How Much Does a Boneless Pork Chop Weigh? A Detailed Look at Pork Chop Sizes

Pork chops are a staple meal for many families. The boneless pork chop is one of the most popular cuts of pork. But if you’re meal planning, how do you know how many pork chops to buy? The weight of boneless pork chops can vary quite a bit. Read on for a detailed guide to pork chop sizes so you can buy and cook the right amount.

Typical Weight Range of Boneless Pork Chops

On average, a single boneless pork chop weighs between 4-8 ounces The average weight is around 6 ounces Here’s a quick overview of the typical weight ranges you’ll see

• Small pork chops: 3-5 ounces
• Average pork chops: 5-7 ounces
• Large pork chops: 7-9 ounces
• Extra large pork chops: 9+ ounces

Thinner chops on the smaller end may weigh just 3-4 ounces. Extremely thick pub chops can weigh 10 ounces or more.

The thickness of the chop largely determines the weight Thicker chops will weigh more than thin chops even if they’re the same size in diameter.

Factors That Influence Pork Chop Weight

Why such a large range in boneless pork chop sizes? Several factors affect the weight

Where the Chop is Cut from on the Pork Loin

Chops can come from different areas along the pork loin. Chops cut from the sirloin end tend to be larger while chops cut from the shoulder end are smaller.

The Thickness of the Chop

Thicker pork chops are heavier. Chops can range from 1/2 inch thin to 1 1/2 inches thick for extremely thick cuts. A 1-inch thick chop is most common.

Butcher Trimming and Cutting Preferences

Some butchers trim chops more closely than others, removing more fat and connective tissue. The way they cut the chops (angles, portion sizes, etc) also impacts weight.

Breed and Size of Pig

The breed, age, and size of the pig affects the loin size and thickness, impacting pork chop weights. Chops from larger hogs and heritage breeds tend to be heavier.

Average Weights of Pork Chops by Thickness

Here is a more detailed breakdown of average boneless pork chop weights based on thickness:

• 1/2 inch thin chop: 3-4 oz
• 3/4 inch chop: 4-5 oz
• 1 inch chop: 5-7 oz
• 1 1/4 inch chop: 7-8 oz
• 1 1/2 inch thick chop: 8-10 oz

As you go up in thickness, expect the chops to get exponentially heavier. A 1 1/2 inch chop may weigh twice as much as a 1/2 inch thin chop.

Average Weights by Type and Size Description

Here are some more specific weight ranges based on common size labeling:

• Small, thin boneless chops: 3-4 oz
• Petite chops: 4-5 oz
• Medium chops: 5-7 oz
• Large chops: 7-9 oz
• Extra large chops: 9+ oz

If a recipe calls for a “medium pork chop” you can expect it to be around 6 ounces. Large chops for a hearty meal are likely in the 7-9 ounce range.

Average Weight per Serving

For meal planning purposes:

• A small or thin pork chop will provide about 3-4 oz meat per serving
• A medium chop will provide around 5-6 oz per serving
• A large or extra large chop can provide 7-9+ oz per serving

The USDA recommends 5-6 oz cooked pork per serving. Most people are satisfied with a single 6-8 oz chop. If you have larger appetites, serve 10+ oz chops.

How Many Chops Should You Buy?

Let’s say you’re cooking for 4 people. Here’s a general guideline for how many average sized boneless chops to buy:

• If serving 5 oz chops, get 4 chops (1 per person)
• If serving 7 oz chops, get 3 chops
• If serving 9 oz extra large chops, get 2 chops

The chart below gives you a rough estimate of how manyaverage sized chops to buy per person depending on weight and desired serving size.

Buy roughly 1 chop per person if serving size matches chop weight. Adjust up or down if serving smaller or larger chops. Add 1-2 extra chops if you want leftovers.

Visually Checking Weight When Buying

If you don’t know the exact ounce weights, you can make a rough visual size estimate:

• Small chops are about the size of a smartphone or deck of cards
• Medium chops are about the size of a woman’s hand or paperback book
• Large chops are the size of a man’s hand or hardcover book

Use these visual cues at the store to pick chops that look about the right size and thickness for your desired serving size and number of people.

Weighing Chops at Home

If you want to know the exact weight of your chops at home, a food scale comes in handy. You can weigh the chops and then determine how many people they will serve based on weight.

Knowing the weight also helps with nutritional tracking and sticking to serving sizes in recipes.

Typical Pork Chop Weights in Recipes

Many recipes call for pounds of pork chops rather than giving individual weights. Here’s a guideline:

• 1 pound of boneless chops = 3-4 average sized chops
• 2 pounds = 6-8 chops
• 3 pounds = 9-12 chops
• 4 pounds = 12-16 chops

If a recipe calls for 2 lbs of pork chops to serve 4 people, assume you’ll get 3-4 chops per person if they are average sized 7 oz chops. Recipes are usually based on 7 oz chops. Adjust quantities if your chops are smaller or bigger.

Bone-In vs Boneless Chops

This article is focused on boneless pork chop sizes. For bone-in chops, expect the weights to be 3-4 oz heavier on average compared to boneless. The bone accounts for those extra ounces.

Why Pork Chop Weight Matters

It’s useful to know average pork chop sizes whether you’re shopping, meal prepping, or following recipes. Estimating weight helps with:

• Buying the right quantity – Shop smarter and avoid buying way too many or too few chops.

• Getting proper serving sizes – Serve up the right amount of food for your family’s appetites.

• Meal planning – Plan your meals and grocery list more accurately.

• Cooking properly – The thickness impacts cook time, so weight gives you clues for properly cooking.

• Portion control – Manage calories and nutrients by paying attention to chop weight and serving sizes.

So now that you know more about the typical weight ranges for boneless pork chops, you can be a more informed shopper and cook! Use this knowledge to pick the perfect pork chops for your recipes and meals.