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 type of seafood that can be used in everything from appetizers to main courses However, figuring out how much shrimp to purchase and prepare can be tricky since shrimp are typically sold by the pound rather than by individual pieces. So how many shrimp will you get in 8 ounces? Read on for a helpful guide on shrimp sizing, counts, and how to measure out the right amount for your recipes
Understanding Shrimp Counts
When purchasing shrimp you’ll typically see a number like “21/25” on the packaging label. This number represents the shrimp count or how many individual shrimp make up one pound. The first number is the minimum count and the second number is the maximum.
So for a package marked “21/25”, expect at least 21 shrimp per pound but no more than 25. The lower the number range, the larger the shrimp. Jumbo shrimp may be labeled as “U/10”, meaning there will be under 10 per pound because the shrimp are so big. Smaller shrimp could have a count of 36/45 or higher.
Calculating Ounces Based on Shrimp Count
Since shrimp are sold by the pound but recipes call for ounces, you’ll need to do some simple math to figure out how many pieces you need.
As a general rule of thumb:
- Large shrimp (26/30 count): 15 large shrimp make up approximately 8 ounces
- Medium shrimp (36/40 count): about 20-25 medium shrimp per 8 ounces
- Small shrimp (51/60 count): around 30-35 small shrimp for 8 ounces
Keep in mind that if the shrimp are peeled and deveined this will reduce the weight slightly. It’s also a good idea to purchase a bit more than the recipe calls for to account for any shrimp that may be flawed or damaged.
Measuring Shrimp Accurately
For the most accuracy when measuring out shrimp, your best bet is to use a digital kitchen scale. Simply place a bowl on the scale, press tare to reset it to zero, then add shrimp until you reach your desired weight in ounces.
If you don’t have a scale, you can also measure packed cups of chopped shrimp. About 2 heaping cups of chopped cooked shrimp is equivalent to 8 ounces. For raw shrimp, the volume may be slightly less than 2 cups since they shrink a bit during cooking.
When using frozen shrimp, don’t try to weigh them while still frozen as the ice glaze will throw off the weight. Let them thaw first, then pat dry and weigh.
Shrimp Sizing Chart
Here is a handy chart summarizing the common commercial shrimp size names, their corresponding counts (number per pound), and how many make up 8 ounces:
| Shrimp Size | Count per Pound | Approx. Count for 8 Ounces |
|---|---|---|
| Colossal | Under 10 | 8-10 |
| Jumbo | 11-15 | 10-12 |
| Extra Large | 16-20 | 12-15 |
| Large | 21-30 | 15-20 |
| Medium | 31-40 | 20-25 |
| Small | 41-50 | 25-30 |
| Miniature | 51-60 | 30-35 |
Cooking Tips for Shrimp
Once you’ve measured out the right amount of shrimp for your dish, here are some quick tips for cooking up tender, juicy shrimp:
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Thaw frozen shrimp overnight in the fridge or under cold running water. Don’t thaw at room temp.
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Peel and devein shrimp for the best texture. Leave tails on for presentation.
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Season shrimp well with salt, pepper, garlic, lemon, cajun seasoning, etc.
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Sear or grill shrimp over high heat for 1-2 minutes per side. Don’t overcook.
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Saute shrimp in a hot pan with oil or butter until opaque.
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Boil medium shrimp for 2-3 minutes or until pink.
Now that you know exactly how many shrimp are in 8 ounces depending on their size, you can confidently shop for and prepare shrimp recipes. Happy shrimp cooking!
Do Head-On or Unpeeled Shrimp Affect Shrimp Counts?
According to Louisiana Direct Seafood’s Handbook, shrimp are two counts larger with the head on and 1 count larger with the shells. So, say you buy U/15 shrimp with the heads and shells on. Once the heads are removed, they’ll weigh in two steps smaller at 21/25 shrimp per pound, and when peeled, they’ll be 26/30’s.
When I buy shrimp, I usually leave the shells on because they keep the meat juicy and give the shrimp a great flavor. So, when I go shopping, I base my serving sizes on the shrimp that are next to the smallest on the chart based on the label’s count.
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 |
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FAQ
How many Oz is a piece of shrimp?
How many pieces of shrimp is 4 ounces?
How many pieces of shrimp are in 3 oz?
How much shrimp for 4 people?
How many ounces are in a pound of shrimp?
According to the FDA, the serving size for seafood, including shrimp, is 3 ounces, cooked. 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.
How many shrimp in 3 oz?
For typical-sized shrimp that can be used for most recipes, there are anywhere between 16/25 shrimps per pound, or around 3-5 shrimp per 3 oz. How Many Shrimp is 3 Oz? How Do I Know How Many Shrimp are in 3 Oz? In the U.S., shrimp are generally sold by the number of pieces per pound.
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.
How many Jumbo Shrimp in a pound?
Extra jumbo – 16 to 20 pieces of shrimp in a pound. (16/20 count) Jumbo – 21 to 25 pieces of shrimp in a pound. (21/25 count) Extra large – 26 to 30 pieces of shrimp in a pound. (26/30 count) Large – 31 to 40 pieces of shrimp in a pound. (31/40 count)