The average lightning bolt has a visual diameter of a few centimeters

the verdict

SUPPORTED

the evidence backs this

Recorded sources

3 sources for · 0 against

Counts group repeated records of the same source within each side. They do not measure evidence strength or source independence.

Is it true that the average lightning bolt has a visual diameter of a few centimeters?

Yes. Scientific studies and physical measurements confirm that lightning channels typically have a visual or luminous diameter of a few centimeters.

Verdict: SUPPORTED · 3 sources for, 0 against · Last checked 31 Jul 2026

The analysis

Judged against statistical and reference sources.

Evidence for · 3

physics.stackexchange.com: How thick in diameter is the average lightning bolt visually?

Mentions that normal lightning bolts are only about an inch (3 cm) in diameter.

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physics.stackexchange.com: How thick in diameter is the average lightning bolt visually?. (n.d.). physics.stackexchange.com. https://physics.stackexchange.com/questions/765341/how-thick-in-diameter-is-the-average-lightning-bolt-visually

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More for · 2

doi.org: The radius and temperature distribution along radial direction of lightning plasma channel

Indicates luminous channel radii of roughly 5 to 8 cm, which matches a diameter of a few centimeters.

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doi.org: The radius and temperature distribution along radial direction of lightning plasma channel. (n.d.). doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.5059363

doi.org: Quantitative analysis of a lightning return stroke for diameter and luminosity changes as a function of space and time

Reports a measured mean channel diameter of 6.5 cm for a lightning return stroke.

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doi.org: Quantitative analysis of a lightning return stroke for diameter and luminosity changes as a function of space and time. (n.d.). doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1029/jc079i027p04059

Related receipts

Is it true that lightning bolts travel from the ground up rather than from the clouds down? REFUTED related question, same topic

What does the evidence say?

Judged against statistical and reference sources.

Receipt History

first checked31 Jul 2026

judged → SUPPORTED · 7531 Jul 2026

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