Have you ever wondered what size a shovel should be? Or, what kind of shovel is the best for a particular job? We have all the answers you need! In this article, we will explore the various types of shovels available, their sizes, and tips to find the right shovel for the job.
We’ll look at standard garden shovels, snow shovels, long-handled shovels, and short-handled shovels.
Plus, we’ll cover the size of the blade and provide helpful tips for choosing the right shovel.
So let’s get started and find out just how long a shovel should be!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
A shovel typically ranges from 2 to 4 feet in length, with the handle usually being the longest part of the shovel.
The size of the shovel depends on the type of shovel and what it is being used for.
For example, a garden shovel is usually shorter than a snow shovel.
Types of Shovels
When it comes to shovels, size mattersbut its not the only consideration. Depending on the type of shovel you need, there are a variety of sizes available. Heres a brief overview of the most common types of shovels and their respective lengths:
Garden Shovels: Garden shovels are usually around 3 feet in length and feature a wide blade thats ideal for digging and moving soil. These shovels are also great for scooping mulch and gravel.
Snow Shovels: Snow shovels are typically shorter than garden shovels, measuring around 2 feet in length. They feature a rounded blade thats perfect for shoveling light, fluffy snow.
Long-Handled Shovels: Long-handled shovels are perfect for digging deep holes or trenches. They can range in length from 4 to 7 feet, depending on the type.
Short-Handled Shovels: Short-handled shovels are ideal for tight spaces and are usually around 2 feet in length. They’re perfect for digging shallow holes or trenches.
Military Shovels: Military shovels are designed for camping and are usually about 2 feet in length. They feature a unique blade shape that makes them ideal for digging deep trenches or post holes.
The size of the blade also affects the total length of the shovel.
For example, a shovel with a larger blade may be longer than a shovel with a smaller blade.
So, when shopping for a shovel, always take into account both the size of the blade and the length of the handle.
No matter what type of shovel youre looking for, theres sure to be one thats the perfect size for your needs.
Knowing the length of a shovel can help you make an informed purchase decision and get the job done right.
Standard Garden Shovels
When it comes to the length of standard garden shovels, the most common size is about three feet long.
The length is usually determined by the size of the blade, which typically measures between 9 and 11 inches.
Long-handled shovels, such as those used for digging trenches or planting trees, can be up to seven feet long.
On the other hand, short-handled shovels, such as those used for scooping soil, can be as small as two feet in length.
The length of the handle also affects the total length of the shovel.
Long-handled shovels are typically designed with an ergonomic grip that makes them easier to handle and reduces the strain on your back when youre digging.
Short-handled shovels are often used for smaller tasks that dont require as much leverage or effort.
In addition to their length, standard garden shovels also come in different shapes and materials.
Traditional shovels are made of steel, while modern shovels are often made of lighter, more durable materials such as aluminum or plastic.
There are also specialized shovels designed for specific tasks, such as digging trenches or scooping soil.
No matter what type of shovel you choose, its important to make sure its the right size for the job youre doing.
If youre digging a large trench, youll need a longer-handled shovel that will help you reach further down into the soil.
If youre just scooping soil, a shorter-handled shovel should do the trick.
Snow Shovels
When it comes to shovels, one of the most popular types is the snow shovel.
Snow shovels are typically shorter than other varieties, with most averaging around two feet in length.
This makes them ideal for clearing small areas of snow, such as walkways and driveways.
The short length also makes them easier to store, as they can easily fit in a closet or garage.
Snow shovels feature a wide, curved blade that is perfect for scooping and pushing snow.
The handle is usually made of plastic or metal, and it is designed to be ergonomic and comfortable to use.
The length of the handle can vary, but it is usually shorter than the handles of other shovels.
This makes it easier to maneuver in tight spaces.
Long-Handled Shovels
Long-handled shovels are a great choice for those who need to dig deep or reach into tight spaces.
These shovels typically range in length from five to seven feet, depending on the type.
Garden shovels with long handles are typically the longest, reaching up to seven feet.
They are also the most versatile, as they can be used for everything from light gardening work to digging deep trenches.
Long-handled snow shovels are shorter, usually ranging from four to six feet in length.
The extra length of the handle gives the user more leverage when pushing the shovel into the snow, making it easier to move the snow quickly and efficiently.
The blades on long-handled shovels are typically smaller than those on short-handled shovels, which makes them ideal for working in tight spaces or reaching into narrow crevices.
Short-Handled Shovels
When it comes to shovels, size does matter.
Short-handled shovels are perfect for those who don’t have a lot of space to work with, or who need to get up close and personal with the job at hand.
These tools are typically two feet in length, making them easy to store and transport.
The blades on short-handled shovels are typically smaller than those found on long-handled shovels, making them perfect for detailed work such as digging out small plants, scooping mulch, or scooping soil.
Short-handled shovels are also great for children who are just learning how to garden, as they are much easier to handle.
The Size of the Blade
The size of the blade is an important factor when it comes to determining how long a shovel is.
Generally, the larger the shovel blade, the longer the shovel will be overall.
Smaller blades will result in a shorter shovel.
The size of the blade is also an important factor when it comes to the type of work the shovel can do.
A larger blade will be able to scoop up more material, making it ideal for digging deep trenches or moving large amounts of material.
Conversely, smaller blades are better suited for lighter tasks such as scooping up small amounts of snow or light gardening.
The material of the blade is also important.
Steel blades are the most common and are typically used for heavy-duty shovels.
But lighter materials such as aluminum or plastic can also be used for lighter shovels.
The type of material used will affect the overall weight and durability of the shovel, as well as the length.
For example, a steel shovel may be heavier and more durable, but it will also be longer than an aluminum or plastic shovel of the same size.
The type of handle is also a factor in determining the length of a shovel.
Long handles are typically used on shovels intended for digging, while short handles are better suited for lighter tasks such as scooping up snow or light gardening.
Long handles provide more leverage and are better for getting into tight spaces, but can add extra length to the overall shovel.
Short handles are more lightweight and typically don’t add much length to the shovel.
Finally, the type of grip on the handle can also affect the length of the shovel.
A comfortable grip will provide better leverage and control, but may add a few inches to the overall length of the shovel.
If you are looking for a shorter shovel, then opting for a more basic handle grip may be a better option.
In conclusion, the length of a shovel varies depending on the type.
Standard garden shovels are typically about 3 feet long, while snow shovels tend to be shorter at 2 feet.
Long-handled shovels can be up to 7 feet long, while short-handled shovels can be as small as 2 feet in length.
The size of the blade, material, handle, and grip all affect the overall length of the shovel.
So when youre shopping for a shovel, make sure to pay attention to these factors to get the length thats right for you.
Tips for Choosing the Right Shovel
When it comes to choosing the right shovel, there are a few things to consider.
The size of the shovel you need will depend on the job you are using it for.
For example, a long-handled shovel is ideal for digging deep trenches or foundations, while a short-handled shovel is great for smaller jobs such as planting flowers or scooping up dirt in the garden.
The size of the blade is also important to consider.
A larger blade is perfect for moving large amounts of dirt, while a smaller blade is better suited for precision work such as edging or digging holes for plants.
The material of the shovel is also an important factor to consider.
Metal shovels are great for heavy-duty tasks such as digging or moving rocks, while plastic shovels are perfect for lighter tasks such as scooping up leaves or snow.
The handle of the shovel should also be taken into consideration.
Wooden handles provide more comfort than plastic, but metal handles are more durable and usually last longer.
When it comes to the length of the shovel, make sure to measure the area you will be using it in to ensure you get the right size.
If you’re using a shovel for general gardening tasks, a standard garden shovel with a 3-foot handle should be sufficient.
If you’re using a shovel for heavier tasks such as digging, a longer-handled shovel may be better.
For snow shoveling, a shorter-handled shovel is usually the best option.
No matter what type of shovel you choose, it’s important to make sure you always use proper safety measures.
Always wear gloves and protective glasses when using a shovel, and make sure to keep the blade sharp for better results.
Finally, be sure to store your shovel in a dry place to avoid rust and extend its life.
With these tips in mind, you should be able to find the perfect shovel for your needs.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have a better idea of the length of a shovel, you can make an informed decision when it comes to choosing the right shovel for your needs.
Consider the type and size of shovel you need, as well as the size of the blade.
With this knowledge, you can confidently select the shovel that will help you get the job done quickly and efficiently.