How Many Pieces of Shrimp is 4 Ounces? A Definitive Guide

December 5, 2025 •

4 min read

The exact number of pieces for how many pieces of shrimp is 4 ounces can vary drastically, from as few as 1 to 4 colossal shrimp to over 15 small ones. This significant difference is determined by the size classification of the shrimp, a critical detail for anyone planning a recipe or a meal.

Quick Summary

The piece count for a 4-ounce portion of shrimp depends on its market size, which is classified by count-per-pound. Key factors include raw vs cooked weight and if the shrimp are peeled. A chart details approximate counts based on size categories.

Key Points

Shrimp Size is Key: The number of shrimp in 4 ounces depends entirely on the market size, which is categorized by a count-per-pound system.
Expect Cooking Shrinkage: A 4-ounce raw serving will yield only about 3 ounces of cooked shrimp due to water loss during cooking.
Colossal vs. Small Count: A 4 oz portion can range from 1-4 colossal shrimp to 13-18+ small shrimp.
High in Protein, Low in Fat: A 4 oz serving provides a significant amount of protein (approx. 27g) while being very low in calories (around 112) and fat.
Mind the Shells: If you purchase shrimp with the shell on, the total weight will include the shell, so you will have fewer individual peeled shrimp compared to an equivalent weight of pre-peeled shrimp.
Simple Portioning: For accurate measurements, use a food scale to weigh 4 ounces of raw shrimp rather than simply counting the pieces.
Don't Overcook: Cook time varies by size; smaller shrimp cook faster. Cook just until pink and opaque to avoid a rubbery texture.

Understanding Shrimp Sizing

Shrimp are not categorized by a standardized length, but rather by their count-per-pound, a system used throughout the seafood industry. This numerical range, often printed on packaging, indicates how many individual shrimp it takes to make up one pound. The smaller the number, the larger the shrimp. For example, a label of "21/25 count" indicates that there are between 21 and 25 jumbo shrimp per pound. This system is the most reliable way to estimate the number of pieces in any given weight, including a 4-ounce serving.

The Impact of Raw vs. Cooked Weight

When calculating the number of shrimp for a recipe, it's essential to consider whether you are measuring the weight raw or cooked. A 4-ounce portion of raw shrimp will not retain its full weight after cooking. As with most seafood, shrimp lose a notable amount of water during the cooking process, causing them to shrink in size and weight. A 4-ounce raw serving will yield approximately 3 ounces of cooked shrimp. This distinction is important for accurate meal planning and portion control, especially when following recipes that specify cooked weight.

Peeling and Deveining Considerations

Shrimp can be purchased with the shell on or already peeled and deveined. The status of the shell, head, and tail significantly affects the total weight and the final piece count. Raw shrimp sold with the heads on will be larger in size classification than the same shrimp once the heads are removed. For instance, a colossal shrimp with the head on may become a jumbo size once removed. For the most accurate counting and portioning for a recipe, it's recommended to work with peeled and deveined shrimp, or to account for the weight lost by the shells and heads during preparation.

How Many Pieces of Shrimp is 4 Ounces? A Comparison

The following table provides a clear comparison of the approximate number of shrimp you can expect in a 4-ounce serving, based on the most common size classifications. This guide is based on raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp, which is the most common form for home cooking and recipes.


Shrimp Size	Count per Pound	Approximate Count per 4 oz Raw	Approximate Count per 3 oz Cooked
Colossal	U/15-16/20	1–4 pieces	1–3 pieces
Jumbo	21/25–26/30	5–6 pieces	4–5 pieces
Large	31/35–36/40	7–9 pieces	6–8 pieces
Medium	41/50–51/60	10–12 pieces	8–10 pieces
Small	61/70–71+	13–18+ pieces	10–15+ pieces

Nutritional Value of a 4 oz Shrimp Serving

A 4-ounce portion of shrimp is not only a lean source of protein but also packed with essential nutrients. For a standard 4-ounce serving of plain, cooked shrimp, here's a general nutritional breakdown:

Calories: Approximately 112 calories, making it a very low-calorie protein source.
Protein: Around 27 grams, which is a substantial amount for muscle repair and growth.
Fat: Extremely low fat content, typically less than 1 gram.
Carbohydrates: Virtually no carbs, making it suitable for low-carb diets.
Selenium: Rich in selenium, an important antioxidant.
B Vitamins: A good source of several B vitamins, including B12.
Cholesterol: While high in dietary cholesterol, studies suggest dietary cholesterol has a minimal impact on blood cholesterol for most people. The key is to limit saturated fat intake.

Tips for Cooking and Measuring Shrimp

Weight it Out: For precise portioning, especially if you are concerned with calorie counting, use a food scale to measure your 4-ounce serving raw. This ensures accuracy that counting pieces cannot provide.
Don't Overcook: Shrimp cook very quickly. To prevent them from becoming tough or rubbery, watch them closely and remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque. Smaller shrimp cook faster than larger ones.
Flavor Pairing: The mild, sweet flavor of shrimp makes it incredibly versatile. It pairs well with a variety of seasonings and sauces, from garlic butter to spicy chili. For more healthy and sustainable options, check out resources like the Sustainable Shrimp Partnership to learn about responsible sourcing and preparation methods.
Thawing Frozen Shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, it's best to thaw them thoroughly before cooking to ensure even cooking. Place them in a colander under cold running water or leave them in the refrigerator overnight.

Conclusion

Determining how many pieces of shrimp is 4 ounces is all about knowing the size of the shrimp you are using. By understanding the industry's count-per-pound system, you can accurately estimate the number of pieces for your meal. Whether you prefer a few large, meaty shrimp or a handful of small ones, a 4-ounce serving remains a lean, protein-packed, and nutritious choice for any dish. The size of your shrimp simply dictates how many delightful bites you get to enjoy per portion. Always remember to account for weight loss during cooking, and you will have perfect shrimp every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

The number of shrimp in 4 ounces varies because shrimp are sold by different market sizes, which are determined by the number of individual shrimp per pound. A smaller count per pound means larger individual shrimp, and therefore fewer pieces in a 4-ounce serving.

For a 4-ounce serving of large shrimp (31/35 count), you can typically expect to get between 7 and 9 pieces.

A standard 4-ounce serving of medium shrimp (41/50 count) generally contains about 10 to 12 pieces.

Yes, raw shrimp lose a significant amount of water weight during cooking. A 4-ounce raw portion will cook down to approximately 3 ounces.

Shrimp are sized based on their count per pound. This is why you will see labels like '21/25 count,' meaning there are 21 to 25 shrimp per pound. A smaller count number indicates a larger shrimp.

Yes, 4 ounces (110 g) of raw shrimp is considered a standard serving size for protein in many dietary contexts, often reducing to about 3 ounces cooked.

For a 4-ounce serving of jumbo shrimp (21/25 count), you should expect to get between 5 and 6 pieces.