Hail Size Chart
Common-object hail sizes in inches, from pea to softball, with the National Weather Service severe threshold marked.
Storm reports describe hail by comparing it to everyday objects. This chart converts those descriptors to diameters so a “golf ball” report in one county can be compared with a “1.75 inch” report in the next. The 1-inch (quarter) mark is the NWS severe threshold — the size at which a thunderstorm qualifies for a Severe Thunderstorm Warning.
Size table
| Descriptor | Inches | Millimeters | Classification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pea | 0.25" | 6 mm | Minor |
| Marble | 0.5" | 13 mm | Notable |
| Penny | 0.75" | 19 mm | Notable |
| Quarter | 1" | 25 mm | Severe threshold |
| Half Dollar | 1.25" | 32 mm | Severe threshold |
| Ping Pong | 1.5" | 38 mm | Severe threshold |
| Golf Ball | 1.75" | 44 mm | Severe threshold |
| Egg/Tennis Ball | 2" | 51 mm | Severe |
| Tennis Ball | 2.5" | 64 mm | Severe |
| Large Apple | 3" | 76 mm | Very severe |
| Softball | 4" | 102 mm | Extremely severe |
| Grapefruit | 4.5" | 114 mm | Extremely severe |
Descriptors and thresholds follow National Weather Service reporting conventions as served by HailyDB. Classifications above 1" are shown for scale; the official severe criterion is 1 inch.
Hail size questions
What size hail is considered severe?
The National Weather Service severe threshold is 1 inch in diameter — quarter size. A thunderstorm producing 1-inch hail meets the criteria for a Severe Thunderstorm Warning. Reports of 2 inches (egg / hen egg size) and larger are classified as significant severe hail.
How big is golf ball size hail?
Golf ball hail is about 1.75 inches (44 mm) in diameter — well above the 1-inch severe threshold.
How is hail size measured in storm reports?
SPC Local Storm Reports record the largest hailstone diameter observed, usually by comparison to a common object (quarter, golf ball, baseball) or a direct measurement in inches. NWS warnings state the largest hail the forecaster expects from that storm.
Where can I see recent hail reports near me?
Every IDOLCheck county page lists hail reports from the last 12 months with the largest size recorded, from official SPC and NWS records. Use the finder at the top of any page to jump to your county.
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