How many ounces is one scallop? Weighing your options

November 3, 2025 •

4 min read

The weight of a single scallop is not uniform, with sizes varying dramatically from less than a tenth of an ounce for a small bay scallop to nearly two ounces for a jumbo sea scallop. Understanding how many ounces is one scallop is crucial for accurate recipe proportions and managing costs, as the price is often determined by count per pound. This guide explores the factors that influence scallop weight to help you shop and cook with confidence.

Quick Summary

The size and type of scallop, along with its water content, determine its weight. Sea scallops are significantly larger than bay scallops, while wet-packed scallops contain added water weight compared to dry-packed versions. This variability impacts how many individual scallops are needed to achieve a specific weight for cooking.

Key Points

Variable Weight: A single scallop's weight is not fixed and depends on its type, size, and moisture content.
Sea vs. Bay Scallops: Sea scallops are much larger and heavier, ranging from about 0.5 to over 2 ounces each, while bay scallops are smaller, often weighing less than 0.3 ounces.
Dry vs. Wet-Packed: Dry-packed scallops are natural and contain no added water, while wet-packed ones are soaked in a solution that increases their weight by up to 30%, which is later lost during cooking.
Size Grade Labels: Scallops are graded by count per pound (e.g., U-10, 10-20), where a lower number indicates fewer, larger, and heavier scallops.
Cooking Effects: Scallops shrink when cooked due to water loss, with wet-packed varieties shrinking more and potentially resulting in a rubbery texture.
Optimal Choice: For the best sear and flavor, opt for dry-packed sea scallops. Smaller bay scallops are better for pastas, soups, or ceviche.

Scallop Weight Varies by Type

When asking how many ounces is one scallop, the most important factor to consider is the scallop's species. The two most common types available in North American markets are sea scallops and bay scallops, which differ dramatically in size, weight, and flavor profile.

Sea Scallops

Sea scallops are harvested from deeper, colder ocean waters and are significantly larger than their bay counterparts.

U-10 Scallops: This grade means "under 10" scallops per pound, so each individual can weigh over 1.6 ounces. Some of the largest, sometimes called Super Colossal, are U-8 or U-10, meaning 8 to 10 or fewer per pound, making each scallop up to 2 ounces or more.
10-20 Count Scallops: A common size designation, this grade means there are 10 to 20 scallops per pound. This puts the weight of each individual scallop between 0.8 and 1.6 ounces.
Jumbo (20-30 Count): These medium-large sea scallops weigh between 0.53 and 0.8 ounces each.

Bay Scallops

Bay scallops are smaller, sweeter, and more delicate. They are typically found in the shallow estuaries and bays along the coast.

60-80 Count Scallops: A pound of these contains 60 to 80 individuals, making each scallop weigh between 0.2 and 0.27 ounces.
60-120+ Count: These smaller scallops can have over 120 per pound, resulting in a weight of 0.13 ounces or less per scallop.

The Dry-Packed vs. Wet-Packed Difference

Another critical factor affecting scallop weight is how they are processed and packaged. This distinction can impact not only the per-scallop weight but also the cooking process and final flavor. Dry-packed scallops are typically the preferred choice for chefs and home cooks seeking a high-quality result.

Dry-Packed Scallops

Processing: These scallops are shucked and packed without the addition of any preservatives or water.
Weight: Their weight is purely from the natural scallop meat. This means you are paying for the actual seafood, not added liquid.
Cooking: Dry-packed scallops will sear beautifully, developing a golden-brown crust. They lose less water during cooking and retain their shape well.

Wet-Packed Scallops

Processing: Wet-packed scallops are soaked in a phosphate solution, which causes them to absorb water and increase in weight.
Weight: This added water can artificially inflate the weight by as much as 30 percent, meaning you are paying for water weight.
Cooking: During cooking, the excess water is released, steaming the scallop instead of searing it. This can lead to a rubbery texture and a less desirable finish.

Scallop Size and Weight Comparison Table


Scallop Type	Size Grade	Count per Pound	Ounces per Scallop (Approx.)	Best For	Cooking Considerations
Sea Scallops	Super Colossal (U-10)	8-10 or fewer	>1.6 oz	Pan-searing, grilling	Slower cooking due to large size
Sea Scallops	Colossal (10-20)	10-20	0.8–1.6 oz	Pan-searing, appetizers	Cooks quickly, easy to manage
Sea Scallops	Jumbo (20-30)	20-30	0.53–0.8 oz	Pan-searing, pasta	Fast cooking, versatile
Sea Scallops	Large (30-40)	30-40	0.4–0.53 oz	Pasta, stir-fries	Can become tough if overcooked
Bay Scallops	Medium (40-60)	40-60	0.27–0.4 oz	Pasta, soups, skewers	Very fast cooking, delicate
Bay Scallops	Small (60-120+)	60–120+	<0.27 oz	Ceviche, sauces	Quickest cooking time, avoid high heat

Conclusion: Navigating Scallop Weights

The weight of a single scallop is highly variable and depends on a few key factors: its species (sea vs. bay), its size grade, and its moisture content (dry-packed vs. wet-packed). For instance, a single colossal sea scallop could weigh over 1.6 ounces, while a tiny bay scallop might be less than a quarter of an ounce. Understanding these differences empowers you to make informed decisions at the seafood counter, ensuring you select the right scallops for your recipe and get the best value for your money. For recipes where you want a perfect, restaurant-quality sear, always opt for dry-packed scallops to avoid the added water weight and potential issues with flavor and texture.

To learn more about the best ways to prepare these delicious mollusks, you can explore resources like guides on pan-searing techniques and flavor pairings. A wealth of information exists to help you cook scallops to perfection, no matter their size.

Factors Affecting Scallop Weight

Size Designation

The most straightforward indicator of an individual scallop's weight is its size grade, often expressed as a count per pound (e.g., U-10, 10-20). The number indicates how many scallops it takes to make up one pound. Smaller numbers signify larger, heavier scallops.

Water Content

As mentioned, the difference between dry-packed and wet-packed scallops has a significant impact. Wet-packed scallops contain added moisture from preservatives, artificially inflating their weight. This water is lost during cooking, causing more shrinkage and affecting the final texture.

Cooking Method

Scallops, like other seafood, will lose some water weight during cooking. The extent of this shrinkage depends on the cooking method and whether the scallop is wet-packed or dry-packed. For example, pan-searing a dry-packed scallop results in less shrinkage and a more concentrated flavor.

Spawning Cycle

Scallops can lose a significant portion of their meat weight (up to 20%) around their spawning season. This natural biological cycle can lead to temporary fluctuations in the weight of individual scallops from certain regions at specific times of the year.

Species

Beyond just sea versus bay scallops, other species like king or queen scallops also exist, each with different average sizes and weights. King scallops are larger than queen scallops, averaging 4-6 inches in diameter compared to 2-3 inches, respectively.

Choosing the Right Scallop for Your Recipe

Ultimately, the number of ounces in one scallop is not a single, fixed number. By understanding the factors that influence this weight, you can choose the right product for your cooking needs, ensuring a successful and delicious meal every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

The average weight of a single sea scallop varies by its size grade. A common U-10 sea scallop can weigh over 1.6 ounces, while jumbo grades (20-30 count) weigh between 0.53 and 0.8 ounces each.

A single bay scallop is much smaller than a sea scallop. Depending on the size grade (often 60-120+ count per pound), one bay scallop typically weighs less than 0.3 ounces.

Scallop weight can be inconsistent due to several factors, including whether they are wet-packed or dry-packed, natural size variations based on species and age, and natural water loss during cooking.

Dry-packed scallops are sold without added chemicals or water weight, preserving their natural flavor and allowing for a better sear. Wet-packed scallops are treated with a preservative that makes them absorb water, increasing their weight and potentially causing a soapy flavor and rubbery texture.

Scallops will shrink when cooked due to the loss of water content. Wet-packed scallops, with their added water, will shrink more dramatically during cooking than natural, dry-packed scallops.

These numbers are a size grade that indicates how many scallops are in one pound. 'U-10' means 'under 10' scallops per pound, indicating a very large scallop. '10-20' means there are between 10 and 20 scallops per pound.

To avoid buying scallops with added water weight, look for products labeled as "dry-packed" or "chemical-free." Wet-packed scallops often have a brighter white color and can release excess liquid when thawing or cooking.