How Many lbs of Fish for 6 People: A Complete Portion Guide

November 28, 2025 •

4 min read

For a main course, many culinary experts suggest purchasing 6 to 8 ounces of raw fish fillets or steaks per person. So, when wondering how many lbs of fish for 6 people, the answer depends heavily on the type of fish cut you are preparing for your dinner guests.

Quick Summary

The amount of fish for six people depends on the type, with whole fish requiring more weight than boneless fillets due to yield differences. Serving size varies for appetizers versus main courses.

Key Points

Fillets and Steaks: Purchase 2.25 to 3 pounds of raw fish fillets or steaks for 6 people, based on a 6-8 ounce serving size per person.
Whole Fish: For whole fish, plan for 6 pounds of raw weight for 6 people, as only 40-50% of the fish is edible meat.
Appetite Matters: Adjust portions based on guest appetites; more for hearty eaters, less for lighter meals with substantial sides.
Check Freshness: Always inspect for freshness indicators like clear eyes and firm, resilient flesh when buying.
Consult a Fishmonger: For specific fish types or if unsure, ask your fishmonger for advice on yield and portioning.
Serving Size Variability: The final amount can vary based on whether the fish is an appetizer, a main course, or part of a multi-course meal.

The Simple Calculation for 6 People

When calculating how many pounds of fish you need for a group, the first step is to consider the form of the fish you're buying. Will you be serving boneless fillets, steaks, or an impressive whole fish? The preparation method and the amount of inedible parts like bones and skin significantly impact the total weight you need to purchase from the fishmonger. As a general rule of thumb, always account for some weight loss during cooking and preparation.

For Fish Fillets and Steaks

For a main course, a widely accepted standard is to budget for 6 to 8 ounces (raw weight) of boneless fish fillets or steaks per person. This portion size is generous enough for most appetites, leaving guests feeling satisfied without being overly stuffed, especially when served with accompanying side dishes.

To calculate for 6 people:

6 people x 6 ounces = 36 ounces
6 people x 8 ounces = 48 ounces

Since 16 ounces equals 1 pound, you will need between 2.25 and 3 pounds of fish fillets or steaks for your six guests. Opt for the higher end (3 lbs) if your guests are big eaters or if the fish is the main feature of the meal. For a lighter meal with more substantial side dishes, 2.25 lbs would be appropriate.

For Whole Fish

Serving a whole roasted fish is a great way to create a visually stunning centerpiece, but it requires purchasing a higher starting weight. A whole fish contains bones, the head, and other parts that are not consumed, meaning a lower yield of edible meat. Experts recommend a purchase of about 1 pound of raw whole fish per person.

To calculate for 6 people:

6 people x 1 pound = 6 pounds

This accounts for the waste and ensures you have enough edible meat, which typically makes up about 40-50% of the total raw weight of a whole fish. Your fishmonger can scale, gut, and clean the fish for you, which helps with prep time.

Factors Influencing Your Fish Portion Size

While the basic calculations provide a solid foundation, several other factors can and should influence your final decision. Consider these variables before finalizing your purchase:

The Rest of the Meal: If the fish is the absolute star of the show and you are only serving a light salad, you might want to increase the per-person amount slightly. If it's part of a multi-course meal with heavy appetizers and desserts, you can stick to the lower end of the recommended portion range.
Appetites of Your Guests: You know your friends and family best. Are they hearty eaters or do they prefer smaller portions? Adjust your quantity based on their typical eating habits.
Cooking Method: Some cooking methods, like grilling or baking, can cause fish to shrink more than others. If you are serving a delicate fish that cooks quickly, you may not need as much extra volume as you would for a longer-cooked, heartier variety.
Type of Fish: Certain fish naturally have a higher edible meat yield than others. For example, a whole salmon has a higher flesh-to-bone ratio than a fish with a large head, like a snapper. If in doubt, discuss the specific species with your fishmonger.
Children vs. Adults: Smaller children will naturally require smaller portions. For a group with both kids and adults, you can adjust your total quantity down by considering kids' portions to be around half that of an adult's.

A Quick Comparison: Whole Fish vs. Fillets


Factor	Whole Fish	Fillets/Steaks
Weight Per Person (Raw)	1 pound	6-8 ounces
Total for 6 People (Raw)	6 pounds	2.25-3 pounds
Cost per Pound	Often lower	Often higher
Preparation Effort	Requires more cleaning and handling	Minimal prep; ready to cook
Yield of Edible Meat	Approximately 40-50%	Close to 100%
Presentation	Impressive, dramatic centerpiece	Clean, uniform portions

Tips for Buying and Preparing for a Group

Engage your fishmonger. They are experts and can provide valuable advice on what's fresh and how much to buy for your specific needs.
Always prioritize freshness. Look for clear, bright eyes and firm flesh that springs back when pressed. Avoid any fish that has a strong, overly 'fishy' or ammonia-like smell.
Consider your cookware. Make sure you have a pan or tray large enough to accommodate a whole fish or all the fillets without overcrowding them. Cooking fish in a single layer ensures even cooking.
Think about leftovers. If you'd like some for the next day, add a little extra to your total. Cooked fish can make for a great fish salad or addition to tacos.
Take it home with care. Use a cooler or insulated bag to keep your fresh fish cold on the way home, especially during warmer weather. It should be cooked within 24 hours of purchase.

Conclusion

Determining how many lbs of fish for 6 people is a simple calculation once you know the basics. For fillets or steaks, aim for 2.25 to 3 pounds (raw), while a whole fish dinner will require around 6 pounds (raw) to account for bones and other inedible parts. By considering your guests' appetites and the accompanying dishes, you can confidently purchase the right amount of fish for a delicious and satisfying meal. Always remember that for the best flavor, freshness is key, so find a trusted fishmonger and don't be afraid to ask for their expert advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you want to ensure you have leftovers, add an extra 6-8 ounces of fillets or 1 pound of whole fish for each additional desired portion. Leftovers can be repurposed for lunch the next day.

Yes. While the general rule is consistent, some species of whole fish, like salmon, have a higher meat-to-bone ratio than others. For fillets, fattier fish might feel richer, so you may need slightly less per person.

If you are using a whole, bone-in fish, the standard 1 pound per person guideline accounts for the bones and other waste. For fillets with small pin bones, they are typically negligible in terms of weight, but you may want to remove them for easier eating.

For an appetizer or a very light meal where fish isn't the main protein, a 3-4 ounce raw portion per person is a good starting point. For 6 people, this would be 1.125 to 1.5 pounds of fillets.

Generally, kids eat smaller portions. You can budget approximately half the amount for a child as you would for an adult, so a child's portion might be 3-4 ounces of fillet or half a pound of whole fish.

While raw weight is the primary metric, different cooking methods can affect the final volume. Fish loses moisture as it cooks, but this is accounted for in the initial raw weight recommendations. Overcrowding the pan or grill can also lead to uneven cooking, so portioning correctly is key.

No, this guide is specifically for fish. For other seafood, serving sizes differ. For example, 8 ounces of shrimp per person is often recommended for an entrée, which is higher than the fillet recommendation.