How Much Does an Average Lobster Weigh? A Detailed Look at Lobster Sizes

Lobster is a delicious crustacean that is popularly enjoyed around the world If you are planning to cook lobster at home or order it at a restaurant, one of the most common questions is – how much does an average lobster weigh? The size of a lobster can impact factors like the amount of meat, the taste, the price, and more. So let’s take a closer look at determining lobster weights and sizes.

Typical Lobster Weights

The average weight of a lobster can range quite a bit, generally falling somewhere between 1 and 5 pounds Here’s an overview of common lobster sizes

• 1 pound – Known as “chicken” lobsters in the industry. This is the smallest legal harvest size. There is not a lot of meat yield.

• 1.25-1.5 pounds – A medium lobster good for single servings. Often called “quarters” or “halves” in the trade.

• 2 pounds – A large lobster, sometimes called a “deuce.” Good for special occasions.

• 3-5 pounds – Extra large “jumbo” lobsters. Prized for their impressive appearance.

Lobsters over 5 pounds are rare, as most states regulate the maximum legal size that can be harvested. The largest lobster ever caught weighed 44 lbs!

Average Lobster Length

Along with weight, the length of a lobster can help determine its size. Here are typical lengths based on common market sizes:

• 1 pound lobster – About 23-27 cm long
• 1.5 pound lobster – Around 30 cm long
• 2 pound lobster – Approximately 33 cm long
• 5 pound lobster – Can reach 39 cm long

Larger lobsters over 5 pounds may be up to 60 cm long. But lengths over 46 cm are highly regulated.

Meat Yield from Different Lobster Sizes

One of the most important factors in choosing lobster size is the amount of edible lobster meat you will get. Here are some averages:

• A 1 pound lobster yields around 3-4 ounces of meat
• A 1.5 pound lobster yields 5-6 ounces of meat
• A 2 pound lobster yields 6-8 ounces of meat
• A 3 pound lobster yields around 9 ounces of meat

The proportion of meat to shell stays fairly consistent. You can expect around 20% edible lobster meat from a whole cooked lobster.

Picking the Best Lobster Size

So what’s the optimal lobster size for eating? Here are some tips:

• For the sweetest flavor, choose smaller 1-1.5 pound lobsters

• For a hearty single serving, 1.5 pounds is ideal

• For special occasions or more meat, select 2+ pound lobsters

• ** VALUE OVER SIZE**: Choose based on shell hardness/health over size

• For lobster rolls/chowder, larger lobsters with higher meat yield may be preferable

• Allow approximately 1-1.5 pound lobster per person for a full lobster dinner

Keep in mind that you’ll get the most for your money purchasing lobsters at times of year when they have hard shells and higher meat content. Avoid soft-shell lobsters in summer.

How Lobster Sizes Are Categorized

The seafood industry uses some specific terminology to classify lobster sizes. Here are some of the common terms:

• Chickens – 1 to 1.25 pounds
• Quarters – 1.25 to 1.49 pounds
• Halves – 1.5 to 1.75 pounds
• Deuces – 2 to 3 pounds
• Small Jumbos – 3 to 4 pounds
• Large Jumbos – Over 4 pounds

Understanding these size categories can help when purchasing lobsters from markets or ordering at restaurants.

Average Lobster Age by Weight

Since lobsters grow slowly over their long lifespans, larger lobsters are older. Here are estimated ages:

• A 1 pound lobster is approximately 6-8 years old
• A 2 pound lobster is around 10-12 years old
• A 3 pound lobster is approximately 15 years old
• A 4 pound lobster is around 20 years old
• A 5+ pound lobster can be 30 years old or more!

The largest lobsters over 20 pounds may be a staggering 100 years old.

Regulations on Lobster Size

To protect lobster populations, most states prohibit harvesting lobsters under 1 pound or over 5 pounds. There are also regulations on minimum and maximum carapace length. These regulations help maintain sustainable lobster fishing.

Undersized lobsters get thrown back to reproduce and grow. Oversized lobsters are conserved as important breeding stock. Buying lobsters within regulated sizes helps support responsible lobstering practices.

Cost Differences by Lobster Size

Larger lobsters command a higher per-pound price. However, larger lobsters may offer more meat for your dollar. Here are some typical costs for live lobsters:

• 1 pound chickens – $12-15 per pound
• 1.25-1.5 pound halves – $15-18 per pound
• 2 pound deuces – $18-22 per pound
• 3-5 pound jumbos – $22-28+ per pound

You’ll generally get the best value purchasing 1.5-2 pound lobsters. Prices also vary seasonally and by shell hardness.

Key Takeaways

• Typical market sizes range from 1-5 pounds
• A 1.5-2 pound lobster offers good meat yield for most diners
• Hard shell lobsters offer more meat vs. soft shells
• Older, larger lobsters command higher prices per pound
• Regulations protect sustainability by restricting sizes

Understanding typical lobster weights, yields, and regulations can help you pick the perfect lobsters for any recipe or occasion. With some simple lobster know-how, you can make informed choices and get the best lobster dining experience.