How much does a Brussel sprout weigh? A definitive guide

December 10, 2025 •

3 min read

While a definitive, single weight is impossible due to natural variation, an individual Brussel sprout typically weighs between 10 and 19 grams, which is about half an ounce. The answer to how much does a Brussel sprout weigh depends heavily on its size, variety, and the specific growing conditions.

Quick Summary

The average weight of a single Brussel sprout falls between 10 and 19 grams, though this varies based on size. Factors like variety, soil, water, and climate influence its final weight.

Key Points

Average Weight: A single Brussel sprout typically weighs between 10 and 19 grams (0.5 to 0.7 ounces), but this can vary significantly.
Size and Flavor: Smaller sprouts are often sweeter and more tender than their larger counterparts.
Factors Influencing Weight: Growing conditions such as soil quality, temperature, and water availability are major factors determining sprout size.
Sprouts Per Pound: A one-pound bag can contain anywhere from 24 to 45 sprouts, depending on their individual size.
Ideal Growing Conditions: Brussels sprouts prefer cold weather, rich soil, consistent moisture, and proper spacing to reach their optimal size.

The Average Weight of a Single Sprout

Determining the exact weight of a Brussel sprout is not a precise science, as they come in a range of sizes. However, several sources provide a useful average. Cookipedia, a cooking wiki, states that one Brussel sprout weighs roughly 10 grams (about 0.5 ounces). Another nutritional source, Food Struct, provides an average weight of 19 grams for a single sprout, noting the wide variance. The variation can be attributed to the natural growth cycle, with sprouts at the bottom of the stalk maturing first and often growing larger than those at the top.

Size and Weight Variations

Small sprouts: Often weighing around 10 grams or less, these are commonly found higher up on the stalk and are praised for their sweeter, more tender flavor.
Medium sprouts: These are the most common size, often weighing in the 15-19 gram range and offering a balanced flavor and texture.
Large sprouts: Mature sprouts found near the base of the stalk can be 20 grams or more. While still delicious, their flavor can be slightly more pungent and their texture less delicate.

Factors That Affect Brussels Sprout Weight

Several horticultural and environmental factors play a significant role in determining the final weight and size of Brussels sprouts.

Variety: Different cultivars are bred to produce different sizes. Some varieties, like Maximus F1, are known for producing larger, heavier sprouts, while others are intentionally smaller.
Temperature: Brussels sprouts thrive and grow best when the weather is cold during their maturation phase. Sowing seeds too late can lead to heat stress and smaller sprouts. A frost can even improve their flavor.
Soil and Nutrients: As 'heavy feeders', these plants require nutrient-rich soil. Poor soil quality, particularly a lack of nitrogen, can result in undersized sprouts.
Watering: Consistent and ample moisture is crucial for sprout development. Overly dry soil can cause water stress, stunting their growth.
Spacing: Planting Brussels sprouts too closely together can lead to competition for light, water, and soil nutrients, negatively impacting the size of the sprouts.
Pest Control: Pests, such as cabbage moths or aphids, can stress the plant and reduce the sprout size. Proper pest management is vital for a healthy, high-yield harvest.

Brussels Sprout Weight Comparison Table


Sprout Size	Approx. Weight (Grams)	Approx. Weight (Ounces)	Common Characteristics
Small	8-12 g	0.3-0.4 oz	Sweet and tender, often preferred for delicate dishes
Medium	13-19 g	0.5-0.7 oz	The most common supermarket size, balanced flavor and texture
Large	20+ g	0.7+ oz	More robust flavor, can be slightly tougher, good for roasting

Calculating Your Sprout Count Per Pound

With the average weight varying, the number of sprouts in a one-pound bag can also range. Since one pound is approximately 454 grams, we can use the average weights to provide an estimate:

Using a 10g average: At 454g per pound, a pound would contain approximately 45 sprouts.
Using a 19g average: With a heavier average, a pound would contain roughly 24 sprouts.

For a medium-sized sprout, a reasonable estimate would be closer to 30-35 sprouts per pound, accounting for the natural variation you will find in a grocery store bag. You can use this information to better plan recipes and servings, but remember to be flexible depending on the actual size of the sprouts you purchase.

Conclusion: Size Matters, But Not Always for Taste

Ultimately, the weight of a Brussel sprout is not a fixed number but a range influenced by numerous factors. While an average can provide a good baseline, understanding the variables allows for a deeper appreciation of this versatile vegetable. Smaller sprouts are often sweeter, while larger ones offer a more robust flavor, but all of them contribute to a nutritious and delicious meal. Don't let the varying weights confuse you—they simply reflect the natural diversity of produce.

If you're interested in learning more about the nutritional value and health benefits of vegetables, you can find a wealth of information on the USDA SNAP-Ed website.

Frequently Asked Questions

The number of sprouts in a pound depends on their individual size, but a one-pound bag generally contains between 24 and 45 sprouts. A pound is equal to 454 grams, so you can divide that number by the average weight of your sprouts to get an estimate.

Yes, size can affect taste. Smaller, younger sprouts are generally considered to be sweeter and more tender. Larger sprouts can have a more robust, slightly more bitter flavor and a denser texture.

Small sprout size can be caused by several factors, including insufficient nutrients in the soil, poor watering practices, and high temperatures during the growing season. Brussel sprouts thrive in cooler weather.

A single brussel sprout weighs approximately 0.5 to 0.7 ounces, which is the equivalent of 10 to 19 grams.

According to nutritional guidelines, a standard serving is typically around 80 grams, which equates to about eight individual brussel sprouts. This portion size can also depend on the specific recipe or dietary needs.

Yes, generally bigger brussel sprouts are older and come from the lower part of the stalk, where they mature first. Sprouts at the top of the stalk are younger and will be smaller in size.

Brussel sprouts can lose a small amount of weight during cooking, primarily due to moisture loss. Some studies note that sprouts can lose a small percentage of weight and remain marketable. However, the weight loss is usually minimal and does not significantly impact portioning.