How much prawn per person?

December 11, 2025 •

3 min read

Experts recommend a generous 8 ounces of raw, unpeeled shrimp per person for a main course, but portioning can get tricky depending on the size, preparation, and occasion. Understanding how much prawn per person is essential for preventing food waste and ensuring every guest is satisfied.

Quick Summary

Determining prawn portion sizes involves considering the meal type and preparation. Appetizers require significantly less than main courses, and raw, shelled weight differs from cooked, peeled meat, which influences final quantities.

Key Points

Portion by Role: For a main course, target 1/2 lb of cooked, peeled prawns per person. For an appetizer, 1/4 lb raw is a safe bet.
Account for Weight Loss: Raw, shell-on prawns lose up to 50% of their weight during peeling and cooking, so buy more than the final cooked amount you need.
Use the Count System: The size of the prawn (e.g., Jumbo 21/25 vs. Medium 41/50) directly impacts the number of pieces per serving.
Consider Your Guests: Adjust portions for big eaters or if prawns are the only protein. Smaller portions work for multi-appetizer menus.
Plan for Cooking Style: Grilling larger prawns might require more pieces per person for presentation than when used in a pasta dish.
Don't Overlook Context: The type of meal (casual boil versus elegant dinner) dictates the overall quantity, so gauge the serving style carefully.

The Golden Rule: Occasion and Preparation Matter

Figuring out the right quantity of prawns is not a one-size-fits-all problem. The amount needed varies dramatically based on whether the prawns are the star of the show or a supporting ingredient. A generous main course will demand more than a small appetiser served alongside other options. Furthermore, whether the prawns are raw with shells or cooked and peeled directly impacts the weight you need to purchase.

Appetizer Portions: Light Bites

For hors d'oeuvres, portion sizes are naturally smaller. The amount you need depends on how many other starters are available.

Single Appetizer: If prawns are the only appetizer, plan for 4-5 medium or larger pieces per person.
Multiple Appetizers: When serving several different starters, 2-3 medium or larger pieces per guest is usually sufficient.
Buffet Style: For a buffet where guests can serve themselves, estimate a quarter-pound of raw, unpeeled prawns per guest to be on the safe side.

Main Course Portions: The Heart of the Meal

When prawns are the main protein, you'll need to increase your quantities to provide a filling meal.

Cooked and Peeled Prawns: For cooked and peeled prawns, a half-pound (8 ounces or approximately 225g) per person is a good estimate for a main course.
Raw and Unpeeled Prawns: Since the head and shell add considerable weight, you need to buy more. A general rule is to get 1 pound (450g) of raw, unpeeled prawns per person. This ensures enough edible meat after preparation.
As an Ingredient: When using prawns in a pasta dish, stir-fry, or curry where they are not the sole protein, aim for 4–5 ounces (110–140g) of cooked, peeled prawns per person.

Raw vs. Cooked: The Weight Difference

Prawns lose weight during the cooking process primarily due to moisture loss. As a result, the cooked, peeled weight is significantly less than the raw, shell-on weight. The weight difference is a crucial factor in calculating how much to buy. For example, 1 pound of raw, shell-on shrimp yields about 1/2 to 3/4 of a pound of cooked, peeled meat. Shells and heads account for the rest of the weight.

Size Counts: The Count-per-Pound System

In the seafood industry, prawn size is often determined by the 'count per pound.' This number indicates how many prawns it takes to make a pound. A lower number means larger prawns. This system helps you determine not only the number of pieces per serving but also how long they might take to cook.

Prawn Size Comparison Table


Prawn Size (US term)	Count Per Pound	Approx. Pieces Per Main Course Serving (Cooked & Peeled)	Best for...
Colossal	U/15	3-5 pieces	Grilling, elegant presentations
Jumbo	21/25	5-7 pieces	Sautéing, scampi, kebabs
Large	31/35	8-9 pieces	Pasta, stir-fries, general purpose
Medium	41/50	10-12 pieces	Soups, dips, salads
Small	51/60	12-15 pieces	Soups, stews, fried rice

Factors Influencing Your Prawn Portion

Appetite of Guests: Consider your audience. If you're serving a group of people with hearty appetites, it's wise to increase your estimates slightly.
Other Dishes: If the prawns are part of a multi-course meal or served with numerous heavy sides, you can lean towards the lower end of the recommended portion size.
Serving Style: For a prawn boil or communal meal where guests dig in, purchasing towards the higher end of the range (1 pound raw, unpeeled per person) ensures there's more than enough to go around.
Recipe Type: A creamy prawn pasta dish may feel more filling with fewer prawns than a simple grilled prawn platter.

Conclusion: Making the Right Prawn Purchase

Ultimately, figuring out how much prawn per person comes down to a few key considerations: the role of the prawns in the meal (appetizer or main), the preparation style (raw/unpeeled or cooked/peeled), and the size of the prawns you are buying. By using the guidelines for weight and count, you can confidently shop for and prepare the perfect amount of prawns for any gathering. Always err on the side of caution and purchase a little extra if you're unsure, especially for special occasions, as it's better to have too many than not enough. For more detailed seafood purchasing advice, check out the resources from reputable sources like the Sydney Seafood School.

Frequently Asked Questions

For a main course, you should plan to buy about 1 pound (450g) of raw, unpeeled prawns per person. This accounts for the weight loss from the shell, head, and moisture during cooking.

A standard serving size for cooked and peeled prawns is approximately 1/2 pound (8 ounces or 225g) per person. This amount ensures a substantial portion for a main course.

For an appetizer, aim for 2–3 medium or larger prawns per person if there are multiple appetizers. If prawns are the only appetizer, increase this to 4–5 pieces per person.

The number of prawns per pound, or 'count per pound,' varies by size. For example, Jumbo prawns are typically 21-25 per pound, while Medium prawns are 41-50 per pound.

Raw prawns can lose significant weight when cooked, primarily due to moisture loss. Prawns with heads and shells also lose considerable weight during cleaning. Expect a reduction of around 25% from raw, shell-on weight to cooked, peeled meat.

For a seafood boil where prawns are a key component, a generous portion of 1/2 to 1 pound of raw, unpeeled shrimp per person is recommended to ensure a hearty meal.

When using prawns as an ingredient in a dish like pasta, a smaller portion of 4–5 ounces (110–140g) of cooked, peeled prawns per person is usually sufficient as they are complemented by other ingredients.