How Much Does a Whole Pork Loin Weigh?

Pork loin is one of the most versatile and delicious cuts of meat from the pig. This tender cut runs along the back between the shoulder and hind leg. When left whole and roasted, pork loin becomes an impressive centerpiece roast perfect for feeding a crowd. But if you’ve never worked with a full pork loin before, you may be wondering – how much does a whole pork loin weigh?

In this article, we’ll break down the typical weight ranges for whole bone-in and boneless pork loins so you know exactly what to expect when buying and cooking this fantastic roast.

Average Weight of Whole Pork Loins

The pork loin contains part of the backbone and connects three primal cuts – the shoulder, loin, and leg. It sits beneath the outer fatback layer and contains very little connective tissue, which makes it exceptionally tender when cooked.

There is some variability in sizes but on average

• Whole bone-in pork loin: 8 to 10 pounds
• Whole boneless pork loin: 7 to 9 pounds

Boneless roasts are slightly smaller since the bone has been removed Here are some more typical pork loin weights

• Bone-in pork loin roast: 3 to 5 pounds
• Boneless pork loin roast: 2 to 4 pounds
• Thick-cut bone-in chops: Approximately 8 ounces each
• Boneless chops: Approximately 6 ounces each

Of course, weight ranges can vary a bit depending on the pig size, butcher, and exact cuts. But in general, expect a whole loin to be 7 to 10 pounds.

Buying and Preparing a Whole Pork Loin

Cooking a whole pork loin requires some special considerations compared to individual chops or roasts. Here are some tips:

• Inspect the fat cap – Look for even 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 inch layer of fat on top to baste the meat as it cooks.

• Tie the loin – Ask the butcher to tie it at 1-2 inch intervals to maintain shape.

• Use a snug roasting pan – Avoid extra space that can burn drippings.

• Season ahead – Rub with herbs/spices hours before or even a day ahead to permeate flavor.

• Roast at 325°F until internal temperature reaches 145°F.

• Let rest 10-15 minutes before slicing to reabsorb juices.

Get Creative with Whole Pork Loin

While roasting whole is most common, you can also:

• Grill for barbecue flavor
• Smoke low and slow for pulled pork
• Stuff, roll, and tie for porchetta
• Cut into individual chops
• Portion and freeze for later

No matter how you prepare it, pork loin always delivers incredibly tender and juicy meat.

Typical Cost of Whole Pork Loin

Prices vary depending on quality, bone-in vs boneless, and where you buy. Expect to pay:

• Whole bone-in: $2.99 to $4.99 per pound
• Whole boneless: $3.49 to $5.49 per pound
• Bone-in roast: $3.99 to $6.99 per pound
• Boneless roast: $4.99 to $7.99 per pound
• Bone-in chops: $3.99 to $7.99 per pound
• Boneless chops: $3.99 to $7.99 per pound

Buying a whole loin is the best value compared to individual cuts. Shopping at a butcher or meat market can help find the best price.

Get Your Hands on Whole Pork Loin

When working with your first whole pork loin, keep typical weights of 7-10 pounds in mind. With its versatile flavor and tender meat, pork loin can be roasted, grilled, smoked, or sliced into convenient chops with ease. Next time you want an impressive roast to serve a crowd, consider picking up a whole bone-in or boneless pork loin for a delicious entree.