Magnitudes

Most earthquakes have a magnitude of less than 2.5.  They can hardly be felt by people.   Scientists estimate that 900,000 of  these smaller quakes occur every year. Earthquakes of 2.5-4.9 can cause moderate damage.  About 30,000 of  these quakes happen each year.   There are less large earthquakes as small ones.  Earthquakes of 8.0 or higher only happen about once every 5 or more years.

Look at the chart to help you learn more about the magnitude of earthquakes.