11 Common Things That are 40 Inches Long or Big

Measuring 40 inches precisely often requires specialized tools like calipers or micrometers.

But what if you’re a DIY enthusiast or just someone needing a quick estimate without access to these instruments?

It can be frustrating, but there’s a simple solution: using everyday objects as reference points.

This approach is particularly useful for home projects or when you need a rough estimate.

By comparing the length you need to familiar items, you can get a good approximation without the need for exact measuring tools.

To help you out, I can provide a list of 11 common household objects that are approximately 40 inches long.

These everyday items can serve as handy reference points, making your estimation task much easier and more intuitive.

Would you like me to compile such a list for you? This could include various household items, furniture pieces, or common objects that most people would have easy access to or familiarity with.

Everyday Common Objects That Are 40 Inches Long

You’d be surprised how many things around you measure 40 inches. From furniture to sports equipment, this length is more common than you might think.

Let’s dive into some everyday items that fit this measurement.

📦 Item	📏 Actual Measurement
🛏️ Half a Queen-size Mattress	40 inches (Half the width of a queen-size mattress)
💧 Five 500-ml Water Bottles	40 inches (Each bottle is approximately 8 inches tall)
🏐 Five Volleyballs	40 inches (Each volleyball is 8 inches in diameter)
🚿 Standard Bathroom Vanity	40 inches (Common width for a bathroom vanity)
🎸 Average Electric Guitar	40 inches (Length from body to headstock)
🧊 Mini Refrigerator	40 inches (Height of many mini refrigerators)
📱 Ten iPads Stacked	40 inches (Each iPad is approximately 4 inches wide)
📺 Large Flat-Screen TV	40 inches (Diagonal screen measurement)
🚲 Two Adult Bicycles Side by Side	40 inches (Wheelbase of each adult bicycle)
🚿 Standard Shower Curtain Width	40 inches (Common width of a shower curtain)
🏀 Five Regulation Basketballs	40 inches (Each basketball is 9.5 inches in diameter)

1. Half a Queen-size Mattress

A good night’s sleep is crucial, and many of us rely on queen-size mattresses for comfort.

These popular beds typically measure 80 inches in length. Split that in half, and you’ve got our magic number: 40 inches.

Queen-size mattresses are a favorite choice for couples.

They offer enough space for two people to sleep comfortably without taking up too much room in the bedroom. The 40-inch half-length is about the width of the mattress, giving each person their own cozy space.

Imagine laying across the width of your queen-size bed. That’s roughly 40 inches of plush comfort right there.

It’s enough space for most people to stretch out comfortably, making it perfect for those afternoon naps or lazy Sunday mornings.

2. Five 500-ml Water Bottles

Stay hydrated! Water bottles are a common sight in our daily lives. Take five standard 500-ml water bottles and line them up end to end.

Surprise! You’ve just created a 40-inch line of refreshment.

These bottles are popular for their convenient size. They fit easily in most car cup holders and backpack side pockets.

A 500-ml bottle is also a good amount of water to drink in one sitting, making it easy to track your daily water intake.

Lining up these bottles gives you a visual representation of 40 inches.

It’s a handy way to estimate this length using items you probably have in your kitchen or gym bag right now.

Plus, it’s a great reminder to drink more water throughout the day!

3. Five Volleyballs

Volleyball is a fun sport enjoyed by many.

The standard volleyball is about 8 inches in diameter. Place five of these spheres side by side, and you’ve got yourself 40 inches of sporty fun.

Volleyballs are designed to be light enough to volley over a net but heavy enough to maintain their trajectory.

Their size makes them easy to handle for players of all ages. The texture of the ball’s surface helps players grip and control it during fast-paced games.

Visualizing five volleyballs in a row gives you a good sense of the 40-inch length. It’s about the width of a beach volleyball court’s attack line.

4. Standard Bathroom Vanity

Bathrooms are essential spaces in our homes, and vanities play a key role in their functionality and style.

Many standard bathroom vanities measure exactly 40 inches in width. This size is popular because it fits well in most bathrooms, providing ample counter space without overwhelming the room.

A 40-inch vanity typically offers enough room for a single sink with counter space on either side. It’s perfect for storing toiletries, makeup, or other bathroom essentials.

Some models even come with built-in drawers or cabinets for extra storage.

This width allows for comfortable use by one person while still leaving space for movement in the bathroom.

It’s a practical choice for master bathrooms, guest bathrooms, or powder rooms.

5. Average Electric Guitar

Music lovers, this one’s for you! Many popular electric guitars, from the body to the end of the headstock, measure around 40 inches in length.

This includes famous models like the Fender Stratocaster and the Gibson Les Paul.

The 40-inch length is a sweet spot for guitar design. It allows for a comfortable playing position whether you’re sitting or standing.

The scale length (the distance between the nut and the bridge) is typically around 25.5 inches, leaving the rest for the body and headstock.

Electric guitars come in various shapes and styles, but many stick close to this 40-inch total length.

It provides enough room for all the necessary components – pickups, bridge, tuning pegs – while remaining manageable for players.

6. Mini Refrigerator

Compact and convenient, mini refrigerators are popular in dorm rooms, offices, and small apartments. Many models stand at exactly 40 inches tall.

This height makes them perfect for fitting under counters or desks while still providing enough storage space.

Mini fridges at this height typically offer between 3.5 to 4.5 cubic feet of storage. That’s enough room for drinks, snacks, and small meals.

Some models even include a separate freezer compartment for ice cream or frozen dinners.

The 40-inch height is also ergonomic. It allows most adults to reach the top shelf comfortably without bending down too far for items on the bottom shelf.

7. Ten iPads Stacked

In our digital age, tablets have become commonplace. Take the popular iPad, for instance. A standard iPad is about 4 inches wide.

Stack ten of them on top of each other, and voila! You’ve got a 40-inch tower of technology.

iPads come in various models and sizes, but many maintain a similar width. This dimension allows for comfortable holding with one hand while using the other to tap and swipe.

It’s also wide enough to provide a good viewing experience for videos, games, and digital books.

Imagining ten iPads stacked up gives you a tangible way to visualize 40 inches. It’s a lot of computing power in a relatively small space!

This comparison also highlights how thin modern tablets are – you can fit quite a few in a 40-inch stack.

8. Large Flat-Screen TV

Home entertainment has come a long way, and large flat-screen TVs are now a common sight in living rooms. Many popular models have a diagonal measurement of 40 inches.

This size offers a great viewing experience without overwhelming smaller spaces. A 40-inch TV typically measures about 35 inches wide and 20 inches tall.

It’s large enough to enjoy movies and sports from across the room but still manageable for most wall mounts and TV stands. This size works well in medium-sized living rooms, bedrooms, or even kitchens.

The popularity of 40-inch TVs speaks to their versatility. They’re big enough for an immersive experience but not so large that they dominate a room.

9. Two Adult Bicycles Side by Side

Bicycles are a popular mode of transportation and recreation.

Most adult bikes have a wheelbase (the distance between the centers of the front and rear wheels) of about 40 inches. Place two bikes side by side, and you’ve got our 40-inch measurement.

The 40-inch wheelbase is a common design choice for adult bicycles. It provides a good balance between stability and maneuverability.

This length allows for comfortable pedaling while maintaining responsive handling for turns and obstacles.

Visualizing two bikes next to each other gives you a practical sense of 40 inches. It’s about the width of a narrow hallway or a tight parking space.

10. Standard Shower Curtain Width

Bathroom design often revolves around standard measurements, and shower curtains are no exception.

The typical width for a shower curtain is – you guessed it – 40 inches. This width is designed to provide adequate coverage for most standard-sized tubs and showers.

A 40-inch wide curtain allows for some overlap on both sides of the shower opening. This helps prevent water from splashing out onto the bathroom floor.

The extra width also makes it easier to step in and out of the shower without moving the curtain too much.

Shower curtains come in various designs and materials, but many stick to this standard width.

11. Five Regulation Basketballs

Basketball is a globally popular sport, and the regulation ball is a familiar sight to many.

A standard basketball is about 9.5 inches in diameter. Line up five of these, and you’re looking at just over 40 inches of bouncing fun.

The size of a basketball is carefully regulated to ensure fair play. It’s designed to be large enough to handle easily but not so large that it becomes unwieldy.

The texture of the ball’s surface helps players maintain grip and control during fast-paced games.

five basketballs in a row gives you a tangible sense of 40 inches. It’s about the width of the free-throw line on a basketball court.

Conclusion

From everyday household items to sports equipment, 40 inches is a length that appears more often than you might think.

Whether it’s half the length of your bed, the width of your TV screen, or the height of your mini fridge, this measurement is all around us.

Understanding common lengths like 40 inches can be helpful in many situations.

It can aid in home improvement projects, help you choose the right size furniture, or simply satisfy your curiosity about the world around you.