How Many Shrimps Are Considered a Serving?

December 15, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a standard serving of cooked seafood, including shrimp, is 3 ounces. However, this simple weight measure can represent a vastly different number of individual shrimp, depending on their size.

Quick Summary

The standard serving size for cooked shrimp is 3 ounces (85g), but the actual number of pieces can vary widely from just 3 to over 18, depending on their size.

Key Points

Weight is the Standard: A official serving size for cooked shrimp is 3 ounces, as recommended by the FDA.
Size Dictates Count: The number of shrimp in a 3-ounce serving varies greatly depending on the shrimp's size and weight.
Count Per Pound Labeling: Shrimp are sold based on how many pieces are in a pound (e.g., 21/25 count for Jumbo), with a lower number indicating larger shrimp.
Consider the Meal: Portion sizes for main courses (4-8 oz cooked) are larger than for appetizers (2-5 pieces), depending on guest appetite and other dishes.
Account for Cooking Weight Loss: Raw shrimp weigh more than cooked shrimp due to water loss; plan to purchase more raw weight to achieve the desired cooked serving.

Understanding Shrimp Sizing: Count Per Pound

To understand how many shrimp make up a serving, you first need to decipher how they are sized at the market. Shrimp size is determined by a count-per-pound system, which indicates the number of individual shrimp required to make up one pound. The rule of thumb is simple: the smaller the number on the label, the larger the individual shrimp. For example, a bag labeled “21/25” contains 21 to 25 shrimp per pound, classifying them as Jumbo. A bag labeled “51/60” means there are 51 to 60 shrimp per pound, making them a smaller size. This labeling is crucial for predicting how many pieces you'll get in a standard 3-ounce serving.

The Standard 3-Ounce Cooked Serving

The FDA and American Heart Association both recommend a standard serving of about 3 ounces of cooked seafood. This amount provides a solid foundation for portion control and nutritional planning. A 3-ounce serving of cooked shrimp (around 85 grams) is a lean source of protein, offering approximately 84 calories and over 20 grams of protein, along with important nutrients like phosphorus, B12, and selenium. When buying uncooked shrimp, it's important to remember that shrimp lose water weight during cooking and peeling, which can reduce their total weight by up to 25%. Therefore, to get a 3-ounce cooked portion, you should plan to buy closer to 4 ounces of raw shrimp. This difference between raw and cooked weight is a key factor in accurate meal preparation.

Factors Influencing Your Serving

Beyond the count-per-pound system, several other factors influence what constitutes an appropriate serving size for your meal. The context of the meal is paramount. Is shrimp the star of the show, or is it a supporting ingredient?

Main Course vs. Appetizer: For a main entrée, a portion size is typically more substantial than for an appetizer. While a standard serving is 3 ounces, many people prefer a heartier 4- to 8-ounce cooked portion for a main course. Conversely, for appetizers like shrimp cocktail, 2 to 5 pieces per guest may be sufficient, especially if other appetizers are available.
Peeled vs. Unpeeled: The weight of a shrimp includes its head and shell if it's unpeeled. When you purchase raw, unpeeled shrimp, you'll need to buy more by weight to account for the parts that will be removed during preparation. For instance, for a seafood boil where guests peel their own, you might need up to 1 pound of unpeeled shrimp per person to ensure a hearty portion.
Dish Type: The recipe itself can guide your portioning. Smaller shrimp are ideal for stir-fries, salads, and dips, where their delicate size blends well with other ingredients. Larger, meatier shrimp are better suited for grilling, skewer presentations, or as a focal point in dishes like scampi.

Calculating Your Ideal Shrimp Portion

To help simplify planning, here is a practical guide on how many cooked shrimp you can expect per standard 3-ounce serving. This is based on the industry's count-per-pound classification system.

Shrimp Serving Size Comparison Table


Shrimp Size	Count per Pound (uncooked)	Approximate Cooked Pieces (3 oz)
Extra Colossal	U/10	2–3
Colossal	13/15	3–4
Extra Jumbo	16/20	4–5
Jumbo	21/25	5–6
Extra Large	26/30	6–8
Large	31/40	8–10
Medium	41/50	10–12
Small	51/60	12–15
Tiny/Salad	71+	18+

Conclusion

Determining how many shrimps are considered a serving depends on a few key factors, but the foundation is the standard 3-ounce weight for cooked seafood. From this starting point, the specific count of shrimp is determined by their size, indicated by the count-per-pound label on the package. Whether you are planning a shrimp cocktail with colossal prawns or a pasta dish with medium shrimp, understanding these size classifications ensures you buy and serve the correct amount for your meal and your guests. Remember to account for weight differences between raw and cooked, peeled and unpeeled shrimp to guarantee a satisfying dining experience.

For more information on recommended seafood intake, visit the FDA Guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

A 3-ounce cooked serving is a standard size, offering a good source of lean protein with approximately 84 calories. It is a balanced portion for an individual as part of a meal.

A standard 3-ounce cooked serving typically contains about 5-6 jumbo shrimp, which correspond to a 21/25 count per pound.

For a main course, a more generous portion of 4 to 8 ounces of cooked shrimp per person is often recommended, especially if it is the primary protein.

If you buy unpeeled shrimp, you need to account for weight loss from shelling and cooking. Plan for about 1/2 to 1 pound of raw, unpeeled shrimp per person.

Shrimp naturally lose water weight during the cooking process. This is why a standard serving is measured after cooking, not before.

For an impressive shrimp cocktail, larger varieties like Colossal (13/15 count) or Extra Jumbo (16/20 count) are popular for their size and meaty texture.

Larger shrimp require longer cooking times than smaller shrimp. For example, colossal shrimp may need 5-7 minutes on the grill, while smaller medium shrimp may cook in just 2-3 minutes.