The size of individual hailstones that reach surface level is determined by speed of the updraft which create the individual ice crystals at atmospheric levels. Larger hailstones are capable of producing damage to property, and particularly with very large hailstones, resulting in serious injury or death due to blunt-force trauma induced by the impact of the hailstones. Hailstone size is typically correspondent to the size of an object for comparative purposes.
| Hailstone size | Measurement (in) | Measurement (cm) | Updraft Speed (mph) | Updraft Speed (m/s) |
| pea | 0.25 | 0.6 | 40 | 18 |
| penny | 0.75 | 1.9 | 44 | 20 |
| quarter* | 1.00 | 2.5 | 49 | 22 |
| half dollar | 1.25 | 3.2 | 54 | 24 |
| walnut | 1.50 | 3.8 | 60 | 27 |
| golf ball | 1.75 | 4.4 | 64 | 29 |
| hen egg† | 2.00 | 5.1 | 69 | 31 |
| tennis ball | 2.50 | 6.4 | 77 | 34 |
| baseball | 2.75 | 7.0 | 81 | 36 |
| tea cup | 3 | 7.6 | 84 | 38 |
| grapefruit | 4 | 10.1 | 98 | 44 |
| softball | 4.50 | 11.4 | 103 | 46 |
* Begins hail sizes within the severe hail criterion.
† Begins hail sizes within the Storm Prediction Center's significant severe criterion.