How wide is a medium frosted doughnut?
A medium frosted doughnut is about 7.6 cm (2.99 in) across.
Size source: ars.usda.gov
Compared with things you know
- About 3.1 times as wide as a US quarter coin (2.43 cm)
- About 89% as wide as a credit card (8.56 cm)
- About 32% as wide as a basketball (24 cm)
Doughnut dimensions
| Measurement | Metric | Imperial | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter (medium frosted cake doughnut) | 7.62 cm76.2 mm | 3 in | [1] |
| Diameter (medium glazed yeast doughnut) | 9.53 cm95.3 mm | 3.752 in | [2] |
Doughnut sizes (diameter) in the USDA nutrient database[1][2]
| Donette (mini) | 5.08 cm (2 in)2 in |
|---|---|
| Small yeast doughnut | 7.62 cm (3 in)3 in |
| Medium frosted cake doughnut | 7.62 cm (3 in)3 in |
| Large frosted cake doughnut | 8.89 cm (3.5 in)3 1/2 in |
| Medium glazed yeast doughnut | 9.53 cm (3.75 in)3 3/4 in |
| Large glazed yeast doughnut | 10.8 cm (4.25 in)4 1/4 in |
| Extra large yeast doughnut | 12.7 cm (5 in)5 in |
| Jumbo yeast doughnut | 15.2 cm (6 in)6 in |
How it is measured
Doughnut size is given as the outside diameter of the ring. There is no official standard. The USDA nutrient database, which lists household portions for foods, describes a medium chocolate-coated or frosted cake doughnut as approximately 3 in (7.6 cm) across and a large one as approximately 3 1/2 in (8.9 cm). Its mini doughnuts, called donettes, are listed at 2 in (5.1 cm).[1]
Yeast doughnuts are listed larger
For glazed yeast-raised doughnuts, the USDA lists a small doughnut at approximately 3 in (7.6 cm), a medium at 3 3/4 in (9.5 cm) and a large at 4 1/4 in (10.8 cm). Extra large and jumbo sizes are listed at 5 in (12.7 cm) and 6 in (15.2 cm). These are database portions, not a rule. Bakeries and chains use their own sizes, so a medium at one shop can differ from a medium at another.[2]
Other shapes
Not every doughnut is a ring. The USDA describes a long twisted yeast doughnut as approximately 5 1/4 x 2 1/2 x 1 1/2 in high (13.3 x 6.4 x 3.8 cm). Honey buns, listed in the same group, come in three sizes: 4 x 3 in, 4 1/2 x 3 1/2 in and 5 x 3 1/2 in (up to 12.7 x 8.9 cm).[2]
Did you know?
Hanson Gregory claimed he invented the ring doughnut in 1847, aged 16, aboard a lime-trading ship.
Questions people ask
What is the size of a donut in cm?
A medium frosted cake doughnut is approximately 7.6 cm (3 in) across in the USDA database. A medium glazed yeast doughnut is larger, approximately 9.5 cm (3 3/4 in).[1][2]
How tall is a donut in cm?
There is no standard height. One manufacturer's patent (Pillsbury/General Mills) sets a target of 9.0 to 9.5 cm across and 3.0 to 4.0 cm high for a baked doughnut meant to match the size of fried yeast doughnuts. That is a product target, not a typical size, but it suggests a ring doughnut is a few centimeters tall.[3]
How big is a mini donut?
The USDA lists donettes, a mini doughnut, at 2 in (5.1 cm) across.[1]
Sources
- Doughnuts, cake-type, plain, chocolate-coated or frosted (USDA SR Legacy 174991 / NDB 18249, serving sizes) — Recipal mirror recipal.com
- Doughnuts, yeast-leavened, glazed, enriched (includes honey buns) (USDA SR Legacy 172758, serving sizes) — Recipal mirror recipal.com
- US6787170B2 — Fried texture imparting glaze for a food intermediate (The Pillsbury Company / General Mills) patents.google.com
