What does “26/30” mean? This guide will teach you how to read shrimp sizes, help you figure out what size and number of shrimp you need for your recipe, and give you ideas for cooking.
Shrimp are a delicious and versatile seafood ingredient that can be used in everything from appetizers to main courses. But when shopping for shrimp, you may notice the sizes are labeled in different ways – some packages list a size like “large” or “colossal,” while others have numbers like “21/25.” So how do you know how big the shrimp really are and how many come in a standard 1 ounce serving?
In this comprehensive guide we’ll break down the common shrimp size naming conventions give comparisons for how many shrimp are in 1 ounce for each size, provide cooking tips for different sizes, and more. Whether you’re meal planning, shopping for a recipe, or just curious about shrimp sizes, read on to become a shrimp size expert!
Shrimp Sizes: The Numbering System
The most accurate way to tell shrimp sizes is to look at the numbering system Packages of shrimp are typically labeled with two numbers separated by a slash, such as “21/25” This tells you how many individual shrimp are in one pound.
So “21/25” means there are between 21-25 shrimp in a one pound bag The smaller the numbers, the larger the shrimp. Some packages may only have one number preceded by “U,” like “U12” The “U” stands for “under,” meaning there are under 12 shrimp per pound.
Here’s a chart of common shrimp size numbers and names:
| Shrimp Size | Number Range |
|---|---|
| Colossal | U12 or lower |
| Extra Jumbo | 16/20 |
| Jumbo | 21/25 |
| Extra Large | 26/30 |
| Large | 31/35 |
| Medium Large | 36/40 |
| Medium | 41/50 |
| Small | 51/60 |
| Extra Small | 61/70 |
| Tiny | 71/90+ |
While names like “jumbo” or “large” are used, the numbering system is more standardized across brands and retailers. Relying on the numbers instead of descriptive names will give you the most accurate sense of shrimp size.
How Many Shrimp in 1 Ounce by Size
So how does this numbering translate to how many shrimp you get in a typical 1 ounce serving? Here’s a breakdown:
- Colossal (U12 or lower): 2-3 shrimp
- Extra Jumbo (16/20): 4-5 shrimp
- Jumbo (21/25): 5-6 shrimp
- Extra Large (26/30): 6-7 shrimp
- Large (31/35): 8-9 shrimp
- Medium Large (36/40): 9-10 shrimp
- Medium (41/50): 10-12 shrimp
- Small (51/60): 12-15 shrimp
- Extra Small (61/70): 15-17 shrimp
- Tiny (71/90+): 18+ shrimp
As you go up in shrimp size, you naturally get fewer individual shrimp per ounce since the shrimp themselves are larger. For reference, a standard 3 ounce serving of cooked shrimp is about 8-12 shrimp depending on the size.
Shrimp Size Cooking Tips
Different shrimp sizes work better for certain cooking methods and recipes. Here are some tips:
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Grilling: Use Extra Jumbo (16/20) or larger. Smaller shrimp may fall through grates or overcook. Skewer if needed.
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Sautéing or Stir Frying: Medium (41/50) to Extra Large (26/30) work well, evenly cooking in a pan. Monitor smaller shrimp closely.
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Baking: Any size works, but adjust cooking time up for larger shrimp.
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Salads: Small, Extra Small, and Tiny sizes add great texture and bite sized pieces.
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Shrimp Cocktail: Jumbo (21/25) or larger look most impressive served whole.
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Seafood Bisque: Tiny or Small are easiest to eat in soups.
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Shrimp Scampi: Medium (41/50) or Large (31/35) give you several shrimp per serving.
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Popcorn Shrimp: Tiny (71/90+) or Small (51/60) work great for bite-sized popcorn shrimp.
Count Per Pound vs. Count Per Ounce
One final note on shrimp numbers – almost all packaging labels the count per pound, but recipes will typically list a count per ounce serving instead. Be sure to take the extra step to determine how many shrimp you need per ounce or serving when shopping.
For example, a recipe may call for about 8 shrimp per serving needing a size of 36/40 (medium large). But the package will say there are 36-40 shrimp per pound, not per ounce. So you’ll need to purchase accordingly to get the right amount of shrimp for your recipe.
Understanding shrimp sizes by the numbers, ounces per serving, and cooking methods makes it easy to buy and cook shrimp for any recipe or meal. Keep this guide handy for the next time you’re cruising the seafood section or following a Chef’s shrimp dish instructions. You’ll be a shrimp expert in no time!
How are Shrimp Sized?
Shrimp sizes are denoted in numbers, such as 21/25 or U/15. What does a “U” mean in the count? It means there are “under” that many shrimp in a pound. The slash between numbers denotes a range of shrimp in a pound.
So, for example, U/15 shrimp contain fewer than 15 shrimp per pound. 21/25’s weigh in at 21 to 25 shrimp to a pound. As the numbers get smaller, the shrimp get bigger.
Sometimes, you’ll see a sizing term alongside the number such as “Large” or “Jumbo”. For accuracy when cooking, I like to pay closer attention to the number count than the sizing term.
Because these terms aren’t standard in the seafood business, 16/20’s might be called “Extra Jumbo” by one brand or fishmonger and “Colossal” by another. Using the shrimp count instead lets you know for sure how many shrimp you’ll be getting when you plan a recipe.
| Common Sizing Term (Varies) | Shrimp Count Per Pound | Approx. Count Per 3 oz Serving |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Colossal | U/10 | 2-3 shrimp |
| Super Colossal | U/12 | 2-3 shrimp |
| Colossal | U/15 | 3-4 shrimp |
| Extra Jumbo | 16/20 | 4-5 shrimp |
| Jumbo | 21/25 | 5-6 shrimp |
| Extra Large | 26/30 | 6-7 shrimp |
| Large | 31/35 | 8-9 shrimp |
| Medium Large | 36/40 | 9-10 shrimp |
| Medium | 41/50 | 10-12 shrimp |
| Small | 51/60 | 12-15 shrimp |
| Extra Small | 61/70 | 15-17 shrimp |
| Tiny | 71+ | 18+ shrimp |
How Big is a Standard Shrimp Serving?
The FDA lists the serving size for cooked seafood, including shrimp, as 3 ounces. I’ve listed the approximate recommended counts per serving in the table above.
As with any rule, you should test it and make changes based on how hungry your guests are and the food you’re serving. Most of the time, you can get away with a lower price for an appetizer, especially if you’re serving other food with it. If shrimp are the main course, you might round up.
Honestly, rounding up is common here. Our love of shrimp is strong!
Sizes of Shrimp
FAQ
How many pieces of shrimp is 3 ounces?
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Common Sizing Term (Varies)
|
Shrimp Count Per Pound
|
Approx. Count Per 3 oz Serving
|
|
Medium Large
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36/40
|
9-10 shrimp
|
|
Medium
|
41/50
|
10-12 shrimp
|
|
Small
|
51/60
|
12-15 shrimp
|
|
Extra Small
|
61/70
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15-17 shrimp
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How many ounces of shrimp are in a pound?
However, shrimp count is the number of pieces in a pound of raw, uncooked shrimp. Because shrimp can lose up to 25% of their weight after cooking, a serving size is 3 ounces cooked, and approximately 4 ounces raw. The number of shrimp per serving depends on the size of the shrimp.
How many shrimp are in a serving?
Because shrimp can lose up to 25% of their weight after cooking, a serving size is 3 ounces cooked, and approximately 4 ounces raw. The number of shrimp per serving depends on the size of the shrimp. A serving of tiny salad shrimp (71+ per pound) is close to 17+ shrimp, while a serving of Colossal (U/15) shrimp is 3 to 4 shrimp.
How many ounces of shrimp per person?
If shrimp is the main entrée, plan to use at least 4 ounces per person, raw (approximately 3 ounces cooked). Some people plan for 6 to 8 ounces per person to have plenty and be on the safe side. If your meal is similar to a shrimp boil where many other ingredients will be added, you can use safely use 4 ounces per person.
What is the smallest size of shrimp?
The smallest shrimp are well under 1/2 inch (as small as 2mm or .07 inches), while the largest shrimp can be as big as 8 inches. The average size is 1.5 to 3 inches, according to Britannica. What is the serving size of shrimp? Let’s look at shrimp serving sizes in terms of both ounces and shrimp counts.