Shrimp Sizes And Counts Per Pound - Striped Spatula

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Shrimp Sizes and Counts Per Pound

By Amanda Biddle

Updated Feb 06, 2025

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closeup of raw shrimp in a bowl. Text reads "Shrimp Size Shopping Guide" "Learn What the Counts Mean & Recipe Inspo!"

Colossal shrimp? Large shrimp? 26/30? What does it all mean? Learn how to decipher shrimp sizes, determine what size and how many shrimp you need for your recipe, and get cooking inspo in this reference guide.

bowl of raw shrimp with text overlay that reads "all about shrimp sizing"

How Are Shrimp Sized?

Shrimp sizes are denoted in numbers, such as 21/25 or U/15. When you see a “U” in the count, it means that there are “under” that number of 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 recommend using the number count rather than the sizing term.

The seafood industry doesn’t standardize these terms, so while one brand or fishmonger might call 16/20’s “Extra Jumbo,” another might call them “Colossal.” Relying on the shrimp count instead lets you know exactly how many shrimp you’re getting when planning a recipe.

Shrimp Sizing Chart

Common Sizing Term (Varies)	Shrimp Count Per Pound	Approx. Count Per 3 oz Serving (Cooked)
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

Do Head-On or Unpeeled Shrimp Affect Shrimp Counts?

Shrimp with heads and/or shells weigh more. According to Fulton Fish Market, shrimp are 2 counts larger with the head on and 1 count larger with shells. So, if you buy U/15 shrimp with heads and shells, once the heads are removed, they’ll size down to about 21/25 count per pound. After peeling, they’ll be closer to 26/30 count.

The important thing to remember is that shrimp are sized based on how they’ll be sold. So, if you’re buying shrimp with the shells on, plan how much you need and your serving portions based on the next size down. (I especially like shell-on shrimp for grilling and poaching to keep the shrimp juicy and add flavor.)

overhead of 21/25 raw shrimp shell on in a white bowl

How Big is a Standard Shrimp Serving?

The FDA lists the serving size for cooked seafood, including shrimp, as 3 ounces. I’ve listed the approximate recommended counts per serving in the table above.

As with any guideline, judge it and adjust based on your guests’ appetites and type of dish you’re serving. For an appetizer, you can often aim toward the lower end of the range, especially if you’re serving other dishes alongside it. If shrimp are the main course, you might round up.

Honestly, rounding up is common here. Our love of shrimp is strong!

overhead of shrimp cocktail on a red-rimmed white platter with cocktail sauce and lemon wedges — The same 21/25 shrimp as above, cooked and peeled for Shrimp Cocktail. Since I bought them sized shell-on, I planned how much I needed for serving one count smaller, 26/30.

Help! My Recipe Says “Raw Shrimp.” What Shrimp Sizes Should I Choose?

Most of the time, if there’s no designation, you’ll be fine working within the 36/40 to 16/20 range. It’s a Goldilocks range; not too big and not too small for the bulk of recipes. Keep in mind that shrimp cook quickly, and overcooked shrimp can be tough and rubbery. You’ll want to keep your eye on the timer, especially when using shrimp at the smaller end of the range.

When choosing your shrimp size, also consider the cooking method and your personal preferences for shrimp sizes. Grilling shrimp and don’t want to skewer them? Go bigger. Making shrimp salad and don’t want to have to cut the shrimp? Go smaller. Want to make a showstopper impression? Anything U/15 or bigger makes a stellar presentation.

Here’s a list of cooking methods I’ve found best for various shrimp sizes. Bear in mind that this isn’t a steadfast list, but a general guideline to help with recipe planning.

Boiled, Poached, Broiled, Sautéed, Steamed: All
Baked/Roasted: U10 to 36/40
Deep Fried: U10 to 26/30 if butterflying, 31/35 to 70+ if frying whole shrimp
Grilled: U10 to 31/35 (consider skewering the smaller shrimp in this range)
Pastes/Fillings: 51/60 to 71+
Popcorn Shrimp: 51/60 to 71+
Salads: 16/20 to 71+, depending on the texture you’re looking for in your salad, and whether you want to cut the shrimp.
Shrimp Cocktail: U/10 to 31/35 (don’t forget the Homemade Cocktail Sauce!)

Some of Our Favorite Shrimp Recipes

Now that you’re ready to head to the market, here are some of our favorite ways to prepare shrimp:

Poached Shrimp

Perfectly poached shrimp in a flavorful court bouillon. Great for Shrimp Cocktail, Shrimp Salad, meal prep, and more. View Recipe

5 from 17 votes

Shrimp Lo Mein

A takeout-style favorite at home! View Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Coconut Shrimp

These crispy, crunchy restaurant-style coconut shrimp are a cinch to make at home. Oven, air fryer, and stovetop instructions included. View Recipe

5 from 8 votes

Easy Shrimp Scampi

In just 30 minutes, you can have tender shrimp enrobed in a garlicky white wine butter sauce for dinner. An Italian-American dinner classic! View Recipe

bourbon glazed bacon wrapped shrimp on a serving board

5 from 15 votes

Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp with Bourbon Glaze

Crispy bacon meets juicy shrimp and a caramelized brown sugar-bourbon glaze. These Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp are easy to make and will wow your guests every time! View Recipe

5 from 3 votes

Roasted Shrimp Cocktail with Two Dipping Sauces

Refresh your seafood appetizer menu with Roasted Shrimp Cocktail! These zesty shrimp, served with Bloody Mary Cocktail Sauce and Roasted Garlic Remoulade are great for casual entertaining. View Recipe

5 from 6 votes

Wonton Soup

This classic pork and shrimp wonton soup is cozy, comforting, and absolutely delicious. View Recipe

5 from 6 votes

Grilled Cajun Shrimp and Grits

Fire up the grill for this variation on Southern Shrimp and Grits! Zesty marinated and grilled shrimp are served atop creamy grits and drizzled with scallion butter. View Recipe

Air Fryer Shrimp

Air Fryer Shrimp are juicy, flavorful, and ready in minutes! Perfectly seasoned (with no breading), these shrimp are great for an easy dinner or appetizer. View Recipe

This post was originally published on August 1, 2019 and has since been updated to serve our readers best.

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8 Comments

In the table relating shrimp size (in terms of count per lb) to the number of shrimp needed for a 3 oz serving, I assume that the serving size (the 3 oz) must be the weight of edible meat, that’s the key measure, right? But for the shrimp size, it is not specified if the count is based on whole shrimp vs head-off vs fully peeled. I tried to work this out from the data presented but the figures don’t seem to make sense. As an example, suppose it is the count for whole shrimp: for the 31–35 count this means the individual whole shrimp weigh in the range 0.516–0.457 oz, which becomes, after removing the heads and peeling (thus halving the weight), 0.258–0.229 oz; this would require 11.6–13.1* shrimp to achieve 3 ounces. But in the table it states 8-9 shrimp for this count. On the other hand, if it is the count for fully peeled shrimp then for the same 31–35 count the individual peeled shrimp weigh in the range 0.516–0.457 oz, pointing to 5.8–6.6 shrimp for 3 ounces, which again is substantially different to the tabulated value of 8–9.

* note: I appreciate there is no such thing as .6 or .1 of a shrimp, I have shown the ‘exact’ results, rather than rounding up/down to whole numbers, so the math can be checked
Reply
1. Howard, should you read the paragraphs immediately following the estimates you’re referencing, you’ll find the following information: a) shrimp are considered 2 counts larger with the heads on and 1 count larger with the tails; and b.) the 3 ounce serving size recommended by the FDA refers to cooked shrimp.
  
  Shrimp, like all seafood, loses some water when cooked, and hence, weigh less. The values provided for the serving sizes are approximations, and following these considerations, are correct.
  
  Regards.
  Reply
I remember, years ago, in the good ol days, my granpap would open the cooler and there’d be some 12 pound shrimp in that thing. I don’t know if it’s the water or the moon orbiting an inch further away each year, but I haven’t seen shrimp like that in eons. They don’t make em like they used to. And also, could someone recommend whether it’s better to go off of the shrimp size or shrimp count while cooking? Thanks!!!
Reply
1. Hi Josh, as noted in the article, it’s best to go by shrimp count than the non-standardized size terms like “jumbo,” etc.
  Reply
I swear that years ago 16 20 shrimp used to be called “Extra Large”, not extra Jumbo. Then 12 15 were Jumbo and lower than that was Colossal. Usually just displayed as U4, U8, U10 etc. Anyone else remember the naming being different?
Reply
1. Hi Ed, Honestly, I don’t remember ever seeing the term “extra jumbo” shrimp years ago. Even “jumbo” shrimp on restaurant menus back then seemed a bit larger than the count suggests now. As I mentioned in the article, the naming system isn’t standardized in the seafood industry. I’m sure it’s shifted across the years, just as it can differ by brand. This is why I always recommend going with the count rather than the descriptive name. (Many recipes only provide the name, though, so the chart gives a reference point for common current labeling.)
  Reply
  1. Right, I remember growing up, when people would give us an ice chest full of 8/10’s and those were huge to me, but I’ve seen some in the last few years that were probably 2/3’s or 3/4’s tops. These things were huge. I currently reside in Southwest Colorado, but grew up in the southern most part of the state of Louisiana, so I grew up around the shrimp boats.
2. As has already been noted, there is no standard meaning for “extra large”, “jumbo”, etc. Best to go by the “number per pound” measure.
  Reply

Meet Amanda

Welcome to my kitchen, where I love to create seasonal recipes for everyday and entertaining. I'm inspired by the beauty of fresh ingredients and believe that most bad days can be brightened with a warm baguette and wedge of Brie.