How many shrimp are in 4 oz? The definitive guide by size

October 27, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the FDA, a standard cooked seafood serving is 3 ounces, but many recipes call for a 4-ounce portion. The number of shrimp in 4 oz, however, is not a single, fixed number, but rather varies dramatically depending on the size of the shrimp you purchase. Understanding these sizing conventions is crucial for accurate recipe planning and portion control.

Quick Summary

The quantity of shrimp in a 4-ounce serving is determined by the shrimp's size classification, with larger shrimp having a lower count and smaller shrimp having a higher count. Knowing the count-per-pound label is essential for accurately measuring portions, as commercial size names can be inconsistent. This breakdown ensures proper planning for appetizers, entrees, and other dishes.

Key Points

Size is key: The number of shrimp in 4 oz depends entirely on the shrimp's size classification, which is indicated by the count per pound on packaging.
Count vs. term: Always rely on the count-per-pound number (e.g., 21/25) for accuracy, as marketing terms like "jumbo" are not standardized and can be misleading.
Cooked vs. raw: Raw shrimp will shrink when cooked, losing about 25% of their weight, so a 4 oz raw portion yields approximately 3 oz cooked.
Preparation matters: The number of shrimp per pound is higher for peeled and deveined varieties compared to those sold with heads and shells still on.
Match to your dish: Larger, fewer shrimp are best for cocktail or grilling, while smaller, more numerous shrimp work well in salads, soups, and pasta dishes.
Budget-friendly options: Smaller shrimp often cost less per pound, offering a more economical option for dishes where the shrimp are part of a larger composition, such as stews or fried rice.

Decoding the Shrimp Sizing System

To answer the question of how many shrimp are in 4 oz, you first need to understand the seafood industry's unique sizing system. Instead of being based on length or weight per individual piece, shrimp are typically categorized by the number of individual shrimp that make up one pound. This is why you will see labels like '16/20' or 'U/15' on packaging. The '16/20' indicates that there are 16 to 20 shrimp in a single pound, while 'U/15' means 'under 15' shrimp per pound, signifying a larger size. A lower number always corresponds to a larger shrimp size, which is an important concept to grasp for accurate portioning.

By using this count-per-pound number, we can easily calculate the number of shrimp in a 4 oz serving. A simple formula is to take the average count per pound, divide it by 16 (the number of ounces in a pound), and then multiply by 4. This method provides a reliable estimate, unlike relying solely on subjective marketing terms like "jumbo" or "large," which can vary between different brands and suppliers. For example, one brand might label 16/20 count shrimp as "Extra Jumbo," while another calls them "Colossal".

The Impact of Processing: Raw vs. Cooked and Shell-on vs. Peeled

When purchasing shrimp, it is also important to consider how the product has been processed, as this can affect the final count and weight. Shrimp that are sold with the head and shell on will have a significantly lower meat yield than those that are already peeled and deveined. Some sources suggest that a shrimp with the head on is approximately two sizes larger than it would be with the head removed, and one size larger with the shell still on. Additionally, shrimp lose about 25% of their weight during cooking due to moisture loss, which can make a 4-ounce raw serving shrink to only 3 ounces when cooked. For consistency in cooking, it's often more reliable to work with a known weight of peeled and deveined shrimp.

Practical Applications for Your Recipe

So, why does this matter for your dinner plans? The number of shrimp directly influences your recipe's final texture and presentation. A shrimp cocktail, for instance, is best served with impressive, large specimens for visual impact. In contrast, a shrimp scampi or pasta dish benefits from a higher count of medium-sized shrimp to ensure every bite includes a piece of seafood. Smaller, more numerous shrimp are perfect for mixing into salads, soups, or stir-fries. By understanding the relationship between size, weight, and count, you can select the perfect shrimp for any culinary application, from a simple family meal to a sophisticated dinner party.

Shrimp Count Comparison Table: 4 oz Serving


Shrimp Size (Count per lb)	Approx. Count in 4 oz (Raw)	Approx. Count in 3 oz (Cooked)	Best for...
Colossal (U/15)	3-4	2-3	Shrimp cocktail, grilling, stuffed shrimp
Jumbo (21/25)	5-6	5-6	Skewers, butter-garlic sauté, main dishes
Large (31/35)	7-9	8-9	Pasta, stir-fries, appetizers
Medium (41/50)	10-12	10-12	Soups, tacos, mixing into rice dishes
Small (51/60)	13-15	12-15	Salads, ceviche, popcorn shrimp
Extra Small (61/70)	15-17	15-17	Salads, fillings, seafood dips

How to Calculate the Exact Count

For a more precise calculation, you can use the midpoint of the count-per-pound range. For example, for a '31/35' count large shrimp, the midpoint is 33. You would divide 33 by 16 to find the count per ounce (2.06), and then multiply by 4 to get approximately 8.24 shrimp per 4 oz. This level of detail can be helpful for exact recipe planning, especially when preparing for a specific number of guests. Remember that these are raw weights and the cooked count may be slightly less due to moisture loss. Adjusting for shells and heads also requires a good eye, so always err on the side of caution and buy a little extra if preparing shrimp for a crowd.

Conclusion

The quantity of shrimp in a 4-ounce serving is not a fixed number, but a variable dependent on the shrimp's size classification. By using the count-per-pound labels found on packaging, you can accurately estimate how many shrimp to expect for colossal, jumbo, large, and smaller varieties. This knowledge is essential for achieving proper portion control, ensuring consistent cooking results, and creating the desired presentation for any seafood dish, from a simple stir-fry to an elegant shrimp cocktail. Always refer to the numbered count rather than vague size descriptions for the most reliable results. Read more on shrimp sizing here.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are typically 5 to 6 jumbo shrimp in a 4-ounce serving. Jumbo shrimp are usually labeled as 21/25 count, meaning 21 to 25 shrimp per pound.

A 4-ounce serving of large shrimp will usually contain 7 to 9 shrimp. Large shrimp are commonly sold with a 31/35 count per pound.

You can expect to find approximately 3 to 4 colossal shrimp in a 4-ounce portion. Colossal shrimp are defined by having fewer than 15 shrimp per pound (U/15).

The industry standard uses a count-per-pound metric, such as '16/20,' to indicate the number of shrimp in one pound. Marketing terms like 'jumbo' are not standardized and can vary between different producers.

Shrimp appear smaller after cooking because they lose water weight during the cooking process. You can expect a reduction in weight of about 25% from raw to cooked.

For consistent results and accurate portioning, it is always better to purchase shrimp based on the count-per-pound number. The named sizes can be inconsistent and confusing.

Yes, if you buy shrimp with the shell on, the count per pound will be lower than for a similar-sized peeled shrimp. The weight of the shell and head contributes to the overall pound weight.