ByMany everyday objects are right around 5.5 inches in length. This seemingly random size actually comes in quite handy for a variety of uses.
Here are 8 everyday things that are about 5.5 inches long.
8 Everyday Items Measuring Around 5.5 Inches
1. Stickers
Stickers come in all shapes and sizes, but many popular sticker sizes hover right around 5.5 inches. For example, standard bumper stickers are often 5.5 inches wide and 2.5 inches tall.
This size allows the sticker to fit nicely on the corner of a bumper while leaving room for a license plate. Many mailing and shipping labels are also around 5.5 inches wide, which is convenient for attaching to boxes and envelopes.
Read More: 10 Everyday Items That Are 4 Inches Long
2. Soap Dishes
A typical soap dish measures approximately 5.5 inches long. This length allows most bar soaps to fit nicely while accommodating larger bath sponges and loofahs.
The compact 5.5 inch size means soap dishes don’t take up too much space on countertops or in shower stalls. The small footprint makes soap dishes easy to tuck into tight spaces.
3. Dollar Bills
A dollar bill is very close to 5.5 inches long. The actual length is around 6.14 inches, but when folded in half lengthwise, the bill’s dimensions are approximately 2.61 inches wide by 5.5 inches long.
This folded size makes dollar bills easy to organize and store in wallets, cash drawers, and safes. The compact folded length also enables easy counting when dealing with large quantities of cash.
4. Credit Cards
Standard credit cards are embossed plastic cards that measure 3.375 inches wide by 5.5 inches long. This size conforms to the ISO/IEC 7810 ID-1 standard for financial transaction cards.
The 5.5 inch length allows credit cards to fit neatly into slots in wallets, pockets, and payment terminals. Credit cards must adhere to these specifications to work properly with credit card readers and ATMs.
5. Smartphones
Many popular smartphone models have screen sizes very close to 5.5 inches. For example, the iPhone 8 Plus has a 5.5 inch display, as do many Samsung Galaxy models. This screen size provides ample room for viewing content while still fitting comfortably in hand and pocket.
The 5.5 inch form factor balances compact portability and maximizing display real estate. Many consumers find this size the ideal blend of utility and manageability.
6. Hard Drives
Internal hard disk drives for desktop computers are typically about 5.5 inches wide. Specifically, the common 3.5 inch hard drive size refers to the disk diameter, but the overall drive chassis width is about 5.5 inches.
This allows the drive to fit neatly into desktop computer bays and brackets. The 5.5 inch width became one of the standard form factors as internal hard drives grew in popularity. External portable hard drives are also often close to 5.5 inches wide.
See More: 8 Common Things That Are 7 Inches (in) Long
7. Wrenches
A standard adjustable wrench is around 5.5 inches long. The maximum jaw opening capacity denotes adjustable wrench sizes, but the tool’s overall length remains consistent. The approximate 5.5 inch length provides good leverage for loosening bolts and fittings.
Shorter wrenches don’t allow enough torque, while longer wrenches are cumbersome in tight spaces. This makes the 5.5 inch size ideal for basic home repair and maintenance.
8. Light Bulbs
Many household light bulbs are 5.5 inches long. In particular, standard T8 and T12 diameter linear fluorescent tubes come in 18 inch and 24 inch standard lengths. Cut in half makes them around 9 inches or 5.5 inches long, respectively.
These mini fluorescent bulbs are popular for residential lighting fixtures. They provide bright, energy-efficient illumination in a compact 5.5 inch form. The length is ample for emitting plenty of light but short enough to fit in most fixtures.
In summary
The 5.5 inch length is suited for many everyday items we interact with regularly. From stickers and soap dishes to smartphones and light bulbs, products measuring around 5.5 inches strike a versatile balance of functionality, practicality, and efficiency.
This modest and optimized size makes it a go-to dimension for various everyday household objects. So, the next time you pick up a 5.5-inch item, take a moment to appreciate the thought behind its handy size.
