (14 inches) and just shorter than a typical computer monitor’s width (19-24 inches). This length appears frequently in our daily surroundings, making it an essential measurement to recognize.

Everyday Common Objects That Are 17 Inches Long

📦 Item	📏 Actual Measurement
📱 Gaming Laptops	17 inches (43.18 cm)
⚾ Six Baseballs	17 inches (6 baseballs, each 2.85 inches)
📱 Six iPhone 13s	17 inches (6 phones stacked, each 5.78 inches tall)
👟 Two Size-5 Women’s Shoes	17 inches (Two shoes, each 8.5 inches)
🧻 Rolls of Paper Towels	17 inches (Typical paper towel roll size)
☕ Eleven K-Cups	17 inches (11 K-Cups, each 1.5 inches in diameter)
🐕 Male Basenji Dogs	17 inches (Standard height for male Basenjis)
🧴 Two Standard Shampoo Bottles	17 inches (Two bottles, each about 8.5 inches)
🧦 Knee-high Socks	17 inches (Height from heel to top)
🎱 A Standard Pool Cue (Bottom third)	17 inches (Lower section of a standard 57-inch pool cue)
💿 Five DVD Cases	17 inches (Stack of 3 vertically and 2 side by side)

1. Most Gaming Laptops

Gaming laptops have evolved significantly over the years, with manufacturers pushing the boundaries of screen size while maintaining portability.

Most modern gaming laptops feature a 17-inch diagonal screen measurement, making them perfect references for this length.

These powerful machines typically measure between 16.5 to 17.3 inches in width, depending on the brand and model.

The size allows for immersive gaming experiences while remaining transportable. Companies like Alienware, ASUS ROG, and MSI consistently produce 17-inch models, combining performance with this specific form factor.

The popularity of this size stems from its perfect balance between screen real estate and mobility, offering enough space for detailed graphics and comfortable viewing without sacrificing portability.

2. Six Baseballs

Baseball enthusiasts might find it interesting that arranging six regulation baseballs in a straight line creates a measurement of approximately 17 inches.

Each official Major League baseball has a circumference between 9 and 9.25 inches, making its diameter roughly 2.86 inches.

This mathematical relationship reveals an intriguing way to estimate 17 inches using these iconic sporting items.

The precision in baseball manufacturing ensures consistency in size, making this measurement reliable across different brands and manufacturers.

Professional players and coaches often use baseballs as reference points during training sessions, though they might not realize they’re working with such specific measurements.

The smooth leather surface and distinctive stitching make these balls instantly recognizable, turning them into convenient measuring tools when traditional methods aren’t available.

3. Six iPhone 13s

In our technology-driven world, smartphones serve as convenient measuring references. Placing six iPhone 13s end-to-end creates a length of approximately 17 inches.

Each iPhone 13 measures about 2.82 inches in width, making this alignment particularly accurate for quick measurements.

The precision engineering behind Apple’s manufacturing process ensures consistent dimensions across all units, making this measurement remarkably reliable.

This modern measuring technique showcases how everyday technology can serve multiple purposes beyond its primary function.

Whether you’re arranging furniture or measuring wall space for decorations, these ubiquitous devices offer a surprisingly accurate way to gauge distances.

The sleek, rectangular shape of these phones makes them particularly easy to align for measurement purposes.

4. Two Size-5 Women’s Shoes

A pair of size-5 women’s shoes placed heel-to-toe creates an approximate length of 17 inches.

This measurement corresponds to the actual footprint of the shoes rather than the box size or display measurement.

The design of women’s footwear in this size category follows standardized measurements across different styles and brands. Athletic shoes, formal wear, and casual footwear in this size maintain consistent lengths despite varying widths and heights.

Understanding this relationship between shoe sizes and actual measurements provides valuable insight for shoe storage, travel packing, and retail display purposes.

The universality of shoe sizing makes this an especially reliable reference point across different cultures and regions.

5. Rolls of Paper Towels

Standard rolls of paper towels, when measured horizontally, typically span 17 inches in length.

This dimension represents the traditional size adopted by major manufacturers to balance storage efficiency with usability.

The cardboard tube at the center and the carefully wound paper create a consistent measurement across different brands.

Understanding this standard length helps in designing storage solutions and organizing cleaning supplies efficiently.

The uniform nature of paper towel manufacturing ensures that this measurement remains consistent, making it a reliable reference point for quick estimations.

These everyday household items serve as unexpected but accurate measuring tools while fulfilling their primary purpose of cleaning and absorbing spills.

6. Eleven K-cups

Coffee enthusiasts might be surprised to learn that eleven standard K-cups aligned in a row measure approximately 17 inches.

Each K-cup’s diameter typically measures about 1.55 inches, creating this precise length when arranged together.

The standardized design of these coffee pods, necessary for compatibility with Keurig brewing systems, ensures consistent measurements across different brands and flavors.

This unexpected measuring tool demonstrates how everyday items can serve multiple purposes.

The rigid plastic construction and uniform size of K-cups make them particularly reliable for this purpose.

Their widespread availability in homes and offices transforms these morning coffee essentials into convenient measuring references.

READ : 11 Common Things That are 14 Inches Long

7. Male Basenji Dogs

The Basenji breed, known for its elegant appearance and unique vocalizations, provides another interesting 17-inch reference point.

Male Basenjis typically measure about 17 inches from the ground to their shoulders (withers).

This height standard, established by kennel clubs worldwide, helps maintain the breed’s distinctive characteristics and proportions.

These ancient hunting dogs from Africa exemplify how natural measurements appear in the animal kingdom.

Their consistent size makes them a living reference point for this specific measurement, though obviously not as practical as inanimate objects.

The breed’s careful preservation through selective breeding ensures this height remains consistent across generations.

8. Two Standard Shampoo Bottles

Standard-size shampoo bottles, when placed end-to-end, often measure approximately 17 inches.

These containers, typically designed to hold 12-16 ounces of product, maintain consistent dimensions across many brands and product lines.

The ergonomic design considerations for comfortable handling and efficient storage have led to this standardized size in the personal care industry.

The durability of these plastic containers and their uniform shape make them reliable measuring tools when needed.

This common bathroom item demonstrates how everyday objects can serve as unexpected but accurate measuring references.

The widespread availability of these products makes them particularly convenient for quick measurements.

READ : How Long is 16 Inches Compared to an Object

9. Knee-high Socks

Athletic knee-high socks, when fully extended, typically measure 17 inches from toe to top. This length ensures proper coverage and support while allowing comfortable movement during various activities.

Manufacturers maintain this standard length across different styles and materials to accommodate the average lower leg length of adult wearers.

The elasticity of these socks allows for some variation in fit while maintaining their overall length when laid flat.

Understanding this measurement helps in selecting appropriate sock sizes and styles for different activities and preferences.

The consistent sizing across brands makes knee-high socks a reliable reference point for this specific length.

10. A Standard Pool Cue

Pool cues serve as perfect examples of 17-inch measurements, though not in their full length.

The lower half of a standard two-piece pool cue typically measures 17 inches, creating an essential reference point in billiards equipment.

This specific length contributes to the overall balance and playability of the cue, affecting shot accuracy and player comfort.

The precise manufacturing standards in billiards equipment ensure consistent measurements across different brands and styles.

Professional players often develop an intuitive understanding of this length through countless hours of practice.

READ : 11 Common Things That Are About 20 Inches Long

11. Five DVD Cases

Standard DVD cases, when aligned side by side, span approximately 17 inches. Each case measures about 3.4 inches in width, making five cases an accurate representation of this length.

The standardization of DVD packaging across the entertainment industry ensures consistent measurements regardless of the content or manufacturer.

This uniformity makes DVD cases particularly reliable for estimating measurements in home entertainment setups and media storage solutions.

The rigid plastic construction maintains precise dimensions over time, unlike some other household items that might compress or expand.

Their widespread availability in homes makes them convenient measuring tools for quick reference.

SEE More: 13 Common Things That Are 12 Inches (in) Long

Conclusion

Through this exploration of everyday items measuring 17 inches, we’ve discovered how common objects can serve as practical measuring tools.

Whether you’re organizing space, planning a project, or simply satisfying curiosity, these references provide convenient alternatives to traditional measuring devices.

Remember that while these items offer good approximations, they should not replace precise measuring tools when accuracy is crucial.