Abstract A MEASUREMENT of the egg shell that is directly related to degree of incidence of cracked eggs on the farm and during processing is needed. We have assumed on several occasions that various measurements, such as shell thickness, specific gravity of the whole egg, and shell strength (puncture, impact, or pressure), were directly related to the cracking of the egg as found on the farm. One approach in evaluating a measurement of the shell would be a direct comparison of the measurements of sound shells and cracked shells. The selection of a suitable parameter of the shell is difficult. The egg shell is recognized as one of the most variable components of the whole egg. Several factors, such as age, season and ambient temperature, that effect the shell measurements have been recognized, (Romanoff and Romanoff, 1949). These factors all contribute more or less to the variability found in egg shell…