When we think of 20 meters, it may seem like an abstract measurement, but it’s a significant length in everyday life. From massive animals like the blue whale to structures like a six-story building, many objects match this impressive size. This article explores 15 common things that are 20 meters big, helping you visualize this measurement with relatable examples.
How Long is 20 Meters?
20 meters is a significant length, measuring approximately 65.6 feet or 21.87 yards. This is roughly the height of a six-story building or the length of a bowling lane.
To put this into perspective, 20 meters is about the length of two school buses lined up end to end. Understanding this scale helps visualize large objects in our daily lives.
Simple Ways to Measure 20 Meters at Home
One easy way to measure 20 meters is by using a measuring tape or a 20-meter rope. Unrolling it in a straight line gives a precise estimate of this length.
Another practical method is to count large steps. The average adult stride is about 0.8 meters, so taking 25 steps will approximate 20 meters.
1. Blue Whale
The blue whale is the largest animal on Earth, often reaching up to 30 meters in length. However, many grow to around 20 meters, making them a great reference for this size.
These gentle giants can weigh over 150 tons, and their hearts alone can be as heavy as a small car. They use low-frequency sounds to communicate over vast ocean distances.
2. School Bus and a Half
A standard school bus measures about 12 meters long, meaning that one and a half buses together span roughly 20 meters.
School buses are widely used for student transportation, and they are designed with strict safety features, making them one of the safest vehicles on the road.
3. Humpback Whale Flippers
The humpback whale’s pectoral flipperscan reach lengths of up to 20 meters, making them some of the longest appendages in the animal kingdom.
These flippers help the whale maneuver gracefully in the water, and they use them to slap the surface as a form of communication and hunting technique.
4. Tennis Court (Almost Full Length)
A standard tennis court measures 23.77 meters, which means that 20 meters covers nearly the entire length, excluding the service boxes.
Tennis courts are used for recreational and professional matches, and their size is regulated by the International Tennis Federation (ITF).
5. Two Adult Elephants Lined Up
A fully grown African elephant can be 6 meters long, so two large elephants standing trunk to tail would span approximately 20 meters.
Elephants are highly intelligent creatures with excellent memory, and they use their trunks for drinking, grabbing food, and even greeting each other.
Read this blog: 15 Things That Are About 75 Feet (ft) Long
6. Giraffe’s Neck and Head
A giraffe’s neck and head can measure up to 6 meters, making up a large portion of its overall height of 5.5 to 6 meters.
These towering mammals rely on their long necks to reach tree leaves, and they have a unique blood circulation system to handle their height.
7. 20-Meter Swimming Pool
Many private pools and small training pools measure exactly 20 meters, which is less than half the size of an Olympic pool (50 meters).
Swimming is one of the best full-body exercises, offering benefits like cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and low-impact joint movement.
8. Two London Double-Decker Buses
The famous red double-decker buses in London are around 9.5 meters long. Placing two of them end to end equals about 20 meters.
These buses are a key mode of public transport, offering commuters and tourists a scenic viewof the city from the top deck.
9. Fire Truck with an Extended Ladder
A standard fire truck is about 10 meters long, and when its ladder is fully extended, the total length can reach 20 meters.
Fire trucks are designed for rapid emergency response, carrying essential firefighting equipment and providing access to tall buildings.
Read this blog: 15 Common Things That Are 20 Inches Long
10. Bowling Lane
A standard bowling lane measures 20.1 meters, making it one of the easiest real-world examples of this length.
Bowling has been played for thousands of years, and modern lanes use automated pinsetters and oiled surfaces to ensure smooth play.
11. Three Mid-Sized Cars in a Row
An average mid-sized sedan measures about 4.5 to 5 meters, so parking three cars bumper to bumper gives a total length close to 20 meters.
Car sizes vary by make and model, but compact, mid-size, and SUVs all fit within a certain range, making them useful references for measuring distances.
12. A Full Volleyball Court
A volleyball court is 18 meters long, which is just 2 meters, shy of 20 meters, making it another great reference.
Volleyball is played both indoors and on beaches, and professional matches require strict court dimensions and net height regulations.
13. Average Height of a Six-Story Building
A typical six-story building stands at around 20 meters tall, assuming each floor is 3.3 meters high.
Building heights vary depending on construction standards, but this estimate helps visualize urban landscapes in a relatable way.
14. A Large Billboard
Large roadside billboards can be 20 meters wide, allowing for maximum visibility for passing drivers.
Billboard advertising is a powerful marketing tool, used by brands worldwide to capture attention and deliver impactful messages.
15. Two Telephone Poles Stacked
A single telephone pole is about 10 meters tall, so stacking two on top of each other results in a height of 20 meters.
These poles support power lines and communication cables, ensuring reliable electricity and internet services in both urban and rural areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I estimate 20 meters without a measuring tool?
1. Use your stride length—about 25 large steps can approximate 20 meters.
2. Compare to common objects like school buses, trees, or tennis courts.
3. Use a smartphone app for measuring distances digitally.
Are there animals larger than 20 meters?
Yes! The blue whale can grow up to 30 meters, and prehistoric creatures like the Megalodon were estimated to reach 25 meters in length.
estimate large distances at home, in nature, and in urban environments.
Conclusion
Understanding 15 common things that are 20 meters big helps put this length into perspective in everyday life. From massive whales to towering buildings, these objects showcase the incredible scale of the world around us. Whether measuring at home or visualizing distances, recognizing these examples makes 20 meters feel more tangible and relatable.
