How Many Grilled Shrimp Are in 3 Ounces? A Guide to Shrimp Sizes and Servings

October 25, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the FDA, a standard serving of seafood is 3 ounces, yet the number of shrimp in that portion varies dramatically based on size. This means knowing precisely how many grilled shrimp are in 3 ounces is crucial for accurate meal planning, nutritional tracking, and serving consistency.

Quick Summary

The quantity of grilled shrimp in a 3-ounce serving depends entirely on the shrimp's size, with a larger size yielding fewer pieces. Factors like cooking water loss also slightly impact the final count. The count ranges from a few colossal shrimp to many small ones, so size is key for proper portioning.

Key Points

Size is Key: The number of grilled shrimp in a 3-ounce serving depends entirely on the shrimp's size category, ranging from colossal to small.
Cooking Affects Weight: Grilling causes water loss, which reduces the shrimp's size and weight. Always measure your portion after cooking for accuracy.
Count on the Label: Check the count per pound on the packaging to determine the shrimp's size and estimate the number of pieces in your 3-ounce serving.
Visuals Can Help: While a food scale is most accurate, a 3-ounce serving of medium shrimp is roughly the size of a deck of cards or your palm.
Portioning Varies: A 3-ounce serving can be as little as 3 colossal shrimp or as many as 18+ tiny ones, so adjust based on your chosen size.
Healthy Serving: Regardless of the count, a 3-ounce portion delivers a consistent amount of lean protein and key nutrients.

How Many Grilled Shrimp Are in 3 Ounces?

Understanding how many grilled shrimp are in 3 ounces is a matter of knowing your shrimp sizes. The count per pound, typically found on packaging, is the key indicator. For instance, a count of 16/20 means there are approximately 16 to 20 shrimp per pound. Since 3 ounces is just a fraction of a pound (16 ounces), the math becomes straightforward once you identify the size category. The term 'grilled' is also important, as shrimp lose some water weight during cooking, which may slightly alter the final size and weight, but the count per serving is generally based on the cooked weight.

Size-by-Size Breakdown

To make portioning simple, here is a detailed breakdown of what to expect from a 3-ounce serving, based on common shrimp size classifications.

Colossal and Super Colossal (U/15 to 16/20)

These are the largest shrimp available, often used for classic shrimp cocktails or as a centerpiece of a dish. Given their size, a 3-ounce serving consists of the fewest pieces.

Colossal (U/15): You will get approximately 3 to 4 grilled shrimp per 3-ounce serving.
Super Colossal (U/12): This size will give you about 2 to 3 grilled shrimp for a 3-ounce portion.

Jumbo (21/25 to 26/30)

Jumbo shrimp are a popular choice for grilling due to their meaty texture. They are large enough to hold their own on the grill but more numerous than colossal shrimp.

Jumbo (21/25): Expect to have 5 to 6 grilled shrimp in a 3-ounce serving.
Extra Jumbo (16/20): Around 4 to 5 grilled shrimp make up a 3-ounce portion.

Large and Medium (31/40 to 51/60)

This is a common range for grilling, pasta dishes, and skewers. The count per serving increases significantly in these categories.

Large (31/40): A 3-ounce serving will yield about 8 to 9 grilled shrimp.
Medium (41/50): For this size, you'll have 10 to 12 grilled shrimp in a 3-ounce serving.

Small (61/70 and smaller)

Small shrimp are less common for grilling on their own but are perfect for salads, dips, or mixed seafood dishes. Their small size means a higher count per ounce.

Small (61/70): A 3-ounce portion can have between 15 to 17 grilled shrimp.
Tiny (71+): For the smallest shrimp, a 3-ounce serving is composed of 18 or more pieces.

The Impact of Grilling on Shrimp Weight

It is important to remember that shrimp, like most seafood, contains a significant amount of water. When you grill them, this water evaporates, causing the shrimp to shrink slightly in size and weight. This phenomenon is known as 'cooking shrinkage.' For this reason, the counts referenced above are generally based on the weight of the cooked product, which is what is relevant when measuring a grilled portion. If you were to measure 3 ounces of raw shrimp, the final cooked weight would be slightly less. Shrimp that are flash-frozen with additives may retain more moisture than fresh shrimp, but the weight loss principle still applies.

Tips for Accurate Portioning

To ensure you're getting an accurate 3-ounce serving, follow these simple tips:

Use a Food Scale: The most precise method is to weigh your cooked, grilled shrimp on a food scale. This eliminates all guesswork, especially if you have a mix of different sizes.
Understand Count Per Pound: Before you buy, read the package label for the count per pound (e.g., 31/40). This will give you a clear expectation of the shrimp size.
Measure After Cooking: Always measure your portion after the shrimp has been grilled. The weight can change during the cooking process due to moisture loss.
Consider the Meal: For meals where shrimp is the main protein, a 3-ounce serving is standard. For appetizers or side dishes, you might need less per person. Always factor in your overall meal composition.
Visual Cues: Use visual cues like the size of your palm for a quick estimation, but recognize that this is less accurate than a scale. A 3-ounce serving of medium shrimp, for instance, is roughly the size of a deck of cards or your palm.

Shrimp Count Per 3 oz. Serving by Size: A Comparison


Shrimp Size Category	Count Per Pound (approx.)	Pieces Per 3 oz. Serving (Cooked)
Super Colossal	U/12 (under 12)	2-3
Colossal	U/15 (under 15)	3-4
Extra Jumbo	16/20	4-5
Jumbo	21/25	5-6
Extra Large	26/30	6-7
Large	31/35	8-9
Medium Large	36/40	9-10
Medium	41/50	10-12
Small	51/60	12-15
Extra Small	61/70	15-17
Tiny	71+	18+

Conclusion

To determine how many grilled shrimp are in 3 ounces, the critical factor is the shrimp's size classification, not a single, fixed number. A 3-ounce portion could be as few as 2-3 super colossal shrimp or as many as 18+ tiny ones. The cooking process, specifically the grilling, causes some water weight loss, which means it is best to weigh your portion after cooking for the most accurate nutritional count. By understanding the standard size categories and their corresponding piece counts, you can confidently and accurately measure out a healthy, standard portion for any meal or recipe. For more information on the health benefits and nutritional profile of shrimp, you can consult reliable sources on seafood nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, shrimp loses some weight during grilling due to water loss through evaporation. This is a natural part of the cooking process for all seafood and will slightly reduce the final size of the shrimp.

The standard serving size for cooked seafood, including shrimp, is generally considered to be 3 ounces, as suggested by the FDA.

While it can vary slightly, a 3-ounce serving of grilled shrimp is relatively low in calories. A common estimate is around 84 to 90 calories per 3-ounce portion, making it a lean protein source.

Shrimp size is indicated by the 'count per pound' number on the packaging (e.g., 31/40). This number refers to the average number of shrimp it takes to make a pound. A lower number means larger shrimp, and a higher number means smaller shrimp.

It is best to measure shrimp after it has been cooked. Since shrimp lose water weight during grilling, measuring raw would result in a slightly smaller portion after cooking. Weighing the final cooked product ensures the most accurate portion.

For jumbo shrimp, which are typically classified as 21/25 count per pound, a 3-ounce serving will contain approximately 5 to 6 grilled shrimp.

While the terms are often used interchangeably, there are technical differences, including their anatomy and the type of water they live in. However, for culinary purposes, size is the most distinguishing factor, with 'prawn' often referring to larger varieties. For measuring portions, the count per pound is the most reliable indicator regardless of the name.