How Much Does a Crab Really Weigh? A Closer Look at Crab Sizes

Crabs come in many shapes, sizes, and species – from tiny pea crabs to giant king crabs. Their weights can vary dramatically based on the type of crab its age gender, diet, and more. So how much does a crab really weigh? Let’s take a closer look.

Average Weight by Crab Species

The most common edible crab species caught for food include:

• King crab – The largest crab species, king crabs can weigh 6 to 10 pounds on average, with some reaching over 20 pounds Their thick, meaty legs make them a prized seafood delicacy

• Snow crab – Usually smaller than king crab, snow crabs weigh 2 to 4 pounds on average. Their long, slender legs contain sweet flaky meat.

• Dungeness crab – A Pacific coast favorite, these crabs weigh 1 to 3 pounds on average. Their tender, succulent meat is perfect for crab cakes or steaming.

• Blue crab – The classic East coast crab, blue crabs average 1 to 2 pounds. Their tender meat is ideal for dishes like Maryland crab cakes.

• Stone crab – Found off the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, stone crab claws weigh a few ounces each. Only the claws are eaten due to their firm, tasty meat.

So king crabs are the heavyweights of the crab world, while smaller crab species average 1 to 3 pounds. Of course, many factors can cause individual crabs to weigh more or less than these averages.

What Impacts Crab Weight?

Several key factors affect how much an individual crab weighs, including:

• Age – Older, mature crabs are heavier than juveniles. King crabs reach peak weight at 7-10 years old.

• Gender – Male crabs tend to be larger and heavier than females of the same age.

• Diet & habitat – Crabs with plentiful food sources and ideal habitats will grow larger and heavier.

• Season – Crab weight fluctuates through molting/breeding seasons. They lose weight through molting then gain it back as the new shell hardens.

• Genetics – Some crabs are genetically prone to faster growth and larger size than others in their species.

• Cooking method – Boiling or steaming causes crabs to lose water weight, so they will weigh slightly less cooked compared to live weights.

So two king crabs of the same age and sex could have quite different weights based on multiple variables. Next time you enjoy fresh crab, consider all the factors that determine its ultimate heft and size!

Estimating Serving Sizes by Weight

When buying crab to serve at home, use these general guidelines for estimating portion sizes by weight:

• King crab: A 1-pound leg or claw feeds 1-2 people. A 3-4 pound crab feeds 2-4 people. A 6-10 pound crab feeds 4-8 people.

• Snow crab: Each 1-2 pound cluster of legs feeds 1 person. A 3-4 pound crab feeds 2-3 people.

• Dungeness crab: A 2-pound crab feeds 1-2 people. A 3-4 pound crab feeds 2-4 people.

• Blue crab: For picked crab meat, estimate 1⁄4 to 1⁄3 pound per serving. Whole crabs take 2-3 pounds for 2-3 people.

• Stone crab claws: Allow 2-3 ounces of claw meat per serving.

These serving estimates account for the fact that not all crab meat is edible – shells make up 30-50% of body weight. Serving amounts can be adjusted up for crab lovers or down for lighter appetites.

Average Weight of Common Crab Parts

Since we often eat crab in parts rather than as a whole crab, it helps to know average weights for:

• Crab legs – King crab legs weigh 0.5 to 2 lbs each. Snow crab legs are lighter, averaging under 1 pound each.

• Crab claws – Large king crab claws can weigh 1 pound or more. Smaller snow and Dungeness claws weigh just a few ounces.

• Crab body – The main body averages 1-2 pounds without legs/claws. It contains the creamy body meat.

• Crab lump meat – Lump or backfin meat from blue crabs weighs about 1⁄3 pound per 4-5 ounces when picked.

• Crab claws – Stone crab claws usually weigh a few ounces each, depending on their size.

Knowing typical part weights helps ensure you buy enough crabs or crab meat for your desired servings.

How Crab Meat Is Sold and Priced

When buying fresh crab or cooked crab meat, here are a few things to know about pricing and availability:

• Whole live crabs are sold by the pound and priced per pound. Common market sizes are 1-4 pounds.

• Fresh crab legs and claws are also sold by the pound, either individually priced or in multi-pound clusters.

• Frozen crab legs, claws, and lump meat are typically sold in net weights like 1 or 2 pound packages.

• Canned crab meat is sold by the ounce or pound. A 6-8 ounce can holds about 1⁄2 pound of meat.

• Pasteurized crab meat is sold in containers ranging from 4 ounce tubs up to 1 pound.

• Live crabs and fresh crabmeat are most affordable in seasons when they’re abundant, like Dungeness in winter.

• Out-of-season or imported species usually cost more due to limited supply and transport.

• Premium king and snow crab legs command higher prices for their size, taste, and meat yield.

So now you know a 1 pound package of crab doesn’t equal 1 pound of edible meat! But being crab-wise on typical weights and pricing helps ensure you get excellent value.

Cooking Impact on Weight

One final factor affecting crab weight is cooking method. Moist-heat methods like steaming or boiling cause crabs to take on water, increasing their overall weight. Dry-heat methods like broiling, grilling or sautéing cook away moisture, decreasing weight.

Here are some common cooking weight losses:

• Whole boiled/steamed crabs lose about 20% of their raw weight. A 2-pound raw crab weighs 1.6 pounds after cooking.

• Crab legs and claws lose 10-15% of their raw weight when steamed.

• Lump crab meat loses 25-30% of its raw weight when cooked into dishes like crab cakes.

So for the most accurate crab measurements in recipes, weigh cooked crabmeat rather than relying on raw weights.

The next time you crack Dungeness legs or pick sweet lump crab, you’ll have a better grasp of just how much meat you’re getting from these succulent crustaceans. Understanding typical crab sizes, pricing, and weight changes helps ensure your next crab feast is a flying success. Now get out your mallets and crackers and start enjoying these delicious seafood treats!