How Much Does a Boneless Pork Chop Weigh?

Boneless pork chops are a convenient and lean cut of meat perfect for quick weeknight meals. But to pick the right amount when meal planning or follow recipes accurately, it’s important to know the typical weight of a boneless pork chop. Let’s take a look at the factors that determine boneless pork chop weights and common averages.

Where Boneless Pork Chops Come From

Boneless pork chops are cut from the loin or rib section of the pig. The loin is where the pork tenderloin runs, so chops from this part will be the most tender. Rib chops come from higher up on the ribcage so they have more marbling which keeps them juicy.

To make them boneless, the butcher trims off the bone and excess fat. This leaves just the tasty lean meat portion ready for cooking. Pork chops can range from 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick depending on the desired end weight.

Average Weight of a Single Chop

On average, a single boneless pork chop weighs approximately 4 ounces However, the weight can range between 3-6 ounces depending on

• Thickness – Thinner chops around 3/4 inch are 3-4 oz. Thick chops about 1 inch are 5-6 oz

• Where it’s cut – Chops from the rib or shoulder have more fat so weigh more.

• Trimming – Excess fat and connective tissue is removed, leaving just the meat

• Size of pig – Chops from smaller pigs weigh less than full grown.

• Cooking method – Grilling can render out fat, lowering the cooked weight.

Typical Weight Ranges

Here are typical weight ranges for boneless pork chops:

• 3-4 ounces – A thinner, 3/4 inch cut or one with minimal trimming. Good for quick cooking.

• 4-5 ounces – The most common weight found at grocery stores. A moderate 1/2 to 3/4 inch thickness.

• 5-6 ounces – A thick chop around 1 inch or one with high fat marbling. Requires longer cooking.

According to meat suppliers, packages containing 4-6 boneless chops average about 2 pounds total, or around 5 ounces each.

Factors Affecting Boneless Pork Chop Weight

There are several factors that can cause the weight of boneless pork chops to vary:

• Thickness – Thicker cuts naturally weigh more. A 1 inch thick chop can be nearly double a 1/2 inch one.

• Cut location – Chops from the rib or shoulder have more fat marbling which adds weight vs. leaner loin chops.

• Trimming – The more excess fat and connective tissue trimmed off, the less a chop will weigh.

• Pig size – Chops from younger, smaller pigs weigh less than those from full grown hogs.

• Cooking method – Grilling, broiling or braising can render out fat, resulting in a lower cooked weight than the raw.

• Butcher’s cut – Some butchers trim chops aggressively or cut them thicker, impacting weight.

Determining Weight for Recipes

When a recipe calls for a certain weight of boneless chops, here are tips for figuring it out:

• Weigh raw chops individually on a kitchen scale for the most accuracy.

• Visually estimate 4-5 ounces for average 1/2-3/4 inch thick chops.

• Check packaging labels for estimated weight ranges per package.

• Compare to a known weight like a 4 oz salmon fillet.

• Consider up to 30% loss of raw weight after cooking.

With practice, you’ll better judge pork chop sizes just by look and feel. Using a scale removes the guesswork for perfect portions.

Pork Chop Weights by Cut

The cut of pork chop affects its weight. Here are typical weights by cut:

• Loin (boneless) – 4-6 oz, leaner with less fat

• Rib (boneless) – 5-8 oz, more fat so heavier

• Sirloin (boneless) – 5-7 oz

• Tenderloin (boneless) – 3-5 oz, most tender

• Center cut (bone-in) – 8-12 oz

• Rib (bone-in) – 10-16 oz

Boneless chops cook faster than bone-in since the bone acts as an insulator. Remove bone before weighing for accurate recipe portions.

Average Package Weight

Packages of boneless pork chops at the grocery store generally contain:

• 4 chops – Around 2 pounds total

• 6 chops – Approximately 3 pounds total

Watch for sales on larger packages or lesser known cuts like sirloin to get the best value. Consider dividing bulk packages into meal sizes for easy weeknight cooking.

Cost Per Pound

Boneless pork chop prices fluctuate but average:

• $3.50 – $4.50 per pound at standard grocery stores

• $2.50 – $3.50 per pound when on sale at discount grocers

• $6.00 – $8.00 per pound at high-end butcher shops

Watch for sales, bulk discounts, and store brands to save. Buying a family pack and freezing chops in meal sizes can offset costs over time.

Converting Bone-In to Boneless

For recipes calling for bone-in chops, substitute boneless using these simple calculations:

• 1 pound bone-in = 3/4 pound boneless
• 4 (8 oz) bone-in chops = 3 (5 oz) boneless chops
• Reduce cooking time by 5-10 minutes

Removing bones speeds cooking. Flattening boneless chops creates an even thickness for recipes specifying bone-in.

Cooking Boneless Pork Chops

To cook boneless pork chops perfectly:

• Brine 1-2 hours to add moisture

• Pat very dry before cooking

• Use high heat to brown exterior

• Cook to 145°F internal temperature

• Let rest 5 minutes before serving

Knowing the typical weight ranges of boneless pork chops helps you shop, portion and cook them just right. With the right techniques, you’re guaranteed tender, juicy results every time.