Richter to Moment Magnitude

Convert between Richter local magnitude (ML), moment magnitude (Mw), and Modified Mercalli Intensity. At moderate magnitudes these scales are approximately equal.

Enter any magnitude

Richter / ML magnitude

Moment magnitude (Mw)

Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale

INot felt except by a few under especially favorable conditions

IIFelt only by a few persons at rest, upper floors

IIIFelt quite noticeably indoors, but many don't recognize it as earthquake

IVFelt indoors by many, outdoors few; dishes rattle

VFelt by nearly everyone; unstable objects overturned

VIFelt by all; some fall; slight damage to buildings

VIIDamage negligible in well-built structures, considerable in poor

VIIIDamage to ordinary structures; partial collapse

IX–XIISevere to total destruction depending on construction quality