Hurricane Category Calculator (Saffir-Simpson Scale)
Determine the hurricane category from wind speed using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.
See expected damage, storm surge, and safety guidance.
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale Developed in 1971 by civil engineer Herbert Saffir and meteorologist Robert Simpson (then director of the US National Hurricane Center) in the United States, this scale classifies hurricanes into five categories based solely on sustained wind speed. It estimates potential property damage.
Category Definitions Category 1 (74-95 mph / 119-153 km/h): Very dangerous winds, some damage. Well-constructed homes may have damage to roof, shingles, vinyl siding, and gutters. Large branches may snap. Power outages may last a few to several days. Category 2 (96-110 mph / 154-177 km/h): Extremely dangerous winds, extensive damage. Well-constructed homes could sustain major roof and siding damage. Many shallow-rooted trees will be snapped or uprooted. Power outages expected for days to weeks.
Category 3 (111-129 mph / 178-208 km/h): Devastating damage. Major hurricane. Well-built homes may incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends. Many trees snapped or uprooted, blocking roads. Electricity and water unavailable for days to weeks. Category 4 (130-156 mph / 209-251 km/h): Catastrophic damage. Well-built homes can sustain severe damage with loss of most of the roof and some exterior walls. Most trees snapped or uprooted, power poles down. Power outages lasting weeks to months. Most of the area uninhabitable for weeks to months.
Category 5 (157+ mph / 252+ km/h): Catastrophic damage. A high percentage of homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages lasting weeks to months. Most of the area uninhabitable for weeks to months.
Below Hurricane Strength Tropical Depression: sustained winds under 39 mph (63 km/h). Tropical Storm: 39-73 mph (63-118 km/h). These systems receive names once they reach tropical storm strength.
Historical Context The most intense Atlantic hurricane on record was Hurricane Allen in 1980 with sustained winds of 190 mph (305 km/h). The costliest was Hurricane Katrina in 2005 ($125 billion in damage). The deadliest US hurricane was the Galveston Hurricane of 1900, which killed an estimated 8,000-12,000 people.