Standard Matchstick and Matchbox Dimensions
From small to large, you might’ve seen different types of matches, but have you ever wondered how the sizes of matchsticks are determined? Or What exactly are their dimensions? If yes then this article is for you. Here, you’ll find everything about the standard matchstick and matchbox dimensions.
The first friction-igniting matches hit the market in 1827. These matches lit when they were rubbed against a rough surface. Matchsticks consist of two core parts: a match head and a handle and are carried in boxes or occasionally in jars.
Types of Matchsticks
Based on the design, sizes, and number of sticks, many different types of matchsticks boxes are available in the market.
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But commonly there are two categories — Safety matches and Strike-anywhere matches.
| Match Type | Safety Matches | Strike Anywhere Matches |
|---|---|---|
| Match Head | Made of Potassium chlorate | Made of Potassium chlorate along with Phosphorus sesquisulfide |
| Striking Surface | Special striking surface included on the side of matchboxes | Any rough, hard, and dry surface (e.g. side of the matchbox, wood, rock, brick) |
There are also other types of matches. We’ve provided all of those with short descriptions below:
Safety matches
These matches are matchsticks that light when struck against specifically made striking surfaces. You can see these surfaces on the sides of matchboxes or matchbooks. This is the most popular match, being used in everything from cooking to camping.
There are also different types of safety matches based on their usage.
Daily matches
This is the matchstick box we use regularly. Often, they are book-shaped matchboxes with waxed matchsticks or wooden matchsticks.
The wooden matchstick heads are covered with paraffin and chemical slurry, and the sides of the matchboxes are coated with a phosphorus layer.
Special-purpose matches
Special matches are made with distinct chemical matchheads in order to achieve various special functionalities. Some of them are:
- Extra-long matches: These matches are used for a longer burn period to help light fireplaces, barbecues, or several candles throughout the house.
- Stormproof matches: Stormproof matches are also known as windproof, waterproof, or lifeboat matches. These can light up quickly and are often included in survival kits.
- Decorative Matches: These are matches with various head colors. They are generally utilized in crafting. They give a fun and beautiful touch to a candle gift, gift basket, or to your home decor.
Strike-anywhere matches
Strike-anywhere matches are matchsticks that are lit on any hard, rough, and dry striking surface. The major difference is that the strike-anywhere match head has a white splotch of phosphorus sesquisulfide on the top while the safety match doesn’t.
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Dimensions of Matchsticks
Though there are no actual dimensions of matchsticks, the head should have a length of at least 2.5 millimeters for any matchstick. That means a quarter of one cm. The handle, however, can vary in small, large, or even extra-large size for different purposes.
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Usually, the length of a standard matchstick is 2 to 2.25 inches long. The dimensions of safety matches are 41.5 x 2.0 x 2.0 millimeters.
The size of the wooden matchstick is usually 1.5 to 2 inches (38 to 51 millimeters) and can be up to 3 inches long. In contrast, strike-anywhere matches measure around 2 inches. You can also find long-burning matchsticks that are 4.5 inches (114.3 millimeters) long!
Standard Matchbox Sizes
Standard matchbox dimensions vary from brand to brand. Yet there are certain length, width, and height specifications.
The standard size of a matchbox is 50.5 x 37.5 x 12.5 millimeters. In these boxes, the matches are made with a length of 41.5 millimeters and a thickness of 2 millimeters. Typically there are 40 matchsticks in such sized boxes. However, in some cases, it may be more or less than this amount.
The dimensions of a standard-size matchbox at a glance:
| Box size | In millimeters | In inches | In centimeters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 50.5 mm | 2 in | 5.05 cm |
| Width | 37.5 mm | 1.5 in | 3.75 cm |
| Height | 12.5 mm | 0.5 in | 1.25 cm |
How Many Matchsticks Does A Matchbox Hold?
The number of matchsticks in a matchbox depends on the size of the box. The number also varies from brand to brand. A single matchbox can contain matchsticks from 30 up to 300!
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A regular-size safety matchbox contains around 40-45 matchsticks. Whereas small-size boxes contain around 30 (±) matches. There are even extra-long home light matchboxes that could contain 180 Sticks or more.
What Safety Measures Should Be Followed around Matchsticks?
Matches will not light unless they are rubbed on the specially prepared striking surface provided on the box. Safety matches can ignite in unusual circumstances, such as severe crashes or heavy strikes on a smooth, non-thermally conducting surface.
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But as they are readily ignitable, if misused or not used carefully, they may result in burns or uncontrolled fires. Here are some of the safety measurements we all should be aware of while using matches.
First-aid measures
Mishandled matchsticks can result in minor burning or sometimes even more. So, it’s good to have first aid arrangements nearby in case any accident happens.
Accidental release measures
If a large number of matches are discharged due to packaging breakage, try to remove all possible ignition sources, retrieve any undamaged product, and soak the remaining product before cleaning up.
Firefighting measures
Except for an extinguisher, water is the most effective extinguisher for match fires. So, make sure there are water sources available that may be used in case of an accident, whether within the kitchen or outside while camping or trekking.
Keep matches and lighters away from kids
Kids as young as two years old have been reported to have started fires with matches and lighters. So if you live with children, keep the matches away from them. It’s better to store them in a locked cabinet.
Conclusion
As time passed, matches evolved and became safer with suitable sizes. Different sizes of matches are manufactured based on different purposes. Although sizes may not be absolutely necessary, knowing the sizes can help to get the right one in the needed quantity.
