How Many Grams is a Filet Steak? A Complete Portion Size Guide

December 19, 2025 •

3 min read

According to numerous butchers and restaurant guides, a standard portion of filet mignon is often between 200 and 227 grams, though this can vary based on the specific cut and your appetite. Understanding how many grams is a filet steak is the first step toward cooking this tender cut perfectly and managing portions.

Quick Summary

Typical filet steak weights vary from 170g for a modest portion to over 300g for larger appetites. The final size is influenced by the butcher's cut, restaurant standards, and personal preference, with cooked weight differing from raw.

Key Points

Standard Weight: A common restaurant portion of filet steak is approximately 227 grams (8 ounces).
Portion Variation: Weights can range from smaller 'petit' cuts of 170g to larger, 300g+ options for heartier appetites.
Butcher's Influence: The final weight is significantly determined by how the butcher sections the tenderloin and customer demand.
Cooked vs. Raw: A steak loses roughly 25% of its weight during cooking due to moisture loss, so a raw 227g filet will be lighter when served.
Choosing the Size: Consider your appetite and the other components of the meal when deciding on the right weight for your filet steak.
Tenderness over Flavor: Filet mignon is known for its tenderness and mild flavor, which is why it is often paired with sauces or bacon for added richness.

Standard Filet Steak Weights

The weight of a filet steak, also known as filet mignon, is not set in stone, but there are commonly accepted standards for different serving sizes. The tenderloin is a long, narrow muscle, and the steaks cut from it are prized for their unparalleled tenderness, with the smaller end producing the classic filet mignon. These standards often reflect what you'll find at a steakhouse or a quality butcher counter.

Small/Petit Filet: For those with lighter appetites, a smaller portion is ideal. This usually translates to around 170 to 200 grams (6 to 7 ounces). This size provides a luxurious meal without being overly heavy and is a popular choice for a multi-course dinner.
Standard Filet: The most common and widely recognized portion size falls within the 225 to 227-gram (8-ounce) range. This is a satisfying cut that strikes a perfect balance, making it a staple on most restaurant menus and a generous home-cooked meal.
Large/Hearty Filet: For a larger, more indulgent meal, cuts of 280 to 340 grams (10 to 12 ounces) are available. These thicker steaks are excellent for meat lovers and can be more forgiving for achieving a perfect medium-rare cook, as the larger mass helps insulate the center.

Factors That Influence Filet Weight

Several variables can affect the final weight and cut of your filet steak. Being aware of these factors can help you make an informed decision when purchasing meat.

Butcher's Cut and Regional Preferences

The way a butcher cuts and portions the tenderloin will have the biggest impact on the steak's weight. Some butchers may offer a wider range of sizes, from petite to extra-large, while others stick to a few standard options. Regional preferences also play a role; for example, some European butchers and restaurants might use metric measurements exclusively, with standard portions starting around 200g.

Restaurant vs. Retail

Restaurants often have very specific portioning standards to control costs and ensure consistency. What you receive at a fine dining establishment might be a more precise cut than what's available at a retail butcher, where weights may be more approximate. If a menu lists an 8 oz. steak, the raw weight is very likely 227g.

Raw vs. Cooked Weight

It is crucial to remember that a steak loses weight during the cooking process due to moisture loss. This is known as the 'cook loss' or 'shrinkage'. For beef, this can be approximately 25% of the initial raw weight. Therefore, a raw 227g (8 oz) filet will weigh significantly less once cooked. This factor is important for both calorie tracking and expectation setting.

Choosing the Right Size for Your Meal

Your ideal portion size will depend on your appetite and what else you are serving. For a rich, multi-course dinner, a smaller 170g filet can be just right. If the steak is the main event, a standard 225g cut is perfect. A larger 300g steak is a showstopper, especially when served with lighter side dishes.

Comparison of Filet vs. Other Steak Cuts (Raw Weight)


Steak Cut	Typical Gram Weight Range	Characteristics	Ideal For	Notes
Filet	170g - 340g	Very tender, low fat, mild flavor	Elegant dinners, precise cooking	Best served rare to medium-rare
Ribeye	225g - 450g+	Richly marbled, juicy, robust flavor	Grilling, high heat searing	Fat melts to add intense flavor
Sirloin	225g - 300g	Balanced texture, good beefy flavor	All-purpose cooking, good value	Versatile and popular choice
T-Bone	450g - 500g+	Two cuts in one (fillet + sirloin)	Large appetite, sharing	Requires careful cooking due to different cuts

Conclusion: Selecting Your Ideal Filet Steak Size

In conclusion, while there isn't one universal answer to "how many grams is a filet steak?", standard market and restaurant practices provide clear guidelines. A typical single serving often ranges from 170g to 227g (6-8 oz), with larger cuts available for those seeking a heartier meal. Key influencing factors include the butcher's technique, the dining setting, and the inevitable weight loss during cooking. By considering these aspects, you can confidently select and prepare the perfect filet steak for any occasion. Always remember to account for the cooked weight shrinkage and choose a size that matches your personal preference for a truly satisfying dining experience. For more detailed information on selecting the perfect cut, consider reviewing resources from expert butchers, such as Mettrick's Butchers guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

A typical restaurant portion of filet mignon is most often 200 to 227 grams (about 7 to 8 ounces), providing a satisfying and elegant serving.

Yes, a filet steak loses a significant amount of weight during the cooking process, primarily due to moisture evaporation. A general rule of thumb is that cooked beef weighs about 75% of its original raw weight.

For an average eater, a single serving of filet around 180 to 200 grams is a good choice. Those with smaller appetites might prefer 150g, while bigger appetites may opt for 250g or more.

Filet steaks are generally on the lighter side compared to more marbled cuts like ribeye or large T-bone steaks. For example, a common ribeye portion might be 280g or more, while a large T-bone can weigh 450g+.

Filet mignon is expensive due to its extreme tenderness and location on the tenderloin muscle, which is very limited per cow. Because the muscle does very little work, the meat has an exceptionally soft texture, making it highly prized.

The weight of a filet steak is directly correlated with its thickness. For example, an 8 oz. filet is typically 1.5 to 2 inches thick, while a larger, heavier cut will be thicker.

Thicker filet steaks (1.5-2 inches+) are often easier to cook to a perfect medium-rare, as the center is more insulated from the heat. Thinner cuts require more attention to avoid overcooking, but they cook much faster.