How Many Ounces Is 15 Medium Shrimp? A Guide to Size and Weight

November 14, 2025 •

3 min read

According to most industry standards, 15 medium shrimp typically weigh between 3 and 5.25 ounces, with the exact amount depending on the specific count-per-pound classification. This variation exists because the label 'medium' is not universally regulated and can differ significantly by vendor.

Quick Summary

This guide explains the weight of 15 medium shrimp in ounces by exploring seafood sizing standards. It covers the 'count per pound' system, factors affecting weight like cooking and peeling, and provides tips for accurate portioning for any recipe.

Key Points

Weight Varies: 15 medium shrimp typically weigh between 3 and 5.25 ounces, but this depends on the specific count-per-pound label.
Count is Key: The most reliable way to determine shrimp size is by the 'count per pound' number (e.g., 41/50), not the descriptive term 'medium'.
Raw vs. Cooked: Weight will decrease after cooking, as shrimp lose some water weight, making raw weight higher than cooked weight for the same number of shrimp.
Check for Peeling: Head-on or shell-on shrimp weigh more than their peeled and deveined counterparts, a factor to consider when calculating portions.
Use a Scale: For precise recipe results, rely on a kitchen scale to measure shrimp by weight rather than by counting individual pieces.
Different Species: Different varieties of shrimp naturally have different sizes and weights, adding another layer of variability to consider.

Understanding Shrimp Sizing

The seafood industry relies on a 'count per pound' system, which is a more accurate indicator of size than generic terms like 'medium' or 'large'. This number represents the quantity of shrimp needed to make up one pound of weight. For example, a bag labeled '41/50' contains between 41 and 50 shrimp per pound. As a rule, the lower the number, the larger the shrimp.

The Variable Weight of a Medium Shrimp

The term "medium" often refers to a count of 41/50 or sometimes 51/60 shrimp per pound. This means the weight of an individual medium shrimp can vary. Let's calculate the approximate average weight for both common counts:

For 41/50 count shrimp: A pound contains 16 ounces. The average count is (41 + 50) / 2 = 45.5 shrimp. So, 16 oz / 45.5 shrimp ≈ 0.35 ounces per shrimp.
For 51/60 count shrimp: The average count is (51 + 60) / 2 = 55.5 shrimp. Therefore, 16 oz / 55.5 shrimp ≈ 0.29 ounces per shrimp.

Calculating the Ounces for 15 Medium Shrimp

Based on the average weights above, the total ounces for 15 medium shrimp can be estimated as follows:

For 41/50 count shrimp: 15 shrimp * 0.35 oz/shrimp ≈ 5.25 ounces.
For 51/60 count shrimp: 15 shrimp * 0.29 oz/shrimp ≈ 4.35 ounces.

This shows that 15 shrimp labeled as 'medium' can result in a different total weight depending on the specific count-per-pound. It is also important to remember that these are average weights, and some sources may provide slightly different numbers.

Factors Influencing Shrimp Weight

Beyond the count-per-pound label, several other factors can alter the final weight of your shrimp:

Raw vs. Cooked: Shrimp lose some water weight during the cooking process, causing them to shrink slightly. This means 15 raw shrimp will weigh more than 15 cooked shrimp of the same starting size.
Peeled vs. Unpeeled: If you purchase shrimp with the head and shell on, these components contribute to the total weight. Peeled and deveined shrimp will have a lower net weight. Always check the package details to know what you are buying.
Species of Shrimp: Different species of shrimp have different average sizes and densities, which can also affect the final weight.

A Handy Shrimp Size Comparison Table

This table can help you visualize the relationship between common shrimp size terms, count per pound, and approximate individual weight:


Common Size Term	Shrimp Per Pound	Approx. Ounces Per Shrimp
Colossal	U/15	1.07 oz+
Jumbo	16/20 to 21/25	0.64 - 0.8 oz
Extra Large	26/30	0.53 - 0.61 oz
Large	31/35 to 36/40	0.4 - 0.52 oz
Medium	41/50	0.32 - 0.39 oz
Small	51/60	0.26 - 0.31 oz

How to Ensure Accurate Portioning

To avoid discrepancies in your recipes, follow these practical tips:

Check the Label: Look beyond the size name. The most reliable information is the count-per-pound number printed on the package. If buying from a fish counter, ask the vendor for the count.
Use a Kitchen Scale: For precise recipes, especially baking or sauces, measure your shrimp by weight using a kitchen scale rather than counting individual pieces. This is the most foolproof method.
Adjust for Cooking: When a recipe calls for a specific weight of cooked shrimp, account for the moisture loss during cooking. For example, if a recipe needs 8 ounces of cooked shrimp, you may need to start with slightly more raw shrimp.
For more information on seafood standards and resources, consider visiting the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) fisheries website.

Conclusion

While a direct answer of 4 to 5.25 ounces can be given for 15 medium shrimp, understanding the reasoning behind the variability is essential for a home cook. The specific count-per-pound (such as 41/50 or 51/60) is the most critical piece of information. By focusing on the numbers on the label and using a kitchen scale for accuracy, you can ensure your recipes turn out perfectly every time, regardless of how a particular vendor defines 'medium'.

Frequently Asked Questions

The term 'medium' is not standardized and can refer to a 'count per pound' range, most commonly 41/50 or 51/60. This means there are between 41 and 50 shrimp, or 51 and 60 shrimp, in a one-pound bag.

The weight of a single medium shrimp varies. For a 41/50 count, one shrimp is approximately 0.35 ounces. For a 51/60 count, one shrimp is closer to 0.29 ounces.

Yes, raw shrimp will weigh more than cooked shrimp of the same size. Shrimp lose moisture during the cooking process, which results in a slight decrease in overall weight.

A standard 3-ounce serving size typically includes about 10 to 13 cooked medium shrimp, depending on the specific size range.

Shrimp sizing is based on how it's sold. If the shrimp are sold with the shell and head on, the count per pound will be lower because the inedible parts contribute to the weight. For peeled and deveined shrimp, the count per pound reflects the weight of the meat alone.

Shrimp sizing terms like 'medium' are not regulated by the industry, allowing for variations between suppliers and brands. To ensure consistency, always rely on the 'count per pound' number on the packaging.

If you lack a scale, the best method is to go by the count-per-pound number on the package. If a recipe calls for a specific weight, use the average ounces per shrimp for that count to estimate the number of shrimp needed.

Medium (41/50) or large (31/35) shrimp are ideal for stir-fries as they cook quickly and hold their shape well. Smaller sizes can be easily overcooked and lost among other ingredients.