Apples come in a variety of sizes based on weight. This is one factor used to determine the grade of an apple.
Orchards ship apples based on handling weight:
(1) bushel = 42 pounds = 672 ounces
(2) peck = quarter bushel = 10.5 pounds
(3) shipping box = 40 pounds = 640 ounces
The difference between bushel and shipping box weight is based on moisture loss.
The size of apple is based on the number per bushel.
The largest apples are just over 14 ounces with 45 per bushel. These have a diameter of around 3.6 inches.
Small apples are about 3 ounces with 216 per bushel. These have a diameter of around 2.1 inches.
