How Much is One Wedge of Watermelon? Your Guide to Pricing and Value

November 3, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the USDA, the national seasonal average retail price for conventional seeded watermelons is between 31 to 38 cents per pound. This means the cost of one wedge of watermelon is not a fixed price, but rather depends on several variables, including the time of year and how you purchase it.

Quick Summary

The cost of a watermelon wedge is highly variable, influenced by season, location, and whether it's bought pre-cut or from a whole melon. Prices per wedge can range from less than 20 cents for a self-cut portion to over a dollar for pre-cut slices.

Key Points

Price Varies Dramatically: The cost of a watermelon wedge is not fixed and depends on several factors, including the season and how you purchase it.
Pre-Cut is Costly: Buying pre-cut watermelon is significantly more expensive per wedge than cutting a whole melon yourself.
Seasonality Affects Cost: Peak season (mid-summer) offers the lowest prices for whole watermelons, while off-season purchases will be more expensive per pound.
Weight of a Wedge: A typical medium wedge is approximately 1/16th of a melon and weighs around 10 ounces or 0.33 pounds.
Calculate for Value: Calculating the cost per wedge from a whole melon can save you a significant amount of money compared to paying the higher per-pound price for convenience.
Nutritional Value: A wedge provides hydration, vitamins A and C, and the antioxidant lycopene, making it a healthy and refreshing snack.

Understanding the Factors That Influence Watermelon Prices

The price of a single wedge of watermelon is not a simple, universal figure. It is the result of several layers of market and logistical factors, from the time of year you buy it to how it's prepared and sold. To truly understand how much one wedge of watermelon is, you must consider all of these variables.

Seasonality and Supply

Seasonality is one of the most significant drivers of watermelon pricing. In the Northern Hemisphere, peak season runs from July to mid-August, when supply is at its highest due to domestic production in states like Texas and Florida. During this time, you'll find the lowest prices, with retail averages dipping to $0.40–$0.50 per pound. Outside of peak season, prices climb as supply wanes and retailers rely on imported melons or storage crops. Off-season prices can spike, making a wedge significantly more expensive. For example, late spring prices can be up to $0.75 per pound, and off-season imports can be even higher due to transportation and tariff costs.

Buying Whole vs. Pre-Cut

The most dramatic price difference comes from how the watermelon is purchased. Buying a whole melon is almost always the most cost-effective option. The added cost for convenience in pre-cut versions is substantial. A whole melon may cost between $0.40 and $0.75 per pound depending on the season and variety. A pre-cut container, however, can be priced at $3 or more per pound, making it exponentially more expensive for the same amount of fruit. The price difference covers labor, packaging, and the loss of the inedible rind weight. When asking how much is one wedge of watermelon, it's critical to define if it's from a whole melon or a pre-packaged container.

Geographical Location and Retailer

Just as with any produce, the cost of watermelon varies by location and retailer. Prices in the US are affected by regional conditions, harvest timing, and shipping costs. A state with high local production like Georgia might have lower prices than a state that relies on imports. Similarly, prices will differ between a large supermarket, a farmers' market, or a high-end grocer. The average cost is also impacted by factors within the supply chain, like labor and transportation.

Calculating the Cost of a Wedge Yourself

For those seeking the best value, buying a whole melon is the way to go. You can calculate the cost per wedge with a simple process.

Step-by-Step Calculation for a Whole Melon

Find the total cost of the watermelon (weight x price per pound). For example, a 10-pound melon at $0.50/lb costs $5.00.
Determine how many wedges you can get from the melon. A standard estimate is that one pound of watermelon yields about three average-sized wedges. For a 10-pound melon, you would get approximately 30 wedges.
Divide the total cost by the number of wedges. For our example, $5.00 divided by 30 wedges equals approximately $0.17 per wedge.

Average Weight of a Wedge

A medium-sized wedge of watermelon, which is roughly 1/16th of a medium-large melon, weighs about 286 grams, or just over 10 ounces. Knowing this can help you better estimate the cost based on the per-pound price. For a whole melon priced at $0.50/lb, a 10-ounce wedge would be around $0.31.

Cost Comparison: Whole vs. Pre-Cut Watermelon


Purchase Method	Cost per Pound (Estimated Range)	Weight of One Wedge (Avg.)	Cost Per Wedge (Calculated Avg.)
Whole Melon	$0.40 - $0.75	~0.33 pounds (1/3rd lb)	$0.13 - $0.25
Pre-Cut Container	$3.00 - $8.00	~0.33 pounds (1/3rd lb)	$1.00 - $2.67

This table clearly illustrates the massive cost difference between buying a whole melon and purchasing it pre-cut. The convenience of not having to cut the melon yourself comes at a significant premium.

The Nutritional Value of a Watermelon Wedge

Beyond cost, a wedge of watermelon provides a great deal of nutritional value. This hydrating fruit is packed with vitamins and antioxidants. A medium wedge contains approximately 86 calories and is a good source of Vitamin C and Vitamin A. It also contains the powerful antioxidant lycopene, which is beneficial for heart health. For more detailed nutritional information, you can consult the official Watermelon Board website.

Conclusion: Making the Smartest Watermelon Purchase

So, how much is one wedge of watermelon? The answer is complex and varies dramatically based on your buying habits. If you prioritize budget, buying a whole melon in peak season is the most economical choice, with each wedge costing pennies. If you opt for the convenience of pre-cut wedges, expect to pay a significant premium, with each slice potentially costing over a dollar. By understanding the factors that affect pricing—from seasonality to buying method—you can make an informed decision and enjoy this refreshing fruit without overspending.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pre-cut watermelon is more expensive due to the added costs of labor for cutting and packaging, as well as the loss of profit from the inedible rind. The convenience of a ready-to-eat product commands a higher price per pound.

The best time to buy watermelon for the lowest price is during the peak summer months, typically July and August. At this time, supply is abundant, and prices tend to be at their lowest seasonal average.

Yes, seedless watermelons often have a slightly higher price per pound than seeded varieties. Therefore, a wedge from a seedless watermelon will generally cost more than a wedge from a seeded one, all other factors being equal.

A ripe watermelon should feel heavy for its size. Look for a dull, not shiny, rind and a creamy, yellow patch on the underside where it rested on the ground while ripening. A deep, hollow sound when thumped is also a good indicator.

To cut wedges, first wash the melon. Slice it in half lengthwise. Place each half cut-side-down and slice it in half lengthwise again to make quarters. Then, slice each quarter crosswise to your desired wedge thickness.

The number of wedges depends on the size of the watermelon and how thick you cut them. A standard estimate from the Watermelon Board suggests a large 20-pound melon can yield about 66 3/4-inch-thick wedges.

Yes, aside from seeded and seedless, there are also mini or personal watermelons, icebox watermelons, and yellow or orange-fleshed varieties, all of which have different price points.