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
Scattered Thunderstorms from Coast to Coast

Scattered Thunderstorms from Coast to Coast

Portland, Miami, Dallas, Minneapolis, and Ric

25 Mar 2025 1:15 PM
Rare Severe Threat Visits the Northwest

Rare Severe Threat Visits the Northwest

Severe weather has been easy to find it feels

25 Mar 2025 12:45 PM
Heat Wave Targets the West This Week

Heat Wave Targets the West This Week

A strong area of high pressure has taken over

25 Mar 2025 12:30 PM
Avalanche Danger Increases Out West

Avalanche Danger Increases Out West

NORTHWEST - Warmer air is forcing the rain/sn

25 Mar 2025 12:00 PM
NOAA Releases Spring Outlook, River Flood Forecast

NOAA Releases Spring Outlook, River Flood Forecast

FROM NOAA"Forecasters from NOAA’s Climat

25 Mar 2025 9:40 AM
Unsettled Weather From the Plains to Northeast

Unsettled Weather From the Plains to Northeast

NORTHEAST - Winter weather advisories have be

25 Mar 2025 2:40 AM
Storms Winding Down Along the Gulf Coast

Storms Winding Down Along the Gulf Coast

Very large hail has surfaced along our cold f

25 Mar 2025 1:00 AM