Finding the right measurement can be tricky. This happens when you don’t have a ruler handy. Sometimes you need to know if something is about 14 inches long. But you’re not sure how to measure it.
The good news is simple. Many common items around your home are exactly 14 inches. Some are very close to it.
These everyday objects can help you estimate measurements quickly. They also make measuring easy. Learning about these items will make measuring much simpler in the future.
How Long is 14 Inches?
14 inches equals 1 foot and 2 inches. It also equals about 35.6 centimeters. This measurement is longer than a standard sheet of paper. But it’s shorter than most laptops when they’re open.
To picture 14 inches, think about your arm. Look at the distance from your elbow to your wrist. This works if you’re an average-sized adult. You could also imagine laying four dollar bills end to end. This would give you almost exactly 14 inches.
This length appears in many places. You’ll find it in household items, tools, and everyday objects. Understanding what 14 inches looks like helps you estimate sizes. You won’t always need a measuring tape. Most people find it easier to remember common objects. This works better than trying to visualize abstract measurements.
Common Objects That Are 14 Inches
Ready to discover your hidden measuring tools? These 12 everyday items will become your go-to references for 14-inch measurements.
12 Common Things That Are 14 Inches Long
1. Standard Laptop Computer

Most laptop computers measure between 13 and 15 inches. This measurement goes diagonally across their screens. A 14-inch laptop is one of the most popular sizes for everyday use. The measurement refers to the diagonal distance. It goes from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner.
These laptops strike a perfect balance. They offer both portability and screen space. They’re big enough for comfortable typing and viewing. But they’re small enough to carry in most backpacks. Many students and office workers prefer this size. This is because it fits well on desks and airplane tray tables.
The actual width of a 14-inch laptop is usually around 12-13 inches. The depth measures about 8-9 inches. When you see a 14-inch laptop, you’re looking at something special. It represents this measurement perfectly. Tech stores often display these laptops. This makes them easy reference points for the 14-inch length.
2. Professional Pizza Peel

A pizza peel is a special tool. It’s the flat, shovel-like tool that pizza makers use. They use it to slide pizzas in and out of ovens.
Professional pizza peels typically measure 14 inches across their paddle section. This size works perfectly for home pizza making. It also fits most standard home ovens.
The 14-inch width allows you to handle medium to large pizzas with ease. Restaurant pizza makers rely on this tool every day. The 14-inch size has become the standard for good reason. It’s large enough to support a full pizza. But it’s not so big that it becomes unwieldy.
You can find pizza peels at kitchen supply stores. Many come with long handles for safety. The paddle part that touches the pizza is what measures 14 inches. This measurement makes it a reliable reference point. You can use it when you need to estimate this length.
3. Traditional Vinyl Record with Cover

A standard vinyl record is also known as an LP. LP stands for Long Playing record. It measures exactly 12 inches in diameter.
But there’s more to consider. When you include the album cover or sleeve, the total measurement reaches about 14 inches. The extra space comes from the protective cardboard sleeve. This sleeve surrounds the record.
Record collectors know this measurement well. They need to plan shelf space accordingly. The album covers need extra room for the opening. This is where you slide the record in and out. This additional space brings the total width to approximately 14 inches.
Vinyl records have made a comeback in recent years. You might find them at music stores, thrift shops, or garage sales. The combination of the 12-inch record plus its cover gives you something useful. It gives you a perfect 14-inch reference. Music lovers often use this measurement. They use it when building record storage systems.
4. Four Credit Cards

A single credit card measures 3.375 inches in length. This is a standard measurement. When you line up four credit cards end to end, you get something close. You get almost exactly 13.5 inches. This is very close to 14 inches. It works well as a quick measuring tool.
Credit cards are standardized worldwide. This measurement works no matter which cards you use. Most people carry multiple cards in their wallets. This makes it an accessible measuring method. You can use debit cards, gift cards, or any standard-sized plastic cards. All work for this measurement.
The slight difference between 13.5 inches and 14 inches is small enough. Four cards work well for rough estimates.
This method is particularly handy when you’re shopping. You can estimate if something will fit in a specific space. Just remember one thing. You’ll be about half an inch short of a true 14 inches.
5. Two Taper Candles

Standard taper candles are easy to recognize. They’re the tall thin ones often used for dinner tables. They typically measure 7 inches in length. When you place two of them end to end, you get exactly 14 inches. These candles are common in most homes and stores.
Taper candles come in various colors. They’re popular for romantic dinners and special occasions. The 7-inch length has been standard for many years. This is because it fits well in most candlesticks and candelabras. Home goods stores stock them regularly.
You can find taper candles in many places. Try grocery stores, craft stores, and home decoration shops. The consistent 7-inch length makes them reliable measuring tools. Two candles placed together give you something perfect. They give you a perfect 14-inch measurement. This measurement is easy to visualize and remember.
6. Five Golf Tees

A standard golf tee measures approximately 2.75 inches in length. When you line up five golf tees, you get close to 14 inches total. Golf tees are small and easy to carry. This makes them handy measuring tools for golfers.
Most golf stores sell packages of tees. They’re standardized across different brands. Golfers often have several tees in their pockets or golf bags. The wooden or plastic tees maintain consistent measurements. This happens regardless of color or brand.
This measurement isn’t perfectly exact. But five golf tees give you a very good approximation of 14 inches. Golfers find this method useful. They use it when they need to estimate distances on the course. They also use it to check equipment sizes. The tees are lightweight. They won’t take up much space in your measuring toolkit.
7. Standard Rolling Pin

Traditional wooden rolling pins measure between 12 and 16 inches in length. 14 inches is very common. Many baking enthusiasts prefer this length. This is because it handles most cookie and pie dough projects perfectly. The 14-inch length provides good coverage. But it’s not too heavy to manage.
Kitchen supply stores stock rolling pins in various sizes. But the 14-inch version is popular for home baking. It’s long enough to roll out large pieces of dough. But it’s short enough to store easily in most kitchen drawers. Professional bakers often choose this size for everyday use.
You can find rolling pins in many places. Try grocery stores, kitchen shops, and department stores. The measurement includes just the rolling cylinder. It doesn’t include the handles on some models. A 14-inch rolling pin gives you an excellent reference for this measurement. This is especially true if you enjoy baking.
8. Two Medium-sized Bananas

An average medium-sized banana measures about 7 inches. This measurement goes from stem to tip. When you place two bananas end to end, you get approximately 14 inches total. Bananas are available year-round at grocery stores. This makes them accessible measuring tools.
The length can vary slightly. This depends on the variety and ripeness of the bananas. Cavendish bananas are the most common type in stores. They consistently measure close to 7 inches when medium-sized. Green bananas tend to be slightly shorter. Very ripe bananas might be a bit longer.
This measurement method works well. Bananas are curved, but the total length from end to end still works. It still approximates 7 inches per banana. Two bananas give you a practical way to estimate 14 inches. This works especially well when you’re in the kitchen or grocery store.
9. Two Standard Pencils

A standard pencil is common in schools and offices. It measures exactly 7.5 inches before sharpening. Two new pencils placed end to end give you 15 inches.
This is very close to 14 inches. Used pencils that have been sharpened several times will be shorter. They’ll be closer to the 14-inch target.
Number 2 pencils are standardized across manufacturers. This measurement works with any brand. Most people have pencils at home, school, or work. This makes it a convenient measuring method. The hexagonal or round shape doesn’t affect the length measurement.
You can find standard pencils everywhere. Try offices, schools, stores, and homes. Two new pencils give you slightly more than 14 inches. But two pencils that have been used and sharpened will be different. They will be very close to 14 inches exactly.
10. Legal-sized Paper

Legal-sized paper measures 8.5 inches by 14 inches. This makes it perfect for demonstrating this measurement. The longer side of legal paper is exactly 14 inches. This paper size is common in offices, law firms, and government buildings.
Legal paper is different from standard letter-sized paper. Letter-sized paper measures 8.5 by 11 inches. Legal paper provides extra length for contracts, legal documents, and forms. These documents need more space. Office supply stores stock legal-sized paper regularly. Most printers can handle this size.
The 14-inch measurement is the length of legal paper when held vertically. This makes legal-sized paper one of the most accurate references for 14 inches. Offices that handle legal documents always have this paper size available.
11. Professional Chef’s Knife

A professional chef’s knife typically measures 14 inches from tip to end. This includes both the blade and the handle. The blade is usually 10 inches. The handle is usually 4 inches. Professional kitchens commonly use knives of this size for food preparation.
The 14-inch measurement makes these knives versatile. They work well for chopping, slicing, and dicing various ingredients. Restaurant supply stores carry chef’s knives in this size. Serious home cooks often invest in them. The total length provides good leverage and control during cooking.
Kitchen stores stock these knives regularly. So do culinary schools and professional kitchens. The measurement includes the entire knife from tip to handle end. This tool gives you an excellent reference for 14 inches. This is especially true if you’re interested in cooking.
12. Standard Computer Keyboard

A full-size computer keyboard typically measures about 17-18 inches in width. But there’s a specific section to consider. The main key area (excluding the number pad) measures approximately 14 inches. This section includes all the letter keys, function keys, and arrow keys. Most people use these keys regularly.
Compact keyboards work differently. They don’t have number pads. They often measure very close to 14 inches total. These smaller keyboards are popular for laptops and tight desk spaces. Office workers and students use these keyboards daily. This makes them familiar reference points.
You can find computer keyboards in many places. Try electronics stores, office supply shops, and computer repair centers. The 14-inch measurement represents two different things. It’s either the main key section of a full keyboard. Or it’s the total width of a compact keyboard. This makes keyboards reliable tools for estimating 14 inches.
Measurement Comparison Table
Item | Exact Measurement | Notes |
---|---|---|
Legal-sized Paper | 14 inches exactly | Most accurate reference |
Professional Chef’s Knife | ~14 inches | Blade plus handle |
Standard Laptop Screen | 14 inches diagonal | Popular laptop size |
Pizza Peel | 14 inches width | Professional cooking tool |
Vinyl Record + Cover | ~14 inches | Record plus sleeve |
Two Taper Candles | 14 inches exactly | 7 inches each |
Rolling Pin | 12-16 inches | 14 inches is common |
Four Credit Cards | 13.5 inches | Close approximation |
Two Medium Bananas | ~14 inches | 7 inches each |
Two Standard Pencils | 15 inches new | Shorter when used |
Five Golf Tees | ~13.75 inches | Close approximation |
Compact Keyboard | ~14 inches | Without number pad |