How long is the *average* piece of string?

Not unreasonable theory. When I was at school we had to calculate the length of a theoretical long solenoid (can't remember why) Do let us know the answer when you've worked it out. I have one piece that's 1.5 metres long.

Nice idea in theory, but how are you going to be sure your answer is even accurate let alone reliable.

"Average" can mean any of three things: "Mean" is the total length of all pieces of string divided by the number of pieces. "Median" is the length of which half of all pieces are longer and half are shorter. "Mode" is the lenth that occurs most frequently. The mean length of a piece of string is 63.82 inches. The medial length is 128.6 inches. The mode for lengths of string is 51.14 inches.

By using the term average, you are tending to assume a specific use for that string. The average length of string used for tying around your finger as a reminder will be much shorter that the average string length used for tying up a package. As far as the average length of all pieces of string, probably easier to figure out the average size of a grain of sand. String, when produced as a long piece wound around a tube and sold is then meant to be cut smaller...and smaller and smaller, so the average size is constantly in a state of great flux. The average size of a pieceof sand is more stable.

String is mostly bought in rolls. But the string that exists in peoples homes, in kitchen draws etc has been cut up. According to Professor Illegible at the University of Spaghetti, the average length is 22 inches. (median, not mean). The research continues...