Understanding Shrimp Sizes: What Do the Numbers Really Mean?

Ever wondered what 16/20, 21/25 or 31/40 means on a package of shrimp? Shrimp sizing is commonly expressed as an approximate count per pound. A 16/20 count, for example, generally means that approximately 16 to 20 shrimp make up one pound. Simply put: the lower the count, the larger the shrimp.

Which Size Should You Choose?

• 16/20 - Large and impressive; excellent for grilling, premium entrees and substantial skewers.
• 21/25 - A versatile larger size for grilling, pasta, appetizers and many restaurant-style dishes.
• 26/30 & 31/40 - Great everyday sizes for pasta, curries, stir-fries, tacos and skewers.
• Smaller Counts - Useful for salads, fried rice, soups and dishes where shrimp is incorporated throughout.

There's no single "best" shrimp size. The right choice depends on what you're preparing and how you want it to look on the plate. Once you understand the numbers, selecting shrimp becomes much easier.