Have you ever needed to measure something quickly but didn’t have a tape measure nearby? Or maybe you’ve wondered what 17 inches actually looks like in real life.
While it may sound like an unusual measurement, 17 inches shows up more often than you’d expect in everyday objects—from home items to sports equipment and electronics.
In this guide, we’ll explore 17 common things that are about 17 inches long, helping you visualize this measurement easily and understand why it’s so useful in daily life.
Key Takeaways
- Learn about 17 everyday objects that measure around 17 inches
- Understand how 17 inches compares to feet and centimeters
- Visualize the length using familiar real-world items
- Discover practical situations where knowing this measurement helps
What Is 17 Inches?
Before diving into the examples, let’s understand the measurement itself.
At the level of measurement, 17 inch is considered a mid-range size—larger than most handheld objects but smaller than full-size furniture or equipment.
Seventeen inches is slightly longer than one foot (12 inches) and equals approximately 43 centimeters. It’s a practical mid-range size—large enough to be noticeable but compact enough to appear in many household, office, and recreational items.
17 Everyday Things That Are About 17 Inches Long
Below are real-life examples that make it easier to picture what 17 inch looks like.
1. Laptop Screen (17-Inch Display)
Larger laptops, especially those built for gaming or professional work, often feature 17-inch screens. These displays are popular for multitasking, editing, and immersive entertainment.
2. Baseball Bat Handle
The handle section of many standard baseball bats measures close to 17 inch. This length provides balance and grip control, especially for beginners and younger players.
3. Standard Bed Pillow Width
Many standard pillows measure around 17 inch wide, offering a comfortable sleeping surface without taking up too much space.
4. Long Kitchen Knife Blade
Professional chefs often use long knife blades measuring about 17 inch for carving meats and handling large ingredients with precision.
5. Basketball Hoop Rim Diameter
The official diameter of a basketball hoop rim is exactly 17 inch. This standard ensures consistent gameplay across courts worldwide.
6. Car Seat Belt Extension
Seat belt extensions are commonly available in 17-inch lengths to provide extra comfort and a secure fit for passengers who need additional reach.
7. Fishing Rod Handle
Medium-sized fishing rods often have handles around 17 inch long, offering a comfortable grip and better control during casting.
8. Guitar Neck Length
Some electric guitars feature necks close to 17 inch, giving musicians extended reach across frets and improved playability.
9. Baseball Glove (Outfield Size)
Outfield baseball gloves can measure about 17 inch in length, helping players catch fly balls and cover more ground.
10. Table Lamp Height
Many table lamps stand roughly 17 inch tall—an ideal height of desks, bedside tables, and reading areas.
11. Garden Shovel Handle
Compact garden or hand shovels often feature handles close to 17 inch, making them easy to control while planting or digging.
12. Large TV Remote Control
Some advanced or universal remote controls—especially for home theater systems—can reach up to 17 inches in length.
13. Bookshelf Depth
Small bookshelves are frequently designed with a depth of around 17 inches, allowing them to store books efficiently without occupying too much space.
14. Bowling Ball Circumference Reference
While bowling balls vary in size, regulation models align closely with 17 inches in key dimensional measurements, ensuring consistent grip and control.
15. Large Dinner Plate
Oversized dinner plates used for serving family-style meals can measure around 17 inches in diameter.
16. Monitor Stand Width
Some monitor stands and risers are built around 17 inches wide to support standard computer displays comfortably.
17. Carry-On Luggage Width
Certain compact mini wheeled carry-on bags feature widths close to 17 inches, making them suitable for overhead compartments on many flights.
Why Knowing 17 Inches Is Useful in Everyday Life
Understanding what 17 inches looks like can help in many practical situations:
- Furniture shopping: Ensures items fit your space properly
- Sports & hobbies: Helps select equipment with the right dimensions
- Home organization: Makes planning shelves and storage easier
- DIY projects: Improves accuracy when measuring without tools
Having a mental reference for this measurement can save time and prevent costly mistakes.
Frequently asked question
1. How long is 17 inches compared to common objects?
Seventeen inches is slightly longer than one foot and is about the length of many everyday items like laptop screens, basketball rims, and table lamps.
2. Is 17 inches a standard size for products?
Yes, 17 inch is a common standard measurement used in electronics, sports equipment, furniture, and household items for balance and usability.
3. How can I measure 17 inches without a ruler or tape?
You can estimate 17 inch using familiar objects such as a large laptop, a standard pillow width, or by combining the length of two average adult hands.
4. Why do so many everyday items measure around 17 inches?
This length offers a practical balance between comfort, portability, and functionality, making it suitable for many household and professional uses.
5. Is 17 inches the same worldwide?
Yes, 17 inch is a universal measurement, equal to about 43 centimeters, and is used consistently across countries that follow imperial or metric conversions.
Wrapping Up: Why 17 Inches Matters
Seventeen inches may not seem like a common measurement at first, but as you’ve seen, it appears in many everyday items—from pillows and lamps to sports equipment and electronics. Once you recognize what this length looks like, estimating sizes becomes much easier.
Whether you’re upgrading your home, buying new gear, or simply curious about measurements, knowing how long 17 inch is can make everyday decisions quicker and more confident.
