Have you ever tried to visualize what 23 feet actually looks like? Whether you’re trying to measure a space, compare dimensions, or simply satisfy your curiosity, understanding real-world objects that are about 23 feet long can provide helpful perspective. In this article, we explore six fascinating things that measure approximately 23 feet. From boats and buses to animals and beams, these comparisons offer both educational insight and practical value.
Read on to discover six things that are around 23 feet long—and gain a better sense of scale along the way.
6 Things That Are About 23 Feet (ft) Long
1. A Standard City Bus (Mini Version)
Most full-size city buses are around 40 feet long, but some smaller or shuttle-style buses measure closer to 23 feet. These compact buses are commonly used for airport shuttles, senior centers, and urban routes where space is limited.
Key Facts:
- Length: ~23 feet
- Capacity: 10–20 passengers
- Use: Urban transit, airport shuttles, special services
Why It Matters:
When you picture a 23-foot space, visualizing a small city bus makes it easier to conceptualize room layouts or parking spaces.
2. Two Compact Cars Parked End to End
Compact cars such as the Honda Fit or Mini Cooper typically range from 11 to 12 feet in length. Lining up two of these vehicles gives you an approximate measurement of 23 feet.
Visual Comparison:
- Honda Fit: ~13.3 feet
- Mini Cooper: ~12 feet
When placed end to end:
- Two compact cars = roughly 23–25 feet
Real-World Application:
Understanding this measurement is useful when assessing garage space or planning vehicle transport trailers.
3. A Full-Grown Male Giraffe
One of the tallest animals in the world, the male giraffe can reach up to 18–20 feet in height, but with extended neck posture, they can appear closer to 23 feet tall.
Fascinating Fact:
- Giraffes use their towering height to browse treetops for leaves, making their impressive length a functional advantage in the wild.
Educational Insight:
Comparing height to length gives new meaning to how we interpret vertical versus horizontal space.
4. A Medium-Sized Recreational Boat
Recreational boats vary in size, but a common mid-range model used for fishing or day cruising often measures around 22 to 24 feet in length.
Typical Specs:
- Length: 22–24 feet
- Seating: Up to 8 people
- Purpose: Water sports, fishing, leisure
Helpful Tip:
When shopping for a boat or planning for storage, knowing that 23 feet is typical for a mid-sized option can guide your expectations.
5. A Telephone Pole Segment
Telephone poles are generally between 30 and 60 feet tall, but segments or shorter poles used in suburban and residential areas can be as short as 23 feet.
Breakdown:
- Standard utility poles: 30–60 feet
- Residential poles or light-duty poles: ~23 feet
Use in Planning:
These poles offer a great visual tool when estimating vertical clearance or visual impact in urban development projects.
6. A Regulation Beam in Gymnastics
While the standard balance beam used in women’s artistic gymnastics is 16.5 feet long, the elevated training areas or modular beams used in gymnastics facilities can measure up to 23 feet for multi-purpose setups.
Beam Types:
- Competition beam: 16.5 feet
- Training/multi-use beam: up to 23 feet
Why It’s Useful:
For gym owners, understanding the range of training equipment dimensions is crucial when designing a facility.
Bonus Mentions
Here are a few additional examples of things that come close to 23 feet:
- Shuttle trailers: Shorter utility trailers used for hauling goods.
- Canoes (multi-person): Extended versions used in group paddling events.
- Limo-style golf carts: Stretched versions often used in large resorts or theme parks.
Conclusion
Understanding what 23 feet looks like in everyday terms can be incredibly helpful—whether you’re visualizing space, planning a purchase, or simply satisfying curiosity. From compact buses and recreational boats to towering giraffes and utility poles, there are many ways to picture this length in real life.
Next time you’re working with dimensions, remember these six relatable and fascinating examples to help put things into perspective.