How Many Ears of Corn Per Serving? Your Ultimate Guide

November 30, 2025 •

4 min read

While an average ear of corn has about 800 kernels, the official serving size is based on volume rather than kernel count. To determine exactly how many ears of corn per serving you need, consider the context of your meal, the number of guests, and whether it's a side or a main feature.

Quick Summary

This guide provides practical advice on determining the correct number of ears of corn for your meal, including standard portion sizes, planning for large groups, and adapting based on side dishes.

Key Points

Standard Serving: A single medium ear of corn typically counts as one serving, which is equivalent to about ½ cup of kernels.
Estimate for Crowds: For large gatherings or barbecues, a conservative estimate is one ear per guest, but for buffet-style meals, a half-ear per person is often sufficient.
Consider Appetites: Adjust your estimates based on your guests. Plan for smaller portions for children and potentially larger ones for guests with heartier appetites.
Nutritional Factors: One medium ear contains approximately 88 calories, is naturally low in fat, and provides fiber and other essential vitamins and minerals.
Meal Context Matters: When corn is a primary side, plan for more. If it's one of many side dishes, you can reduce your estimate and cut the ears in half to manage portions.
Ear Size Impacts Yield: Be mindful of the size of your corn. A larger ear will yield more kernels and may count as more than one standard serving.
Plan for Leftovers: If you cook too much, kernels can be cut from the cob and frozen for later use in other dishes, reducing waste.

Determining the right quantity of corn on the cob can be a challenge, whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or preparing a simple family dinner. The answer to how many ears of corn per serving is not one-size-fits-all and depends on several factors, including the type of meal, guest appetites, and other side dishes being served.

The Standard Serving: What Do Nutrition Experts Say?

The official recommendation for a single serving of corn is typically defined by volume rather than a single ear. According to nutritional guidelines, a standard serving is about ½ cup of corn kernels. A medium-sized ear of corn, measuring 6-3/4 to 7-1/2 inches, generally yields this amount of kernels, making it a reliable benchmark. For dietary planning, especially regarding carbohydrates, a small ear or a ½ cup of kernels is considered one carbohydrate choice for individuals with diabetes.

Factors Influencing Your Corn Count

Several variables can influence how many ears of corn you need to prepare to satisfy your guests:

Appetite and Audience: A simple rule is to budget one ear of corn per adult, but this can be adjusted. Children often eat a half-ear, while guests with heartier appetites might enjoy two.
Meal Type: Is the corn a primary side dish for a casual BBQ, or one of many options in a more elaborate buffet? If it's a main vegetable, lean toward the one-ear-per-person rule. If there are other popular sides, you can comfortably estimate a half-ear per person and cut them in half for serving.
Ear Size: The size of the ears of corn you purchase directly impacts the kernel yield. While a medium ear offers a standard serving, a larger ear will provide more. If using smaller ears, you might need to increase your per-person estimate slightly.

Calculating for Crowds vs. Small Gatherings

Planning for a large group requires a different approach than a small family dinner. For a crowd, efficiency and portion management are key.

For a Crowd: Many hosts find it practical to cut ears in half. This serves two purposes: it makes the portion size feel manageable alongside other dishes and helps minimize waste if guests only want a taste. In this scenario, you would plan for roughly one full ear (or two half-ears) for every two people. For a 50-person party, preparing 25-30 ears cut in half should be sufficient, allowing for some variety in guest appetites.
For a Family Dinner: Stick to the one-ear-per-person estimate. It's easy to prepare a few extra ears to accommodate second helpings. For example, a family of four would likely need 4-6 ears, depending on how much everyone enjoys corn.

A Comparison of Serving Scenarios

To simplify your meal planning, consider this table comparing different serving contexts:


Scenario	Guest Profile	Suggested Portion per Person	Total Corn for 10 People	Notes
Casual BBQ	Adults, mixed appetites	1 full ear	10-12 ears	Expect some to eat more than one.
Dinner Buffet	Large crowd, many sides	1/2 ear (cut)	5-6 ears (cut)	Guests will try many options.
Family Meal	Mixed ages, adults and kids	1 adult, 1/2 child	8 ears (4 adults, 4 kids)	Easy to cook extra for seconds.
Weight Management	Individuals watching calories	1 medium ear	10 ears	Stick to the standard medium size.

Nutritional Considerations

Aside from planning quantities, it's beneficial to understand the nutritional profile of a serving of corn. A medium ear of corn has approximately 88 calories, is naturally low in fat (about 1 gram), and offers roughly 3 grams of protein. It is a good source of fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness. While butter and other toppings are popular additions, they will significantly increase the total calories and fat content. For a healthier option, consider seasonings like paprika, chili powder, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Maximizing Freshness and Minimizing Waste

To ensure your corn is at its best, cook it as soon as possible after purchasing. The sugar in sweet corn begins to convert to starch rapidly after being picked, reducing its natural sweetness. If you have leftover cooked corn, you can cut the kernels from the cob and freeze them in a sealed bag for later use in soups, stews, or casseroles.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the number of ears of corn per serving is a flexible calculation based on your specific dining situation. A good starting point is one medium ear per person, but this can be adjusted up or down depending on your menu, guest list, and ear size. For larger crowds, preparing half-ears is an efficient way to manage portions. By understanding the variables and following these guidelines, you can ensure you have just the right amount of delicious corn for any occasion, minimizing waste while maximizing flavor.

For more information on dietary guidelines for various foods, refer to authoritative sources like the U.S. Department of Agriculture guidelines. Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

The official serving size for corn on the cob is typically considered one medium ear, which is equivalent to about ½ cup of corn kernels.

For a large crowd, a safe bet is to assume one ear per guest. For buffet-style events with many other sides, you can plan on a half-ear per person by cutting the ears in half.

For young children, a half-ear is usually a generous portion, especially with other foods available. For older children, you can use the same one-ear-per-person guideline as for adults.

While official guidelines cite a medium ear, a larger ear has more calories and kernels. For dietary purposes, a large ear could be considered more than one standard serving.

The serving size for both is the same in volume. One medium ear of corn on the cob is roughly equivalent to a ½ cup serving of canned or frozen kernels.

To minimize waste, especially at a buffet, cut the ears in half before cooking and serving. This allows guests to take a smaller portion to start.

The nutritional content of your serving changes significantly with additions like butter and salt, but the base size of the corn itself remains the same.

Corn is a source of fiber and contains beneficial nutrients like B vitamins, magnesium, and antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin, which promote eye health.