A Nutrition Diet Guide: How many grams is 1 large shrimp?

October 26, 2025 •

4 min read

According to seafood industry standards, a "large" shrimp, typically designated as a 31/35 count, weighs approximately 13 to 14.7 grams. Understanding how many grams is 1 large shrimp is crucial for precise portion control and accurate calorie tracking in any nutrition diet.

Quick Summary

A large shrimp, defined by its count per pound, typically weighs between 13 and 14.7 grams. This lean, low-calorie protein is a nutrient-dense addition to a healthy eating plan, offering essential vitamins and minerals.

Key Points

Understanding Shrimp Size: A "large" shrimp is typically classified as 31/35 count, meaning there are 31 to 35 individual shrimp per pound.
Weight of a Large Shrimp: One large shrimp (raw, peeled) weighs approximately 13 to 14.7 grams.
High in Lean Protein: Shrimp is an excellent source of high-quality protein, providing roughly 24 grams per 100-gram serving of cooked shrimp.
Nutrient-Dense Food: It is packed with vitamins and minerals, including selenium, phosphorus, vitamin B12, and choline, which support overall health.
Low in Calories and Fat: A 100-gram cooked serving contains only 99 calories and is very low in fat, making it a great option for weight management.
Heart-Healthy Choice: Despite its cholesterol content, moderate consumption of shrimp is considered heart-healthy, as dietary cholesterol has less impact on blood cholesterol for most individuals.

Demystifying Shrimp Sizes and Weights

The seafood industry categorizes shrimp by a 'count per pound' system, which can be confusing at first glance. This number, such as 31/35, indicates the number of shrimp in one pound. This is the key to understanding how many grams is 1 large shrimp. A lower count number signifies larger shrimp, while a higher number means smaller shrimp. The weight is also dependent on whether the shrimp is raw, cooked, or if the head and shell are included. Cooked shrimp, for instance, lose some weight due to water loss.

For a standard "large" shrimp, the 31/35 count is most common, meaning there are 31 to 35 shrimp per pound. Using this system, one large shrimp (raw) generally weighs in the range of 13 to 14.7 grams. This is different from "extra large" (26/30 count), which weighs more, or "medium" (41/50 count), which weighs less. For cooking and nutrition planning, the raw, peeled weight is most commonly used for accuracy.

The Nutritional Profile of Shrimp

Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, making it a valuable component of a healthy nutrition diet. In addition to protein, it offers a wealth of vitamins and minerals. A 100-gram serving of cooked shrimp provides approximately 99 calories, with a minimal amount of fat and carbohydrates.

Nutrients found in a 100g serving of cooked shrimp include:

Protein: Around 24 grams
Selenium: Over 100% of the recommended Daily Intake
Phosphorus: Significant percentage of the recommended Daily Intake
Vitamin B12: Substantial source for energy metabolism
Choline: Important for cognitive function
Copper and Zinc: Essential minerals that support immune health
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Heart-healthy fats

It's important to note the previous concerns about shrimp's high cholesterol content have been largely put to rest. The American Heart Association revised its guidelines, confirming that moderate shellfish consumption can be part of a heart-healthy diet. This is because dietary cholesterol has less impact on blood cholesterol levels for most people compared to saturated and trans fats. Shrimp is also rich in astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant that offers anti-inflammatory benefits and may protect against chronic and metabolic conditions.

How to Incorporate Shrimp into Your Diet

Shrimp's versatility makes it easy to add to meals. Healthy cooking methods, such as boiling, steaming, grilling, or sautéing with minimal added fat, are key to maximizing its nutritional benefits. Frying shrimp adds significant calories and fat, which is less ideal for a nutrition diet focused on weight management.

Here are some healthy and delicious ways to prepare shrimp:

Shrimp Scampi: Made with garlic, lemon, and a touch of olive oil, served over whole-wheat pasta or zucchini noodles.
Shrimp Tacos: Use grilled or sautéed shrimp with fresh salsa, avocado, and lime juice.
Shrimp Salad: Combine cold, cooked shrimp with Greek yogurt, dill, and celery for a high-protein, low-fat alternative to traditional tuna salad.
Sheet Pan Shrimp and Veggies: Toss shrimp with a variety of vegetables and seasonings and roast in the oven for a simple, quick meal.

Comparison Table: Shrimp Size and Weight

To better understand how different sizes affect your meal planning, this table compares common shrimp sizes by their count per pound and approximate individual weight.


Size Label	Count per Pound	Approximate Individual Weight (Raw)
Colossal	U/15	30.2g+
Extra Jumbo	16/20	22.7 to 28.3g
Jumbo	21/25	18.1 to 21.5g
Extra Large	26/30	15 to 17.3g
Large	31/35	13 to 14.7g
Medium Large	36/40	11.3 to 12.5g
Medium	41/50	10 to 11g

Note: Weights can vary slightly depending on the source and whether the shrimp is raw, peeled, and deveined.

Importance of Portion Control

The FDA recommends a standard seafood serving size of 3 ounces (~85 grams) for cooked seafood. Based on the average weight of a cooked large shrimp (~10-12g), a typical 3-ounce serving would contain around 8 to 9 shrimp. However, portion sizes can and should be adjusted based on your specific dietary needs, activity levels, and other meal components. Using a kitchen scale is the most accurate method for portion control, especially when tracking macronutrients precisely.

Conclusion: Shrimp as a Healthy Dietary Staple

Shrimp is a highly nutritious and versatile food that can be a healthy addition to almost any nutrition diet. Its high protein content, low fat and calorie count, and rich vitamin and mineral profile make it ideal for weight management, heart health, and overall wellness. By understanding how the 'count per pound' system works and what how many grams is 1 large shrimp, you can confidently incorporate this delicious seafood into your meal planning with accurate portion control. Choosing healthy cooking methods and paying attention to portion sizes will ensure you get the maximum nutritional benefit from this versatile shellfish.

Frequently Asked Questions

One raw, peeled jumbo shrimp (21/25 count) typically weighs between 18.1 and 21.5 grams.

Shrimp weight is based on the 'count per pound' system. For example, a 31/35 count means 31 to 35 shrimp make up one pound. To find the average weight, divide 453.6 grams (one pound) by the average of the count range, and then adjust for whether it is peeled or cooked.

A standard 3-ounce (85-gram) serving of cooked shrimp, as recommended by the FDA, contains approximately 8 to 9 large shrimp.

Yes, shrimp is an excellent food for a weight loss diet. It is very high in protein and low in calories, which helps increase satiety and manage calorie intake.

Yes, cooking causes shrimp to lose water weight, so the cooked weight will be slightly less than the raw weight. Recipes typically use raw weights for portioning, so it is important to factor in this shrinkage.

While some connoisseurs prefer the flavor of wild shrimp, the nutritional content is generally similar. As long as you choose a reputable, sustainably managed source, both can be a healthy part of your diet.

Yes, for most people, moderate consumption of shrimp is perfectly fine even with high cholesterol. Recent studies indicate that dietary cholesterol from shellfish does not significantly raise blood cholesterol levels in the same way saturated and trans fats do.