How wide is an orange?
An orange is about 6.7 cm (2.64 in) across.
Size source: ars.usda.gov
Compared with things you know
- About 2.8 times as wide as a US quarter coin (2.43 cm)
- About 78% as wide as a credit card (8.56 cm)
- About 28% as wide as a basketball (24 cm)
Orange dimensions
| Measurement | Metric | Imperial | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 6.7 cm67 mm | 2.638 in | [1] |
Orange sizes (diameter)[1][2]
| EU minimum size | 5.3 cm (2.09 in)smallest orange allowed under the EU marketing standard |
|---|---|
| USDA small | 6.03 cm (2.37 in)2 3/8 in, about 96 g |
| USDA typical fruit | 6.67 cm (2.63 in)2 5/8 in, about 131 g |
| EU size code 7 | 6.7–7.6 cm (2.64–2.99 in) |
| USDA large | 7.78 cm (3.06 in)3 1/16 in, about 184 g |
| EU size code 0 (largest) | 9.2–11 cm (3.62–4.33 in) |
How oranges are measured
Oranges are sized by diameter. The current EU marketing standard for citrus, part of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/2429, defines size as the maximum diameter of the equatorial section of the fruit, which is the widest point across. It sets a minimum of 53 mm (2.1 in) for oranges. Fruit may be sorted into size codes from 13 (53 to 60 mm) up to 0 (92 to 110 mm). This regulation replaced the earlier Regulation (EU) No 543/2011.[2]
Typical sizes
USDA nutrition data uses a reference orange of 2 5/8 in (6.7 cm) across, weighing about 131 g. Its small orange is 2 3/8 in (6.0 cm) and about 96 g. Its large orange is 3 1/16 in (7.8 cm) and about 184 g.[1]
Size range within one box
The EU standard offers two ways to keep the fruit in a package uniform. Packers can use size codes, or they can limit the gap between the smallest and largest fruit. That gap may be at most 10 mm when the smallest orange is under 60 mm across, 15 mm when it is 60 to 80 mm, and 20 mm when it is 80 to 110 mm. Fruit of 110 mm or more has no limit. The size code ranges overlap, so one orange can fit two codes.[2]
Did you know?
The orange is a hybrid of the mandarin and the pomelo.
Questions people ask
How big is an orange in cm?
USDA's reference orange is 2 5/8 in (6.7 cm) across. Its small orange is 6.0 cm and its large orange 7.8 cm in diameter.[1]
What is the smallest size an orange can be sold at?
Under the EU citrus marketing standard, oranges must be at least 53 mm (2.1 in) in diameter.[2]
