How many cooked shrimp is 3oz? A complete serving guide

December 30, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), a standard serving of seafood is 3 ounces, or 85 grams. However, the exact number of cooked shrimp is 3oz depends entirely on the size of the shrimp, with the count varying significantly from just a few colossal shrimp to a dozen or more medium or small ones.

Quick Summary

The count of cooked shrimp in a 3oz serving varies by size, from just a couple colossal shrimp to over 15 extra small ones. Shrimp sizing relies on the count per pound, which is key for accurate portioning.

Key Points

Count Depends on Size: The number of cooked shrimp in a 3oz serving varies significantly based on its size, from 2-3 colossal shrimp to 18+ extra small ones.
Sizing System Explained: Shrimp are sized by the count per pound (e.g., 21/25), meaning a smaller number indicates larger shrimp.
Visual Serving Guideline: A standard 3oz serving is roughly the size of a deck of cards or the palm of your hand.
Nutritionally Dense: A 3oz serving of cooked shrimp is a lean protein source, providing about 84-90 calories, 20g of protein, and essential vitamins and minerals.
Cooking Affects Calories: Frying shrimp dramatically increases the calorie and fat content of a 3oz serving compared to boiling or steaming.
Minimal Cholesterol Impact: Despite being high in dietary cholesterol, shrimp's low saturated fat content means it has less impact on blood cholesterol for most people.

Understanding Shrimp Sizing

Shrimp are not sold by a universal size but rather by a numbering system that indicates the average number of shrimp per pound. For example, a bag labeled “21/25” means there are approximately 21 to 25 shrimp per pound. The smaller the number, the larger the individual shrimp. When it comes to determining how many cooked shrimp is 3oz, this sizing information is crucial because cooking can also cause a slight size reduction due to water loss.

The Impact of Size on a 3oz Serving

This is where the variety really comes into play. A 3-ounce portion could consist of a few large, meaty shrimp, or a handful of small, delicate ones. Knowing the size helps you plan meals accurately, whether you're making a rich seafood pasta or a light shrimp cocktail.

Shrimp Size Chart: Count Per 3oz Cooked Serving

To help you visualize your portions, the following table breaks down the approximate number of cooked shrimp you can expect in a standard 3oz serving, based on common market sizing designations. Keep in mind that minor variations can occur depending on the specific product and preparation method.


Shrimp Size	Approximate Raw Count Per Pound	Approximate Cooked Count Per 3oz Serving
Super Colossal	U/12	2–3
Colossal	U/15	3–4
Extra Jumbo	16/20	4–5
Jumbo	21/25	5–6
Extra Large	26/30	6–8
Large	31/35	8–9
Medium Large	36/40	9–10
Medium	41/50	10–12
Small	51/60	12–15
Extra Small / Salad	61/70	15–18

Visualizing and Measuring Your Portion

For most people, a 3oz serving of cooked shrimp is a sufficient single portion, but it helps to have a visual reference. A 3-ounce portion is roughly the size of a standard deck of cards or the palm of an average adult's hand. For those without a food scale, the count-based guide above is the next best thing.

For main dishes: If using shrimp as the primary protein in a pasta or stir-fry, a single 3oz serving is usually appropriate. If you prefer more shrimp, adjust the portion size accordingly. Some experts suggest a slightly larger portion, such as 4 ounces, for main courses.
For appetizers: When serving shrimp cocktail or other appetizers, the portion per person may be smaller, around 2 to 3 shrimp per person, depending on the size and variety of other dishes offered.

Nutrition of a 3oz Cooked Shrimp Serving

One of the main reasons shrimp is so popular is its impressive nutritional profile. A standard 3oz serving of cooked shrimp (boiled or steamed without added fats) provides approximately 84-90 calories and a significant amount of lean protein, making it an excellent choice for a healthy diet.

What to expect nutritionally from 3oz of cooked shrimp:

High in Protein: A 3oz serving contains about 20 grams of high-quality protein, which helps build and repair tissues, as well as keeping you full and satisfied.
Low in Fat: Cooked shrimp is very low in fat, with less than 1 gram per 3oz serving. This makes it a heart-healthy protein source compared to many other options.
Packed with Vitamins and Minerals: Shrimp is rich in selenium, which is a powerful antioxidant, and is a great source of vitamin B12, phosphorus, choline, and iodine.
Heart Health Benefits: Despite containing dietary cholesterol, research indicates that the low saturated fat content means shrimp has a minimal effect on blood cholesterol levels for most people.

The Effect of Cooking Methods

The nutritional value and weight of a 3oz serving can change based on how it’s cooked.

Boiled or Steamed: These methods retain the lean, low-calorie nature of shrimp. A 3oz serving of boiled shrimp will have around 84–90 calories.
Fried: Frying shrimp adds calories and fat from the batter and oil. A 3oz serving of fried shrimp could contain over 200 calories.

Conclusion

So, how many cooked shrimp is 3oz? The answer is not a single number, but a range that depends on the size of the shrimp you're using. By understanding the count-per-pound sizing system, you can easily determine the correct number for your desired portion, whether you're counting calories or just aiming for a balanced meal. A 3oz serving is a nutritionally sound choice, offering a boost of protein and essential vitamins and minerals with minimal calories, making it a versatile ingredient for a healthy diet.

For more information on seafood consumption guidelines, consult the U.S. Food & Drug Administration website on its dietary advice. Learn more about recommended seafood consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

A 3oz serving of cooked medium shrimp (labeled 41/50 per pound) typically consists of 10 to 12 pieces.

For jumbo shrimp (labeled 21/25 per pound), a 3oz cooked serving is approximately 5 to 6 individual shrimp.

A 3oz cooked portion of colossal shrimp (labeled U/15 per pound) will contain around 3 to 4 pieces, as they are much larger.

Yes, shrimp lose some water weight during cooking, which causes them to shrink slightly in size. This can affect the final cooked count per ounce.

No, a standard 3oz serving of plain cooked shrimp is relatively low in calories, with only about 84-90 calories. This makes it a great option for those monitoring their calorie intake.

Absolutely. A 3oz serving of cooked shrimp provides around 20 grams of protein, contributing significantly to your daily protein needs.

For the most accurate measurement, use a food scale. If you don't have one, you can approximate based on the shrimp size using a count-per-pound chart, or visually estimate the portion size to be similar to a deck of cards.

The count per pound system is an industry standard used to categorize shrimp by size. The number represents the average count of shrimp you can expect in a single pound, making it a reliable indicator of size for consumers.