20 Common Things That Are 1.375 Inches Long (Everyday Examples)

1.375 inches is exactly 1 and 3/8 inches, or 34.925 millimeters (3.4925 centimeters). If you want to picture this measurement, imagine a stack of 20 U.S. quarters, a 1⅜-inch cabinet knob, or a round button measuring 35 millimeters across. These everyday examples make it easier to understand how long 1.375 inches really is.

Some objects are manufactured to this exact dimension, while others provide useful approximations. Below are 20 practical examples, a conversion table, and simple ways to estimate or measure this length accurately. For more helpful everyday measurement guides, visit Snap Planets.

Key Takeaways

• 1.375 inches equals exactly 1⅜ inches, 34.925 millimeters, or 3.4925 centimeters.
• A stack of 20 U.S. quarters measures approximately 1.378 inches based on the U.S. Mint’s nominal coin thickness.
• Cabinet knobs, decorative buttons, hole saws, and hardware sold in 1⅜-inch sizes provide convenient measurement references.
• 1.375 inches is exactly halfway between 1.25 inches and 1.5 inches.
• For accurate measurements, use a ruler marked in eighths or sixteenths of an inch rather than relying on random household objects.

20 Everyday Things That Are 1.375 Inches Long or Wide

To understand 1.375 inches, it helps to compare the measurement with objects you can hold, stack, or find around your home. The distance is slightly more than one inch and noticeably less than one and a half inches.

The examples below include objects with a specified 1⅜-inch dimension, items that can be close to 35 millimeters, and objects that can be combined to create a similar measurement. Because everyday products vary, an item should only be treated as an exact reference when its dimensions are known.

1. A Stack of 20 U.S. Quarters

Twenty U.S. quarters stacked flat create one of the most useful comparisons for 1.375 inches. According to the United States Mint’s coin specifications, a standard quarter has a nominal thickness of 1.75 millimeters.

Multiplying 1.75 millimeters by 20 gives 35 millimeters, equivalent to approximately 1.378 inches. That is only about 0.003 inches longer than 1.375 inches, making the stack an excellent practical approximation. Actual stack height can vary slightly with coin wear and manufacturing tolerances.

2. A 1⅜-Inch Cabinet Knob

Round cabinet knobs are available in different diameters, including 1⅜ inches. A knob with this specified diameter measures exactly 1.375 inches across its widest point.

Cabinet knobs are particularly useful visual references because their circular shape makes the measurement easy to picture. Check the product dimensions rather than assuming every kitchen cabinet knob has the same diameter.

3. A 35-Millimeter Decorative Button

Large decorative buttons used on coats, jackets, costumes, and craft projects may be sold in 35-millimeter sizes. A button with a 35-millimeter diameter measures approximately 1.378 inches across.

That makes it just slightly wider than 1.375 inches. A large, flat button is also convenient for comparing the width of small objects on a table.

4. A 1⅜-Inch Hole Saw

A hole saw is a circular cutting tool used with a drill to create openings in wood, plastic, and certain other materials. Hole saws sold with a nominal cutting diameter of 1⅜ inches provide a direct reference to this measurement.

The stated diameter refers to the intended cutting size, not necessarily every outside dimension of the tool. For an accurate comparison, refer to the manufacturer’s marked size rather than measuring the exterior of the saw body.

5. A 1⅜-Inch Wooden Dowel

Wooden dowels are cylindrical rods used in woodworking, furniture making, decorative projects, and repairs. A dowel specifically manufactured with a 1⅜-inch diameter gives a useful example of the distance across a circle.

Unlike the length of a dowel, which may be several feet, the relevant 1.375-inch measurement is its thickness. Manufactured dowels can have tolerances, so measure the actual diameter for projects requiring a precise fit.

6. A 1⅜-Inch Socket Opening

Large socket wrenches include sockets labeled by the size of the fastener they fit. A socket marked 1⅜ inches is designed for a corresponding nominal wrenching dimension.

The measurement applies to the socket opening, not the overall length or outside diameter. This distinction matters when using a socket as a measuring reference.

7. A 1⅜-Inch Wrench Opening

An open-end wrench labeled 1⅜ inches is designed to fit a fastener with a matching nominal width across its flats. The distance between the wrench’s opposing jaws provides a practical representation of the measurement.

Because the jaws require a small amount of clearance, their actual separation may not be precisely 1.375 inches. The labeled wrench size is the relevant nominal reference.

8. A 1⅜-Inch Round Craft Punch

Craft punches cut decorative shapes from paper or cardstock. Circular punches with a specified 1⅜-inch cutting diameter produce paper circles approximately 1.375 inches across.

A punched paper circle offers a lightweight comparison that can be placed next to another object. Its size is especially useful for scrapbooking, handmade cards, labels, and school projects.

9. A 1⅜-Inch Round Sticker

Round adhesive labels and stickers can be manufactured in 1⅜-inch diameters. A sticker in this size measures 1.375 inches from one edge to the opposite edge through its center.

This makes it a convenient flat reference for visualizing width on packaging, notebooks, or craft materials. Sticker sizes vary widely, so select one that explicitly lists the desired diameter.

10. A 1⅜-Inch Rubber Washer

Washers and sealing rings are produced in numerous inside and outside diameters. A rubber washer specified with an outside diameter of 1⅜ inches measures 1.375 inches across its outer edges.

Always distinguish the outside diameter from the inside diameter. Two washers can share the same nominal inside diameter while having very different overall widths.

11. A Small Garlic Clove

Individual garlic cloves differ greatly in size depending on the variety and the bulb. Some small cloves are approximately 1⅜ inches long from their pointed ends to their bases.

Garlic is a helpful kitchen comparison when you only need to picture the general scale. However, it is not a dependable substitute for a ruler because even cloves from the same bulb can have different lengths.

12. A Short Golf Tee

Golf tees are available in several lengths for different clubs and ball heights. A tee sold as 1⅜ inches long provides an exact nominal reference, while other short tees may be somewhat longer or shorter.

The relevant dimension is the overall length of the tee, rather than the height of the ball above the ground after the tee has been inserted. Check the product’s stated length before using it as a reference.

13. A Small House Key Blade

The metal blade of a household key is the part extending from the shoulder toward the tip and entering the lock. Some key blades can be close to 1.375 inches, although actual dimensions depend on the key blank and lock design.

Do not confuse the blade length with the complete key length, which also includes the bow or grip. Measure from the appropriate shoulder to the tip when checking an actual key.

14. A Closed Safety Pin

Safety pins are manufactured in many sizes for clothing repairs, sewing, quilting, and crafts. Certain medium-sized pins can have an overall closed length near 1⅜ inches.

A safety pin measuring about 35 millimeters is a particularly close comparison. Choose a pin whose packaged size matches the target rather than assuming that all medium safety pins are identical.

15. A Large Paper Clip

Paper clips range from small desk clips to oversized and jumbo designs. Some intermediate sizes can approach 1.375 inches from end to end.

Because clip size labels are not always consistent between manufacturers, the most useful method is to measure the longest outer dimension of an individual clip. A measured clip can then serve as a reusable visual reference.

16. A Small Craft Foam Ball

Craft foam balls are used for decorations, school models, ornaments, and miniature displays. A ball with a 35-millimeter diameter is approximately 1.378 inches wide.

The diameter can be measured in any direction through the center of the sphere. Foam is compressible, however, so pressing a measuring tool firmly against it may distort the result.

17. A Small Seashell

Many small seashells can be around 1⅜ inches long, particularly when measured from their longest natural points. Their shapes and sizes depend on the species and individual specimen.

A seashell is useful for visual comparisons in nature activities, but it does not offer a standardized measurement. Two shells that look similar may differ considerably in length.

18. A Large Decorative Bead

Craft beads and jewelry components are manufactured in many sizes. A spherical decorative bead with a diameter of 35 millimeters is approximately 1.378 inches across.

This is larger than many beads used for conventional necklaces or bracelets, but sizes in this range can be found in decorative craft materials. The diameter, rather than the hole through the bead, is the dimension to compare.

19. A Small Miniature Toy Accessory

Miniature furniture, toy food, and dollhouse accessories sometimes have one dimension around 35 millimeters. For example, a small toy plate or miniature decorative object may be close to 1⅜ inches across.

These items can help children visualize measurements, particularly when working with models and scale drawings. Their dimensions are product-specific, so check them before treating an accessory as a measuring guide.

20. A 1⅜-Inch Square Craft Tile

Small square tiles are useful for mosaics, decorative projects, and miniature displays. A craft tile specified as 1⅜ inches square measures 1.375 inches along each side.

Unlike a rounded or irregular object, a square provides straight edges that are easy to compare with a ruler or another flat object. The diagonal is longer than the side, so measure along an edge when using the tile as a reference.

How Long Is 1.375 Inches in Other Measurement Units?

The exact metric equivalent of 1.375 inches is 34.925 millimeters. Since one inch is defined as exactly 25.4 millimeters, converting between inches and metric units is straightforward.

For casual comparisons, rounding to 35 millimeters or 3.5 centimeters is generally reasonable. However, these rounded figures are not exactly the same as 1.375 inches, so use the full conversion when precision matters.

Converting 1.375 Inches to a Fraction

To express the decimal measurement as a fraction, separate the whole number from the decimal portion.

1. Start with 1.375 inches.
2. Separate the whole number, which is 1.
3. Convert 0.375 into the fraction 375/1000.
4. Simplify the fraction by dividing the numerator and denominator by 125.
5. The result is 1 + 3/8, or 1⅜ inches.

This fractional form is particularly useful for reading tape measures, selecting hardware, and following woodworking plans.

How Does 1.375 Inches Compare With Other Common Lengths?

The easiest way to understand 1.375 inches is to position it between measurements you already recognize. It is greater than 1.25 inches but smaller than 1.5 inches.

Notice that 1.375 inches is exactly one-eighth of an inch above 1.25 inches and one-eighth below 1.5 inches. This makes it the midpoint between those two measurements.

In percentage terms, 1.375 inches is 37.5% longer than one inch. It is also approximately 8.33% shorter than 1.5 inches.

How to Measure 1.375 Inches Accurately

While everyday objects help you visualize the measurement, a ruler or caliper gives a more dependable result. The best method depends on how precise your project needs to be.

Method 1: Use a Standard Ruler

Most rulers in the United States include fractional markings that make it easy to locate 1⅜ inches.

1. Find the zero mark on the ruler.
2. Locate the first full-inch mark.
3. Count three eighth-inch divisions beyond that mark.
4. The third eighth-inch division is 1⅜ inches.
5. Align the object with zero and check whether its endpoint matches the mark.

If your ruler uses sixteenths of an inch, locate the sixth small division after the one-inch mark. Six sixteenths simplify to three eighths.

Method 2: Use a Metric Ruler

On a metric ruler, find the 3-centimeter mark and continue approximately 4.925 millimeters farther. This gives the exact mathematical equivalent of 1.375 inches.

Because an ordinary ruler generally has one-millimeter divisions, measuring 34.925 millimeters precisely is difficult. For everyday work, the 35-millimeter mark provides a close visual estimate.

Method 3: Use Digital Calipers

Digital calipers are useful when measuring small mechanical components, fasteners, fittings, and parts that must fit together.

Switch the display to inches and measure until it reads 1.375, assuming the instrument has sufficient resolution. Calipers can also measure internal openings and depths, depending on their design.

For accurate results, close and zero the jaws first, keep them square to the measurement, and avoid applying excessive pressure to soft materials.

Method 4: Stack Quarters for a Quick Estimate

If you do not have a ruler, place 20 standard U.S. quarters in a neat vertical stack. Using the nominal thickness of 1.75 millimeters per coin, the combined height is about 35 millimeters.

This method is helpful for demonstrating the scale, but it is less suitable for exact measurements because coins can have minor variations in thickness and wear.

Where Is a 1⅜-Inch Measurement Used?

Measurements around 1.375 inches appear in household fittings, woodworking, crafts, and product specifications. Understanding the difference between exact nominal dimensions and approximate sizes helps you choose suitable materials.

Cabinet Hardware and Furniture

Decorative knobs may be described by their diameter, while pulls are often specified by the center-to-center distance between mounting holes. A 1⅜-inch knob diameter therefore means something different from a 1⅜-inch hole spacing.

When replacing cabinet hardware, measure both the visible size and the mounting requirements. A matching outside dimension does not guarantee that two pieces will install identically.

Woodworking and Hole Cutting

Carpenters encounter fractional-inch measurements when working with cutting tools, dowels, fasteners, and layout marks. A hole saw labeled 1⅜ inches is intended to produce a hole of approximately that diameter under suitable cutting conditions.

If a component needs to fit into the opening, account for its actual dimensions, cutting tolerances, and any required clearance. The nominal sizes alone may not ensure the desired fit.

Sewing and Clothing Repairs

Buttons measuring approximately 35 millimeters are suitable for some larger clothing applications and decorative projects. When replacing a button, both the visible diameter and the thickness are important.

Also check the garment’s buttonhole size. A button with the correct diameter may still be unsuitable if it is significantly thicker than the original.

Crafts and Model Making

Circle punches, beads, stickers, and small tiles are frequently sold using either inch or metric dimensions. A 35-millimeter component is very close to a 1⅜-inch component, but the values differ by 0.075 millimeters.

That difference is usually negligible for casual decorations, yet it may matter in tightly fitted assemblies. For precision work, choose components based on their required tolerances.

Common Mistakes When Estimating 1.375 Inches

Small measurements can be surprisingly easy to misjudge. Avoiding a few common mistakes makes your comparisons more useful.

• Confusing diameter with length: A round button may be 1.375 inches across, but that does not describe its thickness or circumference.
• Assuming all similar objects are identical: Bottle caps, keys, clips, and knobs vary in size by design and manufacturer.
• Rounding too aggressively: Although 35 millimeters is close to 1.375 inches, the two values are not mathematically identical.
• Measuring from the ruler’s physical edge: Some rulers have a gap before the zero mark. Start at the actual zero line.
• Mixing up nominal and actual dimensions: A tool or fitting may be labeled with a nominal size that does not match every measurable dimension of the product.
• Measuring at an angle: A diagonal measurement across a rectangular object is longer than its straight horizontal width.

If you need to cut material, fit a mechanical part, or drill a carefully sized hole, avoid treating an estimated household comparison as an exact specification.

How to Visualize 1.375 Inches Without a Ruler

For a quick mental picture, think of something about 3.5 centimeters across. That is roughly the diameter of a large decorative button or a small cabinet knob in the corresponding size range.

You can also use the following comparisons:

• One inch plus three eighths: Imagine a full inch followed by three additional eighth-inch divisions.
• Halfway between 1¼ and 1½ inches: This is especially useful when looking at ruler markings.
• Approximately 35 millimeters: A simple metric comparison for small objects.
• Twenty stacked quarters: A physical reference that comes remarkably close to the intended height.
• A 1⅜-inch cabinet knob: A round object with a labeled diameter that can illustrate the measurement.

For rough size estimation, these examples can help you decide whether an object is around one inch, one and a half inches, or somewhere between the two. For exact fitting, return to a calibrated measuring instrument.

Choosing Between 1.375 Inches and Nearby Sizes

When purchasing materials, choosing a close measurement is not always the same as choosing the correct one. A difference of 0.125 inches may appear minor, but it equals 3.175 millimeters.

For decorative objects, that difference might be visually acceptable. For components intended to fit together, such as a shaft and a matching hole, it can be substantial.

Before choosing a size, consider:

1. What dimension matters? Determine whether the specification refers to length, width, diameter, thickness, or hole spacing.
2. Is the measurement exact or nominal? A manufacturer’s size label may identify an intended standard rather than the exact physical dimension.
3. How much clearance is required? Moving components, tight fittings, and decorative assemblies have different requirements.
4. What measurement tolerance is acceptable? A paper craft may not require the precision necessary for a mechanical part.
5. Are both measurements in the same units? Convert all dimensions before comparing them.

For example, substituting a 1½-inch decorative object for a 1⅜-inch one may be acceptable if appearance is the only concern. However, substituting a 1½-inch fastener or fitting for a required 1⅜-inch part may prevent proper assembly.

Understanding the Real Size of 1.375 Inches

Things that are 1.375 inches long or wide include specifically sized cabinet knobs, decorative buttons, hole saws, craft supplies, and selected hardware components. A stack of 20 U.S. quarters is another helpful reference, measuring approximately 1.378 inches using nominal coin thickness.

The key measurement to remember is that 1.375 inches equals exactly 1⅜ inches or 34.925 millimeters. It is halfway between 1¼ inches and 1½ inches, making it easy to locate on a fractional ruler.

Use everyday objects when you need a quick visual estimate, but choose a ruler or caliper whenever the measurement affects fit, safety, or precision. Always verify an individual object’s dimensions rather than assuming that all products of the same type share an identical size.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 1.375 inches as a fraction?

1.375 inches is exactly 1⅜ inches, or one and three eighths of an inch. The decimal portion, 0.375, simplifies to the fraction 3/8.

How many millimeters are in 1.375 inches?

There are exactly 34.925 millimeters in 1.375 inches. For rough everyday comparisons, you can round this to approximately 35 millimeters.

What everyday object is closest to 1.375 inches?

A stack of 20 standard U.S. quarters is a particularly close physical example, with a nominal combined height of 35 millimeters. A cabinet knob specifically labeled 1⅜ inches in diameter is another practical reference.

Is 1.375 inches the same as 1⅜ inches?

Yes, both represent exactly the same measurement. The decimal notation is commonly used in calculations and digital measuring tools, while the fractional notation is convenient for rulers and woodworking measurements.

Is 1.375 inches bigger than 1.25 inches?

Yes, 1.375 inches is exactly 0.125 inches longer than 1.25 inches. That difference equals one-eighth of an inch, or 3.175 millimeters.

How do you find 1.375 inches on a tape measure?

Find the one-inch mark and move three eighth-inch divisions farther along the tape. If your tape uses sixteenth-inch marks, count six sixteenth-inch divisions after the one-inch mark.

Can I use a bottle cap to estimate 1.375 inches?

You can use a bottle cap as a rough visual comparison, but cap diameters vary depending on the bottle and closure design. Measure the cap first if you want to use it as a dependable reference.

Is 35 millimeters exactly equal to 1.375 inches?

No, 35 millimeters equals approximately 1.37795 inches, which is slightly larger than 1.375 inches. The difference is just 0.075 millimeters, so the two measurements are close enough for many informal comparisons but should not be treated as identical in precision work.