Lightning TrackerHail size chart
Meteorologists describe hail by comparing it to everyday objects — a penny, a quarter, a golf ball. Hail of 1 inch (quarter size) or larger makes a thunderstorm severe.
Hail size chart (inches)
| Diameter | Looks like | Severe? |
|---|---|---|
| 0.50″ | Marble, moth ball | No |
| 0.75″ | Penny | No |
| 0.88″ | Nickel | No |
| 1.00″ | Quarter | Yes — severe threshold |
| 1.25″ | Half dollar | Yes |
| 1.50″ | Walnut, ping pong ball | Yes |
| 1.75″ | Golf ball | Yes |
| 2.00″ | Hen egg | Yes |
| 2.50″ | Tennis ball | Yes |
| 2.75″ | Baseball | Yes |
| 3.00″ | Tea cup | Yes |
| 4.00″ | Softball | Yes |
| 4.50″ | Grapefruit | Yes |
Reference objects from the NOAA Storm Prediction Center table.
When hail becomes "severe"
The National Weather Service issues a severe thunderstorm warning when a storm is producing — or about to produce — hail of an inch or more, or wind gusts over 58 mph. Quarter-size hail is roughly where roofs, siding and car bodies start to get damaged, which is why the threshold sits there.
Measure, don't guess
Hail reports are more useful when the stone is measured: use a ruler across the widest part of the largest stone you can find, and photograph it next to a coin or the ruler. Estimates made by eye tend to run large.
How big does hail get near you?
Every city page lists the largest hail reported within 25 miles since 2016, the number of hail days a year and the latest hail reports, from NOAA Storm Prediction Center data. Find your city on the storm tracker.
Frequently asked questions
What size hail is considered severe?
The National Weather Service considers hail of one inch in diameter or larger — quarter size — severe.
How big is golf ball hail?
1.75 inches in diameter on the Storm Prediction Center reference table.
How do I measure hail?
Measure the diameter of the largest stone with a ruler or tape measure. The Storm Prediction Center encourages measurement rather than estimation when reporting hail.
Sources
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Storm trackers for the stormiest cities
Updated Sep 29, 2026.