Shrimp Sizing Guide and Counts Per Pound

When you select shrimp, size matters more than you think. It's not just about the number — the size you choose impacts your dish's flavor, texture, and overall success. However, shrimp sizing can be confusing due to different labeling systems in the industry. 

In this shrimp sizing guide, we'll explain the process so you can confidently select the right shrimp size for your next bulk seafood online order.

How Do Shrimp Sizes Work?

Shrimp is currently the most popular seafood in the US, but the seafood industry uses two ways to label shrimp size:

• "U" designation means "under" a certain number per pound. For example, U/10 means fewer than ten (10) shrimp per pound.
• Per pound count: This is the range of shrimp per pound, like 16/20 or 31/35. The first number represents the minimum, and the second is the maximum shrimp per pound. The larger the shrimp, the smaller the count. 

Shrimp size is essential because it affects your cooking time and how the shrimp will look and feel in your dish. For example, extra colossal shrimp are among the largest available, offering a meatier texture and impressive presentation.

Shrimp Size Categories

Here's a quick overview of the most common shrimp sizes:

• Colossal shrimp: 8-12 shrimp per pound
• Jumbo shrimp: 13-25 shrimp per pound
• Large shrimp: 26-35 shrimp per pound
• Medium shrimp: 36-50 shrimp per pound
• Small shrimp: 51-71 shrimp per pound

Shrimp Sizing Chart 

Common Sizing Term (Varies)	Shrimp Count Per Pound	Approx. Count Per 3 oz. Serving (Cooked)
Extra Colossal	U/10	2-3 shrimp
Super Colossal	U/12	2-3 shrimp
Colossal	U/15	3-4 shrimp
Extra Jumbo	16/20	4-5 shrimp
Jumbo	21/25	5-6 shrimp
Extra Large	26/30	6-7 shrimp
Large	31/35	8-9 shrimp
Medium Large	36/40	9-10 shrimp
Medium	41/50	10-12 shrimp
Small	51/60	12-15 shrimp
Extra Small	61/70	15-17 shrimp
Tiny	71+	18+ shrimp

The exact number of shrimp per 3-ounce serving can vary slightly depending on the specific shrimp species and the method you use to cook them. For example, grilling or sautéing shrimp will cause them to shrink slightly, so the number of shrimp in a cooked 3-ounce portion may differ from a raw 3-ounce portion.

How to Choose the Right Shrimp Size for Different Needs 

The right shrimp size depends on the dish you're making. Here's how different sizes work for various dishes:

Best Shrimp Sizes for Cocktails

If you're making shrimp cocktails, you'll want shrimp that are both large enough to impress and easy to handle. Jumbo (21/25) or extra large (26/30) shrimp are perfect. These sizes offer the right balance of texture and flavor, making them great for cocktail presentation or dipping.

Best Shrimp Sizes for Grilling and Searing

If you're grilling or searing, opt for more giant shrimp. Colossal (U/10) or jumbo (16/20) shrimp are ideal for these methods because they hold up well to high heat without overcooking. These sizes are perfect for shrimp skewers, butterflied shrimp, and elegant cocktails. They're also ideal for broiling, giving you that perfect char.

Ideal Shrimp Sizes for Stir-Fries and Pastas

For quick-cooking dishes, choose medium or large shrimp. Sizes medium (36/50) or large (26/35) work best. Shrimp cook quickly and evenly, making them perfect for tossing into pasta and stir-fries. They provide a satisfying bite without taking over your dish.

Perfect Shrimp Sizes for Soups and Stews

Smaller shrimp are often better for dishes like seafood gumbo or shrimp soup. Small (51/60) or extra-small (71/100) shrimp are perfect for mixing into soups, stews, and dips, where their smaller size doesn't overwhelm the other ingredients. Try our recipes for vegan baby shrimp salads or baby shrimp bites. 

Shrimp Sizes and Their Nutritional Value

Knowing the nutritional values of different shrimp sizes can be helpful if you're watching your protein intake or planning meals around your dietary needs. In general, shrimp is one of the highest-protein seafood in the market and is low in fat. Here's a breakdown of the protein content per shrimp size:

• Colossal shrimp: 18g of protein per serving
• Jumbo shrimp: 23g of protein per serving
• Large shrimp: 21g of protein per serving
• Medium shrimp: 20g of protein per serving
• Small shrimp: 15g of protein per serving

How Shrimp Sizing Affects Price

Giant shrimps are generally more expensive because they are harder to come by. The price will vary depending on size, with extra-large shrimp like U/10 costing significantly more than smaller options like 51/60. If you're on a budget, consider using smaller shrimp for dishes like gumbo or shrimp pasta. However, investing in giant shrimp like colossal (U/10) can make a dramatic presentation and elevate your dish if you're preparing a special meal or event.

How to Correctly Store Shrimp

When you buy shrimp, you must consider how much you need and how you will store them. Store large shrimp, such as U/15 or 16/20, at 32°F in sealed containers and use them within 48 hours for optimal freshness. You can store smaller shrimp, like 51/60, in the freezer and thaw them under cold running water for about 5-7 minutes. Knowing how to thaw seafood, mainly shrimp ensures they will be safe to eat and helps maintain their texture and flavor. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you size shrimp?

Shrimp are sized by the number of shrimp per pound, with smaller numbers indicating more giant shrimp.

How big are 26/30 count shrimp?

26/30 count shrimp have between 26 and 30 per pound, making them medium to large.

What size is 36/40 shrimp?

36/40 shrimp have between 36 and 40 per pound, placing them in the medium-size category.

How do they sort shrimp by size?

Shrimp are sorted by counting how many shrimp fit into one pound, with a lower count indicating more giant shrimp.

Do more enormous shrimp taste better than smaller ones?

Giant shrimp tend to have a meatier texture, making them better for grilling or roasting, while smaller shrimp are perfect for soups, salads, and stir-fries.

How does shrimp size affect cooking time?

Giant shrimp require longer cooking times. For example, extra colossal (U/10) shrimp might need 5-7 minutes to grill, while medium (36/40) shrimp cook in 2-3 minutes.

Are larger shrimp more expensive?

Yes, larger shrimp typically cost more due to their scarcity and market demand. Extra colossal (U/10) shrimp can cost up to three times more than smaller varieties.