How Many Pieces of Dates Are in 250 Grams? A Comprehensive Guide

November 22, 2025 •

4 min read

Did you know that 250 grams of premium Medjool dates could be anywhere from 14 to 16 pieces, while smaller varieties could number over 30? The exact answer to how many pieces of dates are in 250 grams is not a single number, but rather a range that depends entirely on the date's variety, size, and moisture content.

Quick Summary

The piece count for 250 grams of dates is not fixed and depends on the specific variety, size, and moisture content. Larger types, like Medjool, result in fewer pieces, while smaller ones yield a higher count.

Key Points

Variety is Key: The number of dates in 250 grams depends heavily on the date variety, with larger Medjool dates yielding fewer pieces than smaller Deglet Noor dates.
Weight is Most Accurate: For cooking and baking, measuring dates by weight is far more precise than counting individual pieces, ensuring consistent recipe results.
Significant Calorie Count: 250 grams of Medjool dates contains approximately 693 calories, highlighting their energy-dense nature.
Rich in Nutrients: Despite their high sugar content, dates in a 250g serving provide substantial dietary fiber, potassium, and magnesium.
Medjool vs. Deglet Noor: Expect roughly 11–16 Medjool dates versus 21–31 Deglet Noor dates in a 250-gram portion due to their size difference.
Soaking Can Affect Weight: Soaking dried dates before use can increase their weight, which could slightly alter your final piece count for a given weight.
Use a Scale for Precision: For the most accurate calculation, weigh a small sample of your dates to find the average piece weight, then divide 250 by that number.

Why Date Variety and Size Matter

Understanding how many pieces of dates are in 250 grams is less about a single conversion and more about knowing your dates. The primary factor influencing the count is the variety of date you are using. Different types have distinct sizes, densities, and moisture levels, which all affect their individual weight. A large, plump Medjool date, for instance, weighs significantly more than a smaller, firmer Deglet Noor date. Consequently, you will get far fewer Medjool dates in a 250-gram package than you would of Deglet Noor dates. For bakers and cooks, this distinction is critical, as using the correct type and quantity is essential for the desired texture and sweetness in a recipe.

A Comparative Look at Common Date Varieties

To illustrate the stark differences, let's examine the weights and corresponding count for 250 grams of several popular date varieties. The following table provides estimates based on average weights, but actual numbers may vary based on specific fruit size and moisture.


Date Variety	Average Weight Per Piece (Approx.)	Estimated Pieces in 250 Grams	Key Characteristics
Medjool	15–23 grams	~11–16 pieces	Large, soft, and moist with a rich caramel flavor.
Deglet Noor	8–12 grams	~21–31 pieces	Medium-sized, semi-dry with a delicate, honey-like sweetness.
General Average	7–10 grams	~25–35 pieces	Represents a broader category of smaller, often dried dates.

This table clearly demonstrates why a precise number is impossible without knowing the specific date variety and size. It’s always best to check the packaging or, for loose dates, to weigh a few pieces to get an accurate estimate.

How to Calculate the Number of Dates in 250g Accurately

While the table provides a great starting point, here is a simple method to get a more accurate count for your specific dates. This method works for any variety and gives you the most precise measurement for your recipes.

Step 1: Get a scale. The most accurate way to measure ingredients, especially for baking, is by using a kitchen scale. This removes any ambiguity caused by variations in fruit size.
Step 2: Weigh a few dates. Take a small, representative sample of your dates—for example, five individual pieces. Ensure they are the same type you plan to use in your recipe.
Step 3: Calculate the average. Divide the total weight of your sample by the number of dates. This gives you the average weight per date. For example, if five of your pitted dates weigh 40 grams, the average weight is 8 grams per date ($40 / 5 = 8$).
Step 4: Perform the final calculation. Divide 250 grams by the average weight you just calculated. The resulting number will be your most accurate estimation. Using our previous example, 250 grams would contain approximately 31 dates ($250 / 8 \approx 31.25$).

The Nutritional Context of 250 Grams of Dates

Beyond the piece count, it's useful to understand the nutritional profile of 250 grams of dates. Due to their high concentration of natural sugars and fiber, dates are quite calorie-dense. For instance, 250 grams of Medjool dates contain roughly 693 calories. This portion also delivers a significant amount of nutrients, including potassium, magnesium, fiber, and various B vitamins.

Calories: Approximately 693 kcal for Medjool dates.
Carbohydrates: A large portion, primarily from natural sugars.
Fiber: An excellent source of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health.
Minerals: Rich in essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, and copper.

Best Practices for Cooking and Baking with Dates

Given the variability in date size and moisture, relying on weight rather than piece count is a superior method for consistent results in recipes.

Here are some tips for using dates effectively:

Follow the recipe's lead: If a recipe specifies a weight, always use a kitchen scale to measure. If it specifies a number of dates, try to use a similar variety or weigh your dates to ensure consistency.
Chop them for even distribution: When mixing dates into batters or doughs, chopping them first with oiled kitchen shears prevents them from clumping together.
Soften them if needed: For a softer texture in purées or pastes, or to make them easier to blend, you can soak dried dates in hot water for a few minutes.

Conclusion

Determining the number of dates in a 250-gram serving is a flexible calculation, not a fixed formula. The specific count can range widely, from around 11 large Medjool dates to over 30 smaller, drier varieties. For accurate cooking and nutritional tracking, focusing on weight rather than piece count is the most reliable approach. The type of date, its moisture content, and the presence of pits are all critical variables that influence the final number. By using a kitchen scale and understanding the characteristics of different date types, you can ensure consistency in your recipes and stay informed about your nutritional intake. For more in-depth information on date nutrition and health benefits, reputable sources like Healthline can be consulted.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard serving size of dates is often considered to be about 4-5 dates, which is roughly 40-50 grams.

Using weight is the most accurate method for consistent results, especially when date size and moisture can vary. Counting pieces is less reliable for specific recipes.

The count provided is typically for pitted dates, as the pit adds weight. For unpitted dates, the piece count would be slightly lower for the same weight.

The number of dates varies because different varieties, like Medjool and Deglet Noor, have different sizes, densities, and moisture levels, all of which impact their individual weight.

For Medjool dates, 250 grams contains approximately 693 calories, with other varieties having slightly different values due to varying moisture and sugar content.

Fresher, more moist dates, like Medjool, tend to be heavier per piece than drier varieties for the same volume. Dried dates, which have less water, will contain more pieces per 250 grams.

If your dates are a different size, the best approach is to use a kitchen scale to determine the average weight per piece. This will provide the most accurate estimate for your specific dates, regardless of variety.