How Much Does a Shrimp Weigh? A Detailed Look at Shrimp Sizes

Shrimp are delicious, versatile, and nutritious. But with all the different shrimp sizes available, it can be confusing to know exactly how much an individual shrimp weighs. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll look at the different ways shrimp are sized, how to convert between counts per pound and weights, typical serving sizes, and how to select the right shrimp for your recipe.

How Shrimp Sizes are Determined

The most common way shrimp are sized is by a count per pound. This count tells you how many individual shrimp make up one pound. For example, “21-25 count” on a bag means there are 21 to 25 shrimp in each pound. The lower the numbers, the larger the shrimp. Here are the typical size categories based on count per pound:

• Colossal: 16-20 count
• Super Colossal: 8-15 count
• Jumbo: 21-30 count
• Extra Large: 31-35 count
• Large: 36-45 count
• Medium: 46-55 count
• Small: 56-70 count
• Extra Small: 71-90 count
• Tiny: 100+ count

Sometimes a descriptive size like “large” or “jumbo” is also included. But the count per pound is the most accurate sizing method.

Shrimp are normally sized with the shell on Once peeled, they’ll move down about one size category So 26-30 count shells-on shrimp would be 31-35 count peeled.

Average Shrimp Weights

So how can you use the count per pound to determine the weight of a single shrimp? Here are some examples:

• Colossal (16-20 count): 1 lb contains 16-20 shrimp. Divide 1 lb by 20 shrimp = 0.05 lbs per shrimp. 0.05 lbs = 0.8 oz.
• Extra Large (31-35 count): 1 lb contains 31-35 shrimp. Divide 1 lb by 35 shrimp = 0.03 lbs per shrimp. 0.03 lbs = 0.5 oz.
• Medium (46-50 count): 1 lb contains 46-50 shrimp. Divide 1 lb by 50 shrimp = 0.02 lbs per shrimp. 0.02 lbs = 0.3 oz.

In general, here are the average weights for common shrimp sizes:

• Colossal (16-20 count): 0.75-1 oz each
• Jumbo (21-25 count): 0.5 oz each
• Extra Large (31-35 count): 0.4-0.5 oz each
• Large (36-45 count): 0.3-0.4 oz each
• Medium (46-55 count): 0.25 oz each
• Small (56-70 count): 0.2 oz each
• Extra Small (71-90 count): 0.15 oz each

So if you know the count per pound, you can easily estimate the average weight per shrimp. This helps when planning how many shrimp to buy and serve.

Typical Serving Sizes

The FDA lists a standard serving size of shrimp as 3 oz cooked weight. But how many shrimp make up a 3 oz serving? That depends on the size:

• Colossal (16-20 count): 4-5 shrimp
• Jumbo (21-25 count): 5-6 shrimp
• Extra Large (31-35 count): 6-7 shrimp
• Large (36-45 count): 7-9 shrimp
• Medium (46-55 count): 9-12 shrimp
• Small (56-70 count): 12-15 shrimp

These serving sizes are general guidelines. You can adjust up or down depending on appetite and the type of dish. Just remember that larger shrimp mean fewer per serving – so order accordingly if you’re cooking for a crowd!

Here are some typical uses for different shrimp sizes:

• Colossal – Appetizers, salads, shrimp cocktail
• Jumbo & Extra Large – Main dishes, kabobs, stir fries
• Large – Pasta dishes, entrees
• Medium – Casseroles, seafood mixes, fried shrimp
• Small – Shrimp salads, dips, garnishes

Selecting Shrimp for Recipes

When a recipe simply calls for “shrimp” without specifying a size, here are some tips:

• For main dishes, opt for Jumbo or Extra Large (21-40 count). This provides a nice presentation and proportion to the other ingredients.
• For appetizers like shrimp cocktail, go for Colossal (16-20 count). The big size makes for an impressive starter.
• For shrimp salad or pasta, choose Large or Medium (36-55 count). You’ll get plenty of shrimp in each bite without overdoing it.
• For poppers, skewers, and tempura, Small (56-70 count) shrimps work well.

Consider the cooking method too. Grilling and broiling work best with bigger shrimp, while pan frying and sauteing are great for smaller shrimp.

If the recipe serves 4-6, plan on about 1 pound of peeled shrimp to be on the safe side. Better to have extras than not enough!

Shrimp Weights: Final Considerations

• Shrimp contain about 75-80% water. During cooking, they can lose up to half their weight in water loss. This means cooked shrimp weigh significantly less than raw.

• When shrimp are labeled “headless” this means the head has been removed but the shell is still on. Headless shrimp move down 2 size categories compared to shells-on.

• Shells make up about 35-40% of the total weight of a shrimp. Peeled shrimp will weigh only 60-65% as much as shells-on.

• Farmed shrimp tend to weigh slightly less than wild caught shrimp of the same size. This is because wild shrimp have a bit firmer texture.

• Larger shrimp have a higher meat to shell ratio. Jumbo shrimp yield about 50% meat, while small shrimp yield only about 30% edible meat.

• Weight ranges are averages. Actual weights can vary a bit based on season, origin, farming methods, and natural variability in seafood.

So now you know exactly how much a shrimp weighs based on size and count per pound. Understanding sizing helps ensure you buy, prepare, and serve the right shrimp amounts for any recipe or menu. Next time you’re shopping for shrimp, use this info as a handy reference for picking out the perfect shrimp for your dish!