Twenty-three inches — not quite two feet, but definitely substantial. It’s that perfect middle-ground measurement that shows up everywhere, from your furniture to your favorite musical instruments. It’s long enough to make an impression, yet still small enough to fit comfortably in your daily life. Whether you’re measuring a household item or just trying to visualize what this length looks like, you’ll be surprised how common 23 inches really is.
Let’s explore what 23 inches long looks like and discover twelve familiar objects that measure right around this size.
Understanding the Length of 23 Inches
To put it simply, 23 inches equals 1 foot and 11 inches, or about 58.42 centimeters. That’s just a hair shy of two feet — roughly the distance from your shoulder to your wrist for many adults, or the height of a small stool or compact monitor. If you can picture two standard sheets of printer paper placed end to end, that’s about 23 inches total.
This measurement pops up everywhere, often in designs where balance and practicality matter. From home décor and electronics to sports gear and travel accessories, 23 inches is a sweet spot between big enough to be functional and small enough to handle easily.
1. Computer Monitor or TV Screen
One of the most common examples of 23 inches in modern life is a computer monitor or small television screen. A 23-inch monitor gives you a generous viewing area without overwhelming your workspace. It’s ideal for office desks, college dorms, or minimalist setups where you need clarity and comfort. If you’ve ever watched Netflix or edited photos on a screen that feels “just right,” chances are it was close to 23 inches.
2. Acoustic Guitar Body
The body of an acoustic guitar (measured from the top of the neck joint to the bottom) often lands around 22 to 23 inches. This size helps produce deep, full tones while maintaining a comfortable hold. Whether it’s a dreadnought or a parlor-style guitar, that body length plays a key role in creating that warm resonance every musician loves.
3. Ceiling Fan Blade (Half Span)
Ceiling fans are typically labeled by their full diameter, so a 46-inch fan will have blades that each extend about 23 inches from the center. That’s the perfect size for mid-sized rooms where you need strong airflow without a bulky fixture. So when you look up at your ceiling fan spinning on a summer afternoon, you’re probably watching 23 inches of smooth, circular motion.
4. Skateboard or Mini Longboard
Compact cruiser skateboards often range from 22 to 24 inches long, making 23 inches a popular pick for short-distance rides or younger skaters. It’s long enough for stability but small enough to tuck under your arm when you’re done. If you’ve ever zipped down a sidewalk on a lightweight board, you’ve felt the freedom of 23 inches of rolling fun.
5. Medium Table Lamp
Many table lamps designed for desks, nightstands, or side tables stand around 23 inches tall. It’s that sweet spot where the lamp is tall enough to spread light evenly across your workspace but not so tall that it overwhelms the décor. It’s also a common size for reading lamps, making it both functional and stylish in any home setting.
6. Carry-On Suitcase
While the airline limit for carry-on luggage is often 22 inches, many brands produce 23-inch suitcases that maximize storage space without crossing most domestic size rules. That extra inch gives you more room for shoes, toiletries, or travel gadgets — perfect for weekend trips or short vacations. If you’ve ever tried to pack “just one more outfit,” that extra inch makes a difference.
7. Snowboard for Kids or Beginners
In the world of winter sports, 23 inches represents the size of mini snowboards or balance trainers for children. These smaller boards help kids learn proper stance and control before upgrading to full-sized snowboards. It’s a fun, functional length that keeps practice safe and easy to manage.
8. Flat Screen Soundbar
A soundbar measuring around 23 inches long is designed to pair with mid-sized TVs (typically 32–40 inches). It’s compact enough to sit beneath the screen but powerful enough to amplify audio for movies or music. The next time you enjoy rich, theater-quality sound from a sleek black bar under your TV, that little sound machine is likely right around 23 inches in width.
9. Car Rim or Tire Diameter
Many sporty SUVs, sedans, and high-performance vehicles feature 23-inch rims for an aggressive, stylish appearance. Models like the Range Rover Sport SVR and Cadillac Escalade V-Series use 23-inch wheels to balance visual impact with road performance. This measurement isn’t just aesthetic — it’s also about handling and precision, making it one of the most functional uses of 23 inches on the road.
10. Rolling Pin or French Pin
For home bakers and pastry chefs, a rolling pin measuring 23 inches from handle to handle offers better coverage when rolling out large sheets of dough. French-style rolling pins, which lack handles, often measure around the same length. It’s a tool that’s both graceful and efficient — proof that even baking has its golden proportions.
11. Small Dog or Cat Length
Many medium-sized pets, such as French Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels, or large cats like Maine Coons, measure roughly 23 inches long from shoulder to tail base. It’s that perfect cuddle length — not too big to hold, but long enough to fill your lap. If you’ve got a furry companion at home, you might already have a living, breathing 23-inch example of love and loyalty.
12. Baby or Toddler Height
A newborn baby measures around 19–21 inches at birth, and within a few months, many grow close to 23 inches long. It’s a length that marks a time of fast growth and adorable milestones. Holding a baby who’s just reached that size gives you a sense of how this measurement translates — small enough to cradle, yet long enough to marvel at how quickly they’re growing.
Everyday Ways to Visualize 23 Inches
Tip: On screens, CSS “inches” are logical units (96px = 1 in).
For true physical inches, print this page at 100% scale (no “fit to page”).
If you ever need to picture 23 inches without a measuring tool, here are some easy visual cues:
- It’s about the length of two standard rulers minus one inch.
- A keyboard plus a smartphone laid side by side equals roughly 23 inches.
- Most ceiling fan blades for mid-sized rooms are about that length.
- A carry-on suitcase standing upright is right around 23 inches tall.
These comparisons make it easy to estimate the measurement in everyday life.
Where You’ll Encounter 23 Inches in Daily Life
This length appears everywhere once you start noticing — in furniture, appliances, décor, and design. It’s often used when balance, proportion, and utility matter. For example:
- Designers choose 23-inch lamps or monitors for aesthetic symmetry.
- Travelers appreciate 23-inch luggage for efficient packing.
- Engineers use 23-inch components in cars for precision.
- Musicians rely on it for instruments that are both resonant and comfortable.
It’s the quiet hero of design — a length that feels natural, adaptable, and universal.
Fun Fact: Nature and 23 Inches
In nature, 23 inches appears more often than you’d think. Many species of fish, snakes, and birds average this size as adults — big enough to survive but small enough to stay agile. For instance, a 23-inch trout is considered a prize catch, while certain tropical birds have wingspans right around this length. Even in the animal kingdom, 23 inches hits that ideal middle ground between strength and grace.
Final Thoughts
At first glance, 23 inches may not sound extraordinary — but it quietly defines the shape and function of countless everyday items. It’s the width of your monitor, the height of your lamp, the reach of your rolling pin, and the stretch of your pet on the couch.
What makes this measurement special is its balance: not too short to be trivial, not too long to be cumbersome. It’s practical, elegant, and familiar — a perfect example of how design and life often meet in the middle.
So next time you hear “23 inches long,” don’t think of it as just a number. Picture it in the world around you — from your guitar to your fan blades to your travel bag. Chances are, it’s already right there within reach.
Curious how just one more inch changes things? Check out our next post — 12 popular things that are 24 inches long, where we highlight familiar objects that show how this two-foot length fits perfectly into everyday life.
