How Many Shrimp are in 7 Ounces? A Detailed Look at Shrimp Sizes and Counts

Shrimp are one of the most popular seafood options. Their sweet, briny flavor makes them a tasty addition to everything from pasta to tacos. But when it comes to buying shrimp, the sizes and counts can be confusing. If you’ve ever stood in the seafood section wondering how many shrimp come in 7 ounces, you’re not alone! In this article, we’ll break down shrimp sizing to help you understand exactly how much shrimp you’re getting.

An Overview of Shrimp Counts and Sizing

Shrimp are typically categorized by “count per pound” or the number of individual shrimp in one pound. The higher the count, the smaller the shrimp The lower the count, the bigger the shrimp Common shrimp counts include

• Colossal: Under 10 per pound
• Jumbo: 11-15 per pound
• Extra Large: 16-20 per pound
• Large: 21-25 per pound
• Medium: 26-30 per pound
• Small: 31-35 per pound
• Mini: 36-45 per pound
• Tiny: Over 45 per pound

The size names like “colossal” and “jumbo” are industry terms, not regulated labels. So a “jumbo” shrimp from one brand may not be exactly the same size as “jumbo” from another. That’s why the count per pound is a more consistent metric when comparing shrimp sizes.

Shrimp are typically sold in pounds partial pounds, or by the individual shrimp. Let’s look at how to calculate shrimp quantity for some common packaging sizes

How Many Shrimp in 7 Ounces?

If you buy a 7 ounce container of shrimp, how many individual shrimp will you get? Here are some estimates based on common shrimp sizes:

• Colossal (10 count): About 3 to 5 shrimp
  With huge colossal shrimp, 7 ounces will give you just 3 to 5 individual pieces. These shrimp will have a meaty, eye-popping appearance.

• Jumbo (13 count): About 5 to 7 shrimp
  With jumbo shrimp, expect around 5 to 7 shrimp in a 7 ounce portion. Jumbos are the ideal size for shrimp cocktails.

• Extra Large (18 count): About 7 to 9 shrimp
  For extra large shrimp, a 7 ounce serving will contain roughly 7 to 9 individual shrimp. Extra large shrimp are a popular choice for sauteing, grilling, and stir fries.

• Large (23 count): About 9 to 12 shrimp
  In the large shrimp range, expect approximately 9 to 12 shrimp in 7 ounces. Large shrimp are great for salads, pasta, and fajitas.

• Medium (28 count): About 11 to 15 shrimp
  With medium shrimp, a 7 ounce serving contains around 11 to 15 individual shrimp. Medium shrimp work well in many seafood dishes.

• Small (33 count): About 13 to 18 shrimp
  For small shrimp, a 7 ounce serving will provide approximately 13 to 18 individual shrimp. Small shrimp are often used in scampi or shrimp salad.

• Mini or Tiny: 20+ shrimp
  If you purchase mini or tiny shrimp that are 36 count or higher, a 7 ounce serving can hold 20 or more individual shrimp. Mini and tiny shrimp are great options for appetizers like shrimp cocktails and shrimp salad.

So in general, 7 ounces of jumbo or colossal shrimp will net you 5 to 9 large individual shrimp. But 7 ounces of small, mini, or tiny shrimp could contain 20 or more shrimp perfect for appetizers.

Factors That Affect Shrimp Count

It’s important to note that the shrimp count can vary quite a bit between packages of the “same” size shrimp. Here are some factors that affect the count:

• Individual shrimp sizes vary. Even with shrimp of the same classification, there will be slight size differences between individual shrimp that affect the overall count.

• Processing methods vary. Different processing practices like deveining can alter the final weights.

• Glaze and additives add weight. Some packaged shrimp have glazes or liquid additives that add extra weight, lowering the per-pound count.

• Shrimp shrink during cooking. If the shrimp count is based on the raw, shell-on weight, the counts may change after cooking due to water loss.

So while the medium shrimp counts we listed estimate 11-15 shrimp per 7 ounces, your exact count could be a little outside that range based on these factors. That’s why published shrimp counts are always a range.

Counting Shrimp Based on Package Weight

If you know the total weight of your shrimp package, you can easily calculate the likely shrimp count and individual shrimp sizes. Here’s a simple formula:

1. Check the count per pound provided on the packaging. For example, “large (23-27 count per pound).”

2. Weigh your shrimp package in ounces. Let’s say it’s 14 ounces.

3. Divide the package weight by 16 to determine the pounds. Our 14 ounce package weighs 0.875 pounds.

4. Take the count per pound and divide by the pounds to get the count per package. If our package has 23-27 count per pound shrimp, we’d estimate 20-24 shrimp in our 0.875 pound package.

You can also work backwards from a desired shrimp count to determine how much you need to purchase. This ensures you buy just enough for your recipe or meal.

Common Serving Sizes

While 7 ounces is not a common packaged amount, here are some typical serving sizes for shrimp:

• 3-4 ounce raw portions per person for appetizers and salads
• 5-6 ounce raw portions for main dishes and entrees
• 8-12+ ounces for shrimp platters serving 2-4 people

For appetizers like shrimp cocktail, individuals often consume 3-5 jumbo or colossal shrimp. Main entrees often have 6-8 extra large, large, or medium shrimp. Family shrimp platters may contain up to a pound of small or mini shrimp per person.

Adjust these serving suggestions based on your menu, number of people eating, and whether you want shrimp as an appetizer or main course. Larger individuals or heartier appetites may enjoy larger portions.

Shrimp Counts for Recipes

Many recipes call for shrimp by the count versus weight. Here are some common amounts:

• 12-15 jumbo shrimp for 4 shrimp cocktails
• 20-24 extra large or large shrimp for pasta or stir fry for 2
• 30-36 medium shrimp for tacos or fajitas for 4
• 40+ small or mini shrimp for shrimp salad or appetizers for 6

For dishes like shrimp cocktails or salads, you’ll want lower counts with bigger individual shrimp. Bigger shrimp are impressive for serving whole. Higher counts of smaller shrimp work for pastas, tacos, soups, and other dishes where the shrimp get chopped or mixed into sauce.

You can always adjust recipes up or down based on desired shrimp size and how prominently they are featured. Serve more jumbos for a shrimp-centric appetizer, or fewer mini shrimp as a recipe supporting ingredient.

Shrimp Counts for Budgeting

If you’re cooking for a crowd or hosting a buffet, shrimp counts help you budget appropriately when buying in bulk:

• Appetizers: Estimate 3-4 jumbo or colossal shrimp per person, or 8-12 small or mini shrimp per person.

• Salads: Allow 4-5 extra large or large shrimp per salad serving.

• Main dishes: Budget 6-8 medium or large shrimp per person.

• Fried or sauteed: Get smaller shrimp since they cook quickly in high heat. Figure 12-15 mini or small shrimp per adult portion.

• Seafood platters: Have 1/4 to 1/2 pound of shrimp per person for a hearty all-you-can-eat spread.

Buying shrimp by the pound allows you to purchase exactly what’s needed for recipes or menus. Precise per-pound counts remove the guesswork when shopping.

Get the Most Out of Your 7 Ounces of Shrimp

While 7 ounces of shrimp may sound like a lot, the actual number of shrimp pieces can vary tremendously based on size. To recap:

• Jumbo shrimp deliver 3 to 5 extra large individual shrimp
• Small or mini may provide 20 or more bite-sized shrimp
• Check packaging for per-pound counts to estimate quantities
• Weigh out portions based on recipes or serving suggestions

With so many tasty ways to enjoy shrimp, you can never go wrong buying them. Just pay attention to the counts to determine exactly how many scrumptious shrimp you’ll get per serving or package. Whether making shrimp cocktail for guests or whipping up garlicky scampi, knowing the right shrimp counts helps ensure food preparation and budgeting success.