How Hail Is Measured

news image
Top Stories
26 Mar 2018 3:54 PM
How big are hailstones?  That definitely can depend on where you live and how strong an updraft the storm has that produces them! The best way to find out how large the hail might be that fell in your yard is to take an actual measurement. Depending on what the diameter is in inches will determine the size. The chart below, as provided by the Storm Prediction Center, shows how hail is typically measured.
 

HAIL SIZE (in.)

 

OBJECT ANALOG REPORTED

.50

Marble, moth ball

.75

Penny

.88

Nickel

1.00

Quarter

1.25

Half dollar

1.50

Walnut, ping pong

1.75

Golf ball

2.00

Hen egg

2.50

Tennis ball

2.75

Baseball

3.00

Tea cup

4.00

Softball

4.50

Grapefruit

The biggest hailstone ever measured was a whopper, and fell in South Dakota in 2010! https://twitter.com/NWSDesMoines/status/978368351843110913 If you have any videos or photos of hail, make sure to share them with us on our Facebook or Twitter pages! For WeatherNation, I'm Meteorologist Meredith Garofalo
All Weather News
More
Severe Storms and Flooding Threaten Texas Late Week

Severe Storms and Flooding Threaten Texas Late Week

Texas is bracing for several days of active w

12 Jun 2025 5:00 PM
Eastern Pacific Hurricane Season off to a Fast Start, Atlantic Remains Quiet

Eastern Pacific Hurricane Season off to a Fast Start, Atlantic Remains Quiet

Eastern Pacific OceanThe 2025 Eastern Pacific

12 Jun 2025 4:55 PM
FATHER'S DAY WEEKEND: Looking Ahead to the Forecast

FATHER'S DAY WEEKEND: Looking Ahead to the Forecast

Okay. Explanation needed. Dr. Jim is the only

12 Jun 2025 4:50 PM
Northwest: From Heatwave to Thunderstorms

Northwest: From Heatwave to Thunderstorms

An upper-level ridge of high pressure has bee

12 Jun 2025 12:50 PM
CSU Updates Their Tropical Outlook

CSU Updates Their Tropical Outlook

JUNE 11, 2025The folks at Colorado State plan

11 Jun 2025 4:05 PM
Isolated Severe Threat for the Gulf Overnight

Isolated Severe Threat for the Gulf Overnight

Heavy rain has been no stranger in the south.

11 Jun 2025 2:35 AM
Severe Storms Possible Again Today in the Southeast

Severe Storms Possible Again Today in the Southeast

We saw an active day yesterday across the sou

10 Jun 2025 4:55 PM