How can you tell how much cloud is in the sky?

We can describe the amount of cloud by describing the sky as

clear, scattered, broken, or overcast.

But… How can we accurately tell the difference between each description?

Estimating the Percentage of Clouds in the Sky

There are four basic categories of cloud percentage to choose from:

• Less than 10% …meaning…clear
• Between 10% and 50% …meaning…scattered
• Between 50% and 90% …meaning…broken clouds
• Over 90% …meaning…overcast

To make it easier to gauge the amount of cloud cover, you may like to make a Cloud Percentage Chart. Here’s what to do:

• One piece of blue A4 card
• One piece of plain A4 paper
• Scissors
• Glue

1. Take the plain paper, and cut it in half.
2. We will only use half of the plain paper, so put one half to one side. With the other, cut out as many cloud shapes as you can without wasting ANY paper.
3. Stick these cloud shapes evenly onto the blue card.

You now have a Cloud Percentage Chart, which should give you an idea of what 50% cloud coverage looks like. It will be easier now to decide whether there is more or less than 50% in the sky, so your readings will be more accurate!

Make a cloud chart showing 90% coverage, and another one showing 10% cover.