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
Low Pressure Brings Smoke, Showers, & Cool Air to the Northeast

Low Pressure Brings Smoke, Showers, & Cool Air to the Northeast

An upper-level low is bringing cooler air to

7 Jun 2023 3:00 PM
Thunderstorms Continue for the Southeastern U.S.

Thunderstorms Continue for the Southeastern U.S.

South Carolina and western Georgia are in for

7 Jun 2023 1:00 PM
Flood & Severe Threat Across the Plains this Week

Flood & Severe Threat Across the Plains this Week

The multi-day flood threat continues in the G

7 Jun 2023 12:55 PM
Cutoff Low Produces Cool & Wet Weather in the West

Cutoff Low Produces Cool & Wet Weather in the West

An area of low pressure "cutoff" from the mai

7 Jun 2023 12:50 PM
Florida's Active Forecast

Florida's Active Forecast

Florida's wet season is typically from May to

7 Jun 2023 12:45 PM
Severe Storm Threat Shifts to Dallas/OKC This Weekend

Severe Storm Threat Shifts to Dallas/OKC This Weekend

A weak low pressure system will increase the

7 Jun 2023 12:40 PM
Temperature Swings & Storm Chances in the Northwest

Temperature Swings & Storm Chances in the Northwest

An area of high pressure currently over the c

7 Jun 2023 12:35 PM