How long is a medium banana?
A medium banana is about 19 cm (7.48 in) long.
Size source: ars.usda.gov
Compared with things you know
- About 1.3 times the height of a smartphone (15 cm)
- About 34% of the height of a maximum-size carry-on suitcase (56 cm)
- About 11% of the height of an adult person (1.7 m)
Banana dimensions
| Measurement | Metric | Imperial | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length (medium banana) | 19 cm | 7.48 in | [1] |
USDA banana size classes (length)[1]
| Extra small (under 6 in) | 15.2 cm (6 in)less than 6 in (15.2 cm), about 81 g |
|---|---|
| Small | 15.2–17.5 cm (6–6.87 in)6 to 6 7/8 in, about 101 g |
| Medium | 17.8–20 cm (7–7.87 in)7 to 7 7/8 in, about 118 g |
| Large | 20.3–22.5 cm (8–8.87 in)8 to 8 7/8 in, about 136 g |
| Extra large (9 in or longer) | 22.9 cm (9 in)9 in (22.9 cm) or longer, about 152 g |
How banana length is measured
In the trade, banana length is measured along the outside curve, not in a straight line. The Codex standard for bananas says the length of a finger is taken along the outside curve from the blossom end to the base of the pedicel, where the edible pulp ends. The reference fruit is the median finger on the outer row of a hand. The standard covers bananas in the green state, before they ripen. A straight ruler held against a curved banana reads shorter than the curve.[2]
Size classes and minimum size
USDA nutrition data sorts bananas into five size classes by length: extra small (under 6 in), small (6 to 6 7/8 in), medium (7 to 7 7/8 in), large (8 to 8 7/8 in) and extra large (9 in or longer). A medium banana weighs 118 g. The USDA table does not say how its lengths were measured. For trade in Cavendish and Gros Michel bananas, Codex sets a minimum finger length of 14.0 cm (5.5 in) and a minimum grade of 2.7 cm.[1][2]
Did you know?
USDA sizes bananas from extra small (under 6 in) to extra large (9 in or more); a medium one is 7 to 7-7/8 in long.
Questions people ask
How long is a banana?
USDA calls a banana medium when it is 7 to 7 7/8 in (17.8 to 20.0 cm) long. Its classes run from under 6 in (15.2 cm) to 9 in (22.9 cm) or longer.[1]
What is the size of a medium banana in cm?
USDA defines a medium banana as 7 to 7 7/8 in long, which is 17.8 to 20.0 cm, weighing about 118 g. This site uses 19 cm, the middle of that range.[1]
What is the average banana length?
USDA publishes size classes, not an average length. The middle of the medium class is about 19 cm (7.5 in). Codex sets a minimum finger length of 14.0 cm (5.5 in) for traded bananas.[1][2]
How long is an extra large banana?
USDA counts a banana as extra large when it is 9 in (22.9 cm) or longer. These weigh about 152 g.[1]
