# Shape of a Raindrop **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [February 9, 2003, 5:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shape-of-a-raindrop/153839 "2003-02-09T05:38:36Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 3\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Nishroch\_Order](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/b4bc9f/32.png) [@Nishroch\_Order](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nishroch_Order)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2003, 5:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shape-of-a-raindrop/153839/1 "2003-02-09T05:38:36Z")
I am wondering how izzit that a raindrop on its way down would have the “hamburger” shape as claimed by the website below. Flat on the bottom but rounded on the top. I had always thought it would be more like a teardrop instead:confused: Wouldnt air shape it to be more aerodynamically sound then the said “hamburger” shape? Anyone can clear this up for my brain? > **[The Learning Network](https://www.nytimes.com/section/learning)** > > Teach and Learn With The Times: Resources for Bringing the World Into Your Classroom ---
**Author:** ![Spit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/76d3ee/32.png) [@Spit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spit)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2003, 6:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shape-of-a-raindrop/153839/2 "2003-02-09T06:18:25Z")
Raindrops start out rounded, but as it falls the air pressure flattens the bottom, and the sides move out due to lesser air pressure. ---
**Author:** ![Achernar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e274bd/32.png) [@Achernar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Achernar)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2003, 6:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shape-of-a-raindrop/153839/3 "2003-02-09T06:43:10Z")
A tear-shaped raindrop inside a no-smoking-style negation symbol is the icon of [Bad Science](http://www.ems.psu.edu/~fraser/Bad/BadRain.html). Check the link for their explanation thereon.