How Many Shrimps Equal 4oz? A Guide to Counting by Size

November 14, 2025 •

2 min read

The number of shrimp in a 4oz serving varies dramatically based on size, with estimates ranging from just 4 colossal shrimp to over 18 tiny ones. Knowing how many shrimps equal 4oz is essential for accurate recipe planning, portion control, and ensuring a perfectly balanced meal.

Quick Summary

The quantity of shrimp in a 4-ounce portion depends entirely on the size category, from colossal to tiny. This guide explains the count-per-pound system to help you accurately measure and portion shrimp for any dish, ensuring perfect results every time.

Key Points

Count is Key: The number of shrimp in 4oz is determined by the count-per-pound system, where a lower count means larger shrimp.
Size Matters: A 4oz portion can range from 3-4 colossal shrimp to over 18 tiny ones, so size is the most important variable.
Check the Label: Always check the shrimp's packaging for the count-per-pound (e.g., 21/25) rather than the generic size term (e.g., "jumbo") for accuracy.
Raw vs. Cooked Weight: The estimates for 4oz apply to raw shrimp; cooked shrimp will weigh less due to water loss.
Shell-On Considerations: If buying shrimp with heads or shells, remember they add significant weight. A 'count-per-pound' will include this, so the final edible portion will be smaller.
Use a Scale for Precision: For the most accurate recipe results, especially for main courses, using a kitchen scale to measure 4oz is the most reliable method.

Understanding Shrimp Sizing

In the seafood industry, shrimp are sorted and sold based on a 'count-per-pound' system, where the number on the package indicates how many shrimp make up one pound. A smaller count number signifies larger shrimp, while a larger count number indicates smaller shrimp. For example, a bag labeled "26/30" contains 26 to 30 shrimp per pound. Once you know the count per pound, calculating how many shrimps equal 4oz is a simple mathematical process: divide the count by four (since 1 pound = 16 ounces). However, it's important to remember that these counts can vary between brands and markets.

How Shrimp Size Affects Your 4oz Portion

To illustrate the wide variation, here is a breakdown of how many shrimp you can expect in a 4oz portion based on different size categories. For consistency, these estimates refer to raw shrimp, as cooked shrimp lose some water and weight during the cooking process.

Colossal (U/15): Fewer than 15 per pound, approximately 3-4 in 4oz. Best for dishes where shrimp is the star.
Jumbo (21/25): 21 to 25 per pound, about 5-6 in 4oz. Versatile for grilling or stir-fries.
Large (31/40): 31 to 40 per pound, 7-9 in 4oz. Works well in pasta and tacos.
Medium (41/50): 41 to 50 per pound, typically 10-12 in 4oz. Excellent for scampi or sautéing.
Small (51/60): 51 to 60 per pound, 13-18 in 4oz. Perfect for salads and dips.
Tiny (71+): 71 or more per pound, 18+ in 4oz. Use for soups and delicate preparations.

Factors Influencing Your Shrimp Count

Several factors can cause your shrimp count to differ, including whether they are head and shell-on (adding weight) or if they have been glazed.

Comparison Table: 4oz Shrimp by Size

A comparison of what to expect for 4oz across common shrimp sizes can be found on {Link: Northern Yum https://northernyum.com/blog/shrimp-size/}.

The Importance of a Consistent Approach

Achieving the right balance of ingredients is crucial. For the most accurate results, using a kitchen scale to measure 4oz is the most reliable method. A 4oz portion also offers nutritional benefits, including about 25 grams of lean protein. For more on serving sizes, {Link: Texas Gold Shrimp https://texasgoldshrimp.com/blog/how-much-shrimp-per-person-a-serving-size-guide/} can be helpful.

Conclusion

While the exact number of shrimps in 4oz depends on size, understanding the count-per-pound system simplifies portioning. Checking the count on the package ensures consistent, delicious results. When in doubt, verifying the count is the most reliable way to get the portion right.

Frequently Asked Questions

A 4oz serving typically contains 5-6 jumbo shrimp. Jumbo shrimp are labeled with a count of 21 to 25 per pound.

You can expect to get 10-12 medium shrimp in a 4oz portion. Medium shrimp usually have a count of 41 to 50 per pound.

Yes, it matters. Shrimp lose water weight during cooking, so 4oz of raw shrimp will weigh less after it's cooked. The estimates refer to the raw weight.

The count-per-pound label indicates how many shrimp are in one pound. A '31/40' label means there are 31 to 40 shrimp per pound. The smaller the numbers, the larger the shrimp.

Your count can vary due to whether the shrimp are head-on or shell-on, which adds weight, and slight differences in size grading between different producers or retailers.

While the FDA recommends a 3oz cooked serving, a 4oz raw serving is also common for main courses. This translates to a variable number depending on the shrimp size.

The 'best' size depends on the recipe. For a shrimp cocktail where presentation matters, use colossal or jumbo. For pasta or stir-fries where you want more bites, medium or large works best.