So Just How Much Does a Half Ham Weigh?

I don’t know about you, but around the holidays I always find myself wondering – how much does a half ham actually weigh? It seems like such a simple question, but it turns out there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The weight of a half ham can vary quite a bit depending on the type, brand, and other factors.

As a busy mom trying to figure out how much to buy and how many people it’ll feed I wanted to get to the bottom of this. I did a bunch of research and asked around to find out the typical weight range for different kinds of half hams. Here’s what I discovered

The Many Types of Half Hams

First things first – when we say “half ham”, what are we talking about exactly?

• A fresh, uncooked half ham that you buy at the butcher counter or meat market
• A cured, smoked, or pre-cooked half ham sold vacuum-packed at the grocery store
• A spiral-sliced half ham, with slices already cut in a spiral pattern
• A boneless half ham with the bone removed

Yeah, there’s more than one kind of half ham out there! The type makes a big difference in how much it weighs.

Fresh Half Hams

Fresh, uncooked hams are usually sold whole. But if you buy a whole fresh ham and have the butcher cut it in half, each half will weigh 5 to 10 pounds typically.

A small 5-6 pound half is good for a family meal. A large 9-10 pound half fresh ham can feed a big gathering, with plenty of meat for sandwiches later!

Cured Half Hams

Cured hams are injected with salts, spices, and preservatives to preserve and enhance the flavor. This is what creates that iconic salty, smoky ham taste.

Cured half hams are often sold vacuum-packed at grocery stores. They weigh 5 to 8 pounds on average.

These hams are fully cooked so they just need to be heated through before eating. The curing process causes some moisture loss, so a cured half ham weighs a bit less than a fresh one.

Spiral-Sliced Half Hams

Spiral-sliced hams are a big hit because they’re so easy to serve. Each ham is sliced in a continuous spiral pattern by special high-tech machines. Fancy!

Most spiral-sliced half hams weigh from 7 to 10 pounds The spiral slicing helps the glaze and juices penetrate deep into the meat for amazing flavor

Boneless Half Hams

You can also buy boneless half hams with the bones removed but the shape intact. Removing the bone reduces the weight by a few pounds.

Boneless half hams usually range from 2 to 6 pounds. The smaller 2-3 pound halves are perfect for smaller families. Larger 4-6 pound halves can still serve quite a few people.

Factors Affecting Half Ham Weight

Beyond just the type of half ham, there are a few other things that affect the weight:

• Brand – Some ham brands or types tend to be smaller or larger. Check the packaging for an estimated weight range.

• Water added – Many cured hams have water added which increases the weight. Check the label for percentages.

• Bone-in or boneless – Boneless hams weigh several pounds less since the heavy bone is removed.

• Fat cap – More external fat left on the ham adds weight compared to a trimmed ham.

• Sliced vs. unsliced – Sliced and spiral-sliced hams can lose moisture so may weigh a bit less.

• Shank vs. butt half – Shank halves sometimes weigh a pound or two more than butt halves.

Typical Half Ham Weights

Okay, after all that – what’s the bottom line on how much a half ham weighs? Here’s a quick summary:

• Fresh half hams range from 5 to 10 pounds
• Cured half hams range from 5 to 8 pounds
• Spiral-sliced half hams range from 7 to 10 pounds
• Boneless half hams range from 2 to 6 pounds

Half hams smaller than 5 pounds or larger than 10 pounds are less common. For most families, a half ham in the 6-8 pound range is perfect.

Here are some other typical weights I found at major grocery stores:

• Smithfield Cured Half Ham – 7 lbs
• Honey Baked Spiral Half Ham – 8 lbs
• Hormel Cure 81 Half Ham – 5 lbs
• Dearborn Spiral Half Ham – 9 lbs
• Swift Premium Boneless Half Ham – 4 lbs

Clearly there’s quite a bit of variability! So when estimating how much half ham to buy, check the label for the weight.

Feeding Guidelines for Half Hams

How many people will a half ham feed? It depends on the size, but here are some general guidelines:

• 5-6 lb half ham feeds 4-6 people
• 7-8 lb half ham feeds 6-10 people
• 9-10 lb half ham feeds 10-14 people

For a big holiday crowd, I’d recommend getting two smaller 5-7 pound hams rather than one huge one. It’s easier to cook and slice smaller hams.

Plan for about 3/4 pound of boneless ham per person. With bone-in, allow 1/4-1/2 pound extra per person for the bone.

And keep in mind you’ll likely have tasty leftover ham sandwiches so don’t stress about buying the exact right amount! A few extra slices won’t go to waste.

The Takeaway on Half Ham Weights

Calculating how much deli meat to buy for sandwiches is easy, but half hams can be trickier to estimate. Now that you know the typical weight ranges for different types of half hams, you can better plan your holiday menus!

No matter what size your gathering is, you can find a half ham that’s the perfect weight. From petite 2-3 pound boneless hams to hearty 10 pound spirals, the possibilities are endless.

The next time you’re shopping for a holiday feast, go in confident knowing roughly how much a half ham weighs. Check the specific weight on the packaging, do a little math for the number of guests, and you’re all set. Now that’s something to celebrate!