How much does a full egg weigh? Understanding Egg Sizes and Weights

December 13, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the USDA, a standard large egg weighs approximately 2 ounces (57 grams). However, the weight of a full egg can vary significantly depending on its size grade, with peewee eggs being the smallest and jumbo eggs being the largest.

Quick Summary

The weight of a single egg depends on its size grade, which is defined by specific weight ranges. Factors like hen age and breed influence egg size, impacting recipes that rely on precise measurements. This article details the weight standards for various egg sizes and offers practical tips for weighing eggs at home.

Key Points

Weight Varies by Size: A full egg's weight depends entirely on its grade, with options ranging from peewee to jumbo.
Standard Large Egg Weight: A common large egg, frequently used in recipes, weighs around 57 grams or 2 ounces.
Size is Determined by Weight: The grade of an egg is determined by its weight per dozen, not its visual size.
Baking Requires Accuracy: For precision baking, using a kitchen scale to measure eggs by weight is more reliable than using a count of eggs.
Hen Age Affects Egg Size: Younger hens tend to lay smaller eggs, while older hens produce larger eggs.
Egg Weight Impacts Recipes: Using an egg of a different size than a recipe calls for can alter the outcome, especially in delicate baked goods.

What Determines Egg Weight?

Egg sizing is based on weight, not circumference, which is why some eggs in a carton may appear slightly different in size even if they are in the same grade. The weight is determined by several factors, including the hen's age, breed, and overall health. Young hens typically lay smaller eggs (peewee or small), and as they mature, their eggs become larger. Additionally, nutrition and environmental factors can also play a role in egg weight. Understanding these factors helps to explain the natural variation seen in egg sizes and weights.

United States Egg Weight Grades Explained

In the U.S., the Department of Agriculture (USDA) establishes weight standards for eggs, and cartons are labeled according to the minimum net weight per dozen. This grading system provides a reliable benchmark for consumers and is especially useful for baking, where precise measurements are often crucial for consistent results. Here are the official USDA weight classes for a full, in-shell egg:

Jumbo: Weighs 2.5 ounces (70.9 grams) or more per egg.
Extra-Large: Weighs at least 2.25 ounces (63.8 grams) per egg.
Large: Weighs at least 2 ounces (56.7 grams) per egg.
Medium: Weighs at least 1.75 ounces (49.6 grams) per egg.
Small: Weighs at least 1.5 ounces (42.5 grams) per egg.
Peewee: Weighs at least 1.25 ounces (35.4 grams) per egg.

How to Measure Egg Weight at Home

For many recipes, particularly in baking, using the exact weight of eggs can lead to more consistent outcomes than relying on a count of “large” eggs. Since there can be slight variations within a size grade, using a kitchen scale is the most accurate method.

Use a digital scale: Place a mixing bowl on a digital kitchen scale and press the "tare" or "zero" button to reset the weight.
Crack and weigh: Crack your eggs into the bowl, one at a time, until you reach the desired weight. For example, if a recipe calls for 100 grams of egg, you can easily stop once the scale hits that number.
Adjust if needed: If you add slightly too much, you can pour a tiny bit out until the measurement is correct. If you add too little, simply crack another egg and whisk it in, measuring out the exact amount needed.

Comparison of Common Egg Sizes and Weights

This table provides a quick reference for the average weight and common uses for the most frequently purchased egg sizes.


Feature	Large Egg	Extra-Large Egg	Jumbo Egg
Weight per Egg	~57 grams (2 oz)	~64 grams (2.25 oz)	~71 grams (2.5 oz)
Liquid Volume	3.25 tbsp	4 tbsp	~4.5 tbsp (estimate)
Typical Use	Standard for most recipes; best for general cooking and baking.	Ideal for recipes where a bit more egg is desired, such as large omelets or frittatas.	Best for dishes where eggs are the main ingredient, such as big quiches or baking large batches.
Nutritional Profile	~72 calories, 6.3g protein	More calories, protein, and fat per egg than a large.	Highest calorie, protein, and fat content of the common sizes.

How Weight Affects Baking and Cooking

While minor differences in egg weight may not be noticeable in a scramble, they can dramatically impact the outcome of sensitive recipes like cakes, custards, and macarons. The ratio of liquid, fat, and protein is carefully balanced in baking recipes, and using an egg that is too small or too large can throw off this balance. For example, using extra-large eggs in a recipe that calls for large could result in a denser, wetter cake. Conversely, using small eggs could make the final product dry or crumbly.

Conclusion

So, how much does a full egg weigh? The answer is not a single number, but a range of possibilities depending on the egg's size grade, from under 40 grams for a peewee egg to over 70 grams for a jumbo egg. While a standard large egg weighs about 57 grams, knowing the specific weight grades is vital for baking accuracy and recipe consistency. Using a kitchen scale is the most reliable method for achieving precise measurements, ensuring your culinary creations turn out perfectly every time. With this guide, you can confidently choose the right egg for any cooking or baking project.

One authoritative outbound link: USDA Egg Grades and Standards

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard U.S. large egg weighs approximately 2 ounces, which is equivalent to about 57 grams, including the shell.

Using the wrong size egg can disrupt the balance of liquid, fat, and protein in a recipe, potentially affecting the final texture and consistency of baked goods.

A jumbo egg weighs at least 2.5 ounces (70.9 grams) or more per egg, based on USDA standards.

No, the color of an eggshell (white, brown, or blue) has no impact on its weight or nutritional value. The shell color is determined solely by the chicken's breed.

For recipes that require precision, such as macarons or specific cake recipes, weighing your eggs on a digital scale will provide the most accurate and consistent results.

Egg size is determined by weight, not visual size. The USDA and other agricultural organizations set weight standards per dozen to grade eggs, ensuring a consistent product.

While eggs are graded by weight, there is an acceptable range within each weight class. This natural variation is why some eggs in the same carton might appear slightly smaller or larger than others.

A cooked egg will weigh slightly less than its raw weight due to moisture loss during the cooking process. A boiled egg might weigh a few grams less than it did in its raw state.