How many scallops equal 4 ounces? A breakdown by size and type

December 1, 2025 •

3 min read

The FDA recommends a serving of cooked seafood is about 4 ounces, and the number of scallops that equals this weight is entirely dependent on their size. For example, the number of large sea scallops will be significantly different from that of much smaller bay scallops. Knowing the variety and grade of scallop you have is the key to accurate portioning.

Quick Summary

The exact number of scallops in a 4-ounce serving is determined by their size and grade, which varies from large sea scallops to smaller bay scallops. Sizing labels like 'U/10' or '30/40' indicate the count per pound, a crucial factor for estimating your portion.

Key Points

Scallop size is key: The count per 4 ounces depends on whether you have small bay scallops or large sea scallops.
Sea Scallops: A 4-ounce portion of large sea scallops (e.g., U/10 or 20/30 grade) will contain fewer pieces, likely 2 to 8.
Bay Scallops: Expect a higher number of pieces for a 4-ounce serving of smaller bay scallops (e.g., 60/80 grade), potentially 15 or more.
Wet vs. Dry: Dry-packed scallops retain less water and shrink less when cooked, affecting the final piece count compared to wet-packed.
Sizing is based on weight: Scallops are graded by the number of pieces per pound, which is the key to calculating how many equal 4 ounces.
Measure for accuracy: For perfect portion control, especially with a wide size range, use a kitchen scale to measure by weight rather than counting pieces.

The Importance of Scallop Sizing

Understanding scallop sizing is the most crucial factor in determining how many scallops equal 4 ounces. Unlike other types of protein, scallops are not sold by a uniform size. The labels on packaged scallops indicate a count per pound. The smaller the number, the larger the scallop; for example, U/10 means "under 10" scallops per pound, indicating a very large size. This means a 4-ounce portion of colossal U/10 scallops will contain far fewer pieces than the same weight of tiny bay scallops, which can have over 60 pieces per pound.

Scallop Sizing System Explained

Scallops are typically categorized into two main types: Sea Scallops and Bay Scallops, which are then further graded by size. This sizing affects not only the count but also the best cooking methods.

Sea Scallops: These are the larger, meatier scallops fished from deeper, colder waters. They are perfect for searing, grilling, or as a standalone entree. Their sizing typically falls into these ranges:

U/10 (Super Colossal): Fewer than 10 scallops per pound. For 4 ounces, you can expect 2-4 scallops.
10/20 (Large): Between 10 and 20 scallops per pound. A 4-ounce portion would be around 3-5 scallops.
20/30 (Jumbo): Between 20 and 30 scallops per pound. You would get 5-8 scallops for 4 ounces.
30/40 (Large): Between 30 and 40 scallops per pound. A 4-ounce serving is roughly 8-11 scallops.

Bay Scallops: Found in shallow bays and estuaries, these are much smaller and sweeter, often used in pasta, salads, or soups.

40/60 (Medium): Between 40 and 60 scallops per pound. A 4-ounce serving could contain 10-15 scallops.
60/80 (Small): Between 60 and 80 scallops per pound. For 4 ounces, expect 15-20 scallops.
80/120 (Tiny): Between 80 and 120 scallops per pound. A 4-ounce serving could have 20-30 scallops.

Wet vs. Dry Scallops and Cooking

Another important factor is whether you are buying "wet" or "dry" scallops. Dry-packed scallops are untreated and offer a better sear, retaining their natural flavor and shrinking less when cooked. Wet-packed scallops are treated with a preservative solution that adds water weight, causing them to shrink more dramatically during cooking as this water is released. This means a 4-ounce portion of wet scallops may appear to have fewer pieces or lose more volume once cooked, compared to the same weight of dry scallops.

How to Measure Scallops for Your Recipe

To ensure you have the right amount for your dish, it's always best to start with a weight measurement. If you buy scallops labeled with a count per pound (e.g., 30/40), you can easily calculate how many pieces you will need for 4 ounces. For a 30/40 count, a pound contains between 30 and 40 scallops. A 4-ounce portion (1/4 of a pound) would therefore contain between 7.5 and 10 scallops. For more precision, use a kitchen scale to measure the total weight of your scallops rather than simply counting pieces, especially if the count per pound is a range.

Scallop Size and Count Comparison Table


Scallop Type	Size Grade	Count per Pound (approx.)	Estimated Count for 4 Ounces	Best Cooking Method
Sea Scallop	Colossal (U/10)	Under 10	2-4	Searing, Grilling
Sea Scallop	Jumbo (20/30)	20-30	5-8	Searing, Grilling, Broiling
Sea Scallop	Large (30/40)	30-40	8-11	Sautéing, Pan-searing
Bay Scallop	Medium (40/60)	40-60	10-15	Sautéing, Skewering
Bay Scallop	Small (60/80)	60-80	15-20	Stir-frying, Pasta dishes

Conclusion

Ultimately, there is no single answer to the question of how many scallops equal 4 ounces. The number varies dramatically based on the scallop's size, which is indicated by its count per pound on the packaging. Large sea scallops will require only a few pieces to reach 4 ounces, while a larger number of smaller bay scallops will be needed for the same weight. By understanding the sizing system and whether your scallops are wet or dry, you can ensure accurate portioning for your recipe and achieve the best cooking results. The next time you're at the seafood counter, use this knowledge to pick the perfect scallop for your culinary creation.

For more information on seafood sizing and cooking tips, visit:

Fulton Fish Market's Scallop Size Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard serving of seafood, including scallops, is about 3.5 to 4 ounces. This is considered an appetizer portion, while an entree portion is typically 6 to 8 ounces.

Jumbo scallops, graded as 20/30 (meaning 20-30 per pound), would yield approximately 5 to 8 scallops for a 4-ounce serving.

Bay scallops are much smaller. For a 4-ounce portion of small bay scallops (60/80 grade), you could expect to have 15 to 20 individual pieces.

The U/10 designation means 'under 10' scallops per pound. This indicates they are very large or colossal-sized sea scallops, with fewer than 10 pieces needed to make a full pound.

Scallops shrink when cooked because they lose water. Wet-packed scallops, treated with a preservative to hold water, will shrink more dramatically than dry-packed scallops during the cooking process.

Dry-packed scallops are untreated and natural, offering better searing and less shrinkage. Wet-packed scallops are soaked in a solution to increase shelf life and water content, which causes more shrinkage during cooking.

For an entree, plan for 6 to 8 ounces of scallops per person. For an appetizer, 3 to 4 ounces is a good estimate. This can be translated into a count based on the scallop's size grade.