Medium apple Size & Weight

A medium apple is about 7 to 8 cm (70 – 80 mm) in diameter and weighs roughly 150 to 180 grams. In the produce trade, apples are sized by how many fit in a standard 40 lb box, and a “medium” is usually the “count 100” or “count 113” grade.

This guide covers the average apple dimensions, how commercial sizing works, and how a medium apple compares to a tennis ball, a baseball, and a fist.

Quick Answer: How Big Is a Medium Apple?

A medium apple is 70 – 80 mm across (about 75 mm typical) and weighs 150 – 180 g. The USDA reference “medium” apple is 3 inches (76 mm) in diameter and about 182 g, though many retail “medium” apples run a little smaller.

Apple Dimensions at a Glance

• Small: ~65 mm diameter, ~100 – 120 g (box counts 138 – 163)
• Medium: ~75 mm diameter, ~150 – 180 g (box counts 100 – 125)
• Large: ~85 mm diameter, ~200 – 250 g (box counts 72 – 88)
• Shape: slightly wider than tall, with a stem well on top and a calyx well on the bottom
• Density: apples float, so a 150 g apple is a bit larger than a 150 g ball of denser material

What Does a Medium Apple Look Like in Size?

A medium apple sits comfortably in a cupped hand and is close to the size of a baseball or a closed fist. Its 75 mm diameter is a little wider than a tennis ball and about the same as a cricket ball. Three medium apples in a row span roughly 225 mm, close to the width of a sheet of A4 paper.

6 Everyday Comparisons for a Medium Apple

1. A tennis ball (67 mm) is about 8 mm smaller across than a medium apple.
2. A baseball (73 mm) is almost exactly the same size.
3. A closed adult fist (about 70 – 90 mm across the knuckles) is a close match, hence “fist-sized.”
4. A billiard ball (57 mm) is noticeably smaller.
5. An orange (medium) (about 70 mm) is a touch smaller than a medium apple.
6. A softball (97 mm) is clearly larger.

Apple Size in Different Units

How Apples Are Sized Commercially

Growers do not label apples “small/medium/large” by measurement; they use count size, the number of apples that fill a standard 40 lb (18.1 kg) carton. A “count 100” box holds 100 apples averaging about 182 g each; a “count 125” box holds 125 at about 145 g each. Higher counts mean smaller apples. Retailers then translate these into small, medium, and large on the shelf.

Common Mistakes When Comparing Apple Dimensions

1. Expecting a fixed size. “Medium” spans roughly 70 – 80 mm and 150 – 180 g depending on the grade and variety.
2. Comparing weight without size. Apples are low density and float, so a 150 g apple is larger than a 150 g rock.
3. Ignoring variety. A Gala runs smaller than a Honeycrisp or a Bramley at the same “medium” label.
4. Using the USDA “medium” as universal. Its 182 g reference is at the large end of what many shops call medium.
5. Measuring height instead of diameter. Apples are wider than they are tall; the diameter is the usual size figure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big is a medium apple?

About 7 – 8 cm across and 150 – 180 g.

What is the diameter of an average apple?

Around 75 mm for a medium.

How much does a medium apple weigh?

150 – 180 g; the USDA reference is about 182 g.

Is an apple the same size as a tennis ball?

A medium apple is a bit larger, about 8 mm more in diameter.

How are apples sized in stores?

By count size, the number that fill a 40 lb box; higher count means smaller apples.

Does apple variety affect size?

Yes. Some varieties naturally grow smaller or larger at the same grade.

Final Takeaway

A medium apple is about 7 – 8 cm across and 150 – 180 grams, roughly the size of a baseball or a closed fist. Commercially, apples are graded by count per 40 lb box rather than by measurement, so “medium” covers a real range that also shifts with variety.