US penny (1¢)
US penny (1¢) measures ⌀19.1mm. It weighs about 2.5g.
Dimensions
| Diameter | 19.1 mm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 2.5 g |
US penny
A US penny measures 0.75 inches (19.05 mm) in diameter and 0.06 inches (1.52 mm) thick. It weighs 0.088 ounces (2.5 grams). The penny is the smallest denomination US coin and one of the most recognizable due to its distinct copper color. This page covers the exact dimensions, weight, and how the penny compares to other US coins.
Dimensions
| Measurement | Inches | Millimeters |
|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 0.75 | 19.05 |
| Thickness | 0.06 | 1.52 |
Weight
A modern penny weighs 2.5 grams (0.088 ounces), made mostly of zinc with a thin copper coating, a composition used since 1982. Pennies minted before 1982 were made of a copper alloy and weigh slightly more, at 3.11 grams.
US coin size comparison
| Coin | Diameter (mm) | Thickness (mm) | Weight (g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penny | 19.05 | 1.52 | 2.5 |
| Dime | 17.91 | 1.35 | 2.268 |
| Nickel | 21.21 | 1.95 | 5.0 |
| Quarter | 24.26 | 1.75 | 5.67 |
A penny is larger than a dime despite being the lowest-value coin, another example of US coin sizing not following denomination order. This mismatch occasionally confuses people unfamiliar with US currency, since dimes are the smallest coin by diameter even though they are worth more than pennies and nickels.
Composition change history
Before 1982, pennies were made of 95 percent copper. Rising copper prices led the US Mint to switch to a zinc core with a thin copper plating, which is the composition used today. This change reduced the penny’s weight from 3.11 grams to 2.5 grams while keeping the same external dimensions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the exact size of a US penny?
0.75 inches (19.05 mm) in diameter and 0.06 inches (1.52 mm) thick, weighing 2.5 grams.
Is a penny bigger than a dime?
Yes. A penny is 19.05 mm in diameter compared to a dime’s 17.91 mm, even though a dime is worth ten times as much.
What is a penny made of?
Since 1982, pennies are made of zinc with a thin copper coating. Pennies made before 1982 were 95 percent copper and weigh slightly more.
How much does a penny weigh?
2.5 grams for modern pennies (post-1982). Older copper pennies weigh 3.11 grams.
Why is a penny bigger than a dime if it’s worth less?
US coin diameters were set historically based on factors like metal content value at the time of design, not on a simple denomination-to-size ratio, so smaller-value coins aren’t always smaller in physical size.
Related objects
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a US penny (1¢) weigh?
A US penny (1¢) weighs about 2.5g.