Onions come in a wide variety of sizes, depending on the variety, growing conditions, and time of harvest. There isn't one single answer to this question.
Onion Size Ranges
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Diameter: Onions range from less than one inch in diameter to over 4.5 inches in diameter. National Onion Association and USA Onions confirm this broad range.
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Weight: Small onions weigh approximately 110-125 grams; medium onions, 150-175 grams; and large onions, 225-250 grams or more. This information comes from a Reddit discussion on culinary measurements. r/AskCulinary
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Common Retail Sizes (USA): The most common sizes sold in US retail stores are between 2 and 3-3/4 inches in diameter. National Onion Association
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Categorical Sizing (Examples): Different sources use varying size descriptions:
- Small: Often described as being around the size of a tennis ball. The Kitchn
- Medium: Frequently compared to the size of a baseball. The Kitchn
- Large/Jumbo: Generally 3 inches or more in diameter. Owyhee Produce These are often used in recipes where a significant amount of onion is required.
- Super Colossal: This is a commercial sizing category exceeding 4¼ inches in diameter. USA Onions
Understanding Onion Size in Recipes
Recipes often specify onion size (small, medium, large), but these terms can be subjective. It's more reliable to measure onions by weight or diameter for consistent results.
Note: The USDA has established standards for onion grading, but these are mainly for commercial purposes. USDA Standards
