How Many Grams Are 6 Shrimp?

December 30, 2025 •

3 min read

According to seafood industry standards, shrimp are often categorized by the number of individual shrimp per pound. The weight of 6 shrimp is not a fixed number and varies dramatically based on their size, which can range from extra small to colossal.

Quick Summary

The gram weight for 6 shrimp is determined by the size classification, which indicates the count per pound. Factors like peeling, cooking, and freezing affect the final weight and water content. The final gram count is not standardized, making proper sizing and preparation essential for accurate recipe results.

Key Points

Weight depends on size: The gram weight of 6 shrimp is not uniform and varies significantly based on the shrimp's size category, such as medium, jumbo, or colossal.
Count per pound (ct/lb) is key: Shrimp are commercially sized by how many pieces constitute a pound. The count number (e.g., 41/50) directly indicates the shrimp's size and individual weight.
Processing affects weight: Peeling and deveining can reduce the total weight by about 15%, while cooking can cause an additional 10-25% water weight loss, depending on the method.
Raw vs. cooked weight differs: Cooked shrimp weigh less than their raw counterparts due to moisture loss. Recipes and nutritional information often specify whether weights are for raw or cooked seafood.
Check the package: For the most accurate weight, always check the count-per-pound designation on the shrimp package or consult with your fishmonger to understand the size you are purchasing.
Jumbo vs. Small: Six jumbo shrimp (approx. 108-129g raw) can weigh more than double the amount of six small shrimp (approx. 44-52g raw).

Shrimp Sizing Demystified: The Count Per Pound

To accurately determine how many grams are 6 shrimp, you must first understand the industry's sizing system, which is based on the count per pound (lb). This number, often displayed on a seafood package (e.g., 41/50 or U/15), tells you the quantity of raw, headless, shell-on shrimp you will find in one pound. The smaller the number, the larger the shrimp. Once you know the shrimp's size classification, you can calculate the approximate weight of six individual pieces.

How Raw Size Affects the Gram Weight

The weight of a single raw shrimp varies widely by size category, from tiny to super colossal. For instance, a single medium shrimp (size 41/50) weighs approximately 10 to 11 grams. In contrast, a single extra-large shrimp (size 26/30) can weigh up to 17.3 grams. Here is how the size directly impacts the total gram weight for a serving of six shrimp:

6 Extra Small Shrimp (61/70 count): Since each weighs approximately 6.5 to 7.4 grams, six shrimp would be around 39 to 44.4 grams.
6 Medium Shrimp (41/50 count): With each shrimp weighing around 10 to 11 grams, six would total 60 to 66 grams.
6 Extra Large Shrimp (26/30 count): At 15 to 17.3 grams per shrimp, six would weigh 90 to 103.8 grams.
6 Jumbo Shrimp (21/25 count): A single jumbo shrimp weighs 18.1 to 21.5 grams, making six of them 108.6 to 129 grams.
6 Colossal Shrimp (U/15 count): As the largest option, a single colossal shrimp can weigh over 30 grams. Six of these could easily exceed 180 grams.

The Impact of Processing and Cooking on Weight

Understanding the raw weight is just the first step. The final weight of your shrimp can change significantly based on how they are processed and prepared. When you purchase shrimp, they may come in various states, including raw, peeled, and cooked. Each of these states has a different weight, even for the same size classification.

Processing and Weight Reduction

Peeling and Deveining: Removing the head and shell results in a substantial weight reduction. Shrimp lose about 15% of their weight when peeled and deveined. For example, 1 pound of raw, headless, shell-on shrimp might yield around 0.85 pounds of peeled and deveined meat.
Cooking Loss: Shrimp contain a high percentage of water, which is lost during the cooking process. Depending on the method, cooked shrimp can lose an additional 10% to 25% of their weight. Boiling typically causes the most weight loss due to being submerged in water. This means that the weight of 6 cooked shrimp will be less than the raw weight.

Factors Influencing Shrimp Weight

Beyond simple processing, several factors contribute to the variation in a shrimp's weight. The specific species, such as Pacific white shrimp or black tiger prawns, can have different average sizes. Furthermore, wild-caught shrimp often differ in size from farmed shrimp due to dietary and environmental factors.

Comparison of 6 Shrimp by Size (Raw, Peeled)


Shrimp Size (Count per lb)	Raw, Peeled Weight of 1 Shrimp (g)	Total Grams for 6 Shrimp (Raw, Peeled)	Approx. Cooked Weight of 6 Shrimp (g)
Extra Small (61/70)	6.5 - 7.4 g	39 - 44.4 g	29.25 - 33.3 g
Medium (41/50)	10 - 11 g	60 - 66 g	45 - 49.5 g
Extra Large (26/30)	15 - 17.3 g	90 - 103.8 g	67.5 - 77.85 g
Jumbo (21/25)	18.1 - 21.5 g	108.6 - 129 g	81.45 - 96.75 g
Colossal (U/15)	~30+ g	~180+ g	~135+ g

Note: The cooked weight is an approximation based on a 25% weight loss during cooking.

The Importance of Accurate Measurement in Recipes

For culinary purposes, knowing the weight of your shrimp is crucial for recipe accuracy, especially for nutrition tracking or specific preparations like seafood stews where protein content is key. When a recipe calls for a specific number of shrimp, it's best practice to confirm the size or measure by weight to ensure consistent results. This prevents issues like overcooking smaller shrimp while waiting for larger ones to finish. For nutritional calculations, using the uncooked, raw weight is standard before accounting for any processing or cooking loss.

Conclusion

The weight of 6 shrimp is not a single, fixed number but a variable quantity dependent on size and preparation. By understanding the count-per-pound system, you can make informed decisions when purchasing and cooking. A simple calculation based on the raw, peeled weight and an estimate for cooking loss provides the most accurate measurement. This knowledge ensures proper portioning and consistent results for any recipe, whether you are preparing a delicate appetizer or a hearty main course. For more information on shrimp sizing, consult an authoritative seafood resource, like the Fulton Fish Market's Shrimp Size Chart.

Frequently Asked Questions

If the size isn't listed, you can't be precise. However, you can make an educated guess by visually comparing them to standard sizes or by weighing a larger batch and calculating the average individual weight. For best results, use shrimp with a clear count per pound.

No, 6 cooked shrimp will weigh less than 6 raw shrimp. This is because shrimp lose water during the cooking process, resulting in a weight reduction of 10% to 25% or more, depending on the cooking method.

Yes, it matters significantly. A shrimp with its shell and head weighs more than a peeled one. The shell and head account for a considerable portion of the total weight, so 6 peeled shrimp will weigh considerably less than 6 unpeeled ones.

Based on standard counts, a single raw, peeled medium shrimp (41/50 count) weighs approximately 10 to 11 grams.

The count-per-pound system is used in the seafood industry to provide a standard measure of shrimp size and to facilitate pricing and portion control, since shrimp vary in individual size.

A standard 3-ounce serving is equivalent to approximately 85 grams. The number of shrimp in this serving depends on the size. For jumbo shrimp, it might be 5-6 pieces, while for smaller shrimp, it could be 12-15 pieces.

Several factors influence water loss, including the cooking method, temperature, and cooking duration. High-heat methods like boiling can lead to greater moisture loss than gentler methods like steaming. The addition of preservatives in some frozen products can also cause greater water release.