Compare hail size with common objects like peas, pennies, nickels, quarters, golf balls, tennis balls, baseballs, and softballs. Enter hail diameter to estimate comparison size, severity level, and diameter conversions.
Hail diameter:
Enter the approximate width of the hailstone across its widest point.
Size unit:
Choose inches, centimeters, or millimeters. The calculator converts the value into common units.
Object comparison:
The calculator finds the closest common object size, such as pea, penny, quarter, golf ball, tennis ball, baseball, or softball.
Severity estimate:
The result gives a simple hail severity level based on the entered diameter.
A hail size comparison calculator is useful for storm reports, weather tracking, insurance notes, vehicle checks, roof inspections, garden damage estimates, and understanding how large hailstones are compared with familiar objects.
This tool gives a rough comparison only. Severe weather decisions should follow official weather alerts, warnings, and local emergency guidance.
Your result compares hail diameter with a familiar object and gives a rough severity level. Smaller hail may be mostly a nuisance, while larger hail can damage vehicles, roofs, siding, glass, outdoor equipment, plants, and crops.
Quarter-size hail is about 1 inch in diameter.
Golf ball-size hail is about 1.75 inches in diameter.
Damage can vary, but hail around 1 inch or larger may start causing dents or damage depending on wind, hail hardness, and exposure.
Hail size is usually reported by diameter. Use a ruler or a familiar comparison object after the storm has passed and it is safe.