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How Much Does an Egg Weigh?

Question:

How much does an egg weigh?
Are eggs of one uniform weight? What are the possible sizes of eggs? When speaking of eggs and egg labeling – what are the different sizes available?

Answer:

Although the shape of an egg is quite consistent, eggs come in many different sizes and weights. The USDA actually divides eggs into six (6!) different possible sizes and the sizes are defined by minimum weight standards. [1] It is the total weight of 12 eggs (one carton) that defines the size of the eggs within the carton. Details are shown below.

What Are the Different Sizes of Eggs?

Six Egg Sizes

Shown below are egg samples from large, extra-large and jumbo egg cartons. We attempted to choose the smallest egg in each carton on the left and the largest egg on the right within each category to show that size can vary within a carton of eggs. The appearance variance between the two large eggs was actually greater than jumping to the next category on either side. This can happen because egg size is measured in total carton weight per dozen, with only three ounces variance between each size category. For this reason, eggs may appear to be of various sizes within the same carton.

Weights listed below are the minimum weight requirements set by the USDA for one dozen of eggs.
PeeWee – 15 ounces (about 1.2 ounce per egg)
Small – 18 ounces (about 1.5 ounce per egg)
Medium – 21 ounces (about 1.7 ounce per egg)
Large – 24 ounces (about 2.0 ounces per egg)
Extra Large – 27 ounces (about 2.2 ounces per egg)
Jumbo – 30 ounces (about 2.5 ounces per egg)

What is the most common size of eggs?
Even though there are six sizes, most supermarkets will sell only the mid-range sizes (medium, large and extra-large eggs). Smaller grocery stores may carry different sizes of eggs, but usually only two to three of the different sizes.

When a recipe calls for eggs, what size should be used?
Unless otherwise stated, baking and other food recipes usually expect and call for large eggs. Use the proper size of eggs in order to achieve the correct recipe results. Nutrition facts listed for recipes are based on the serving size of one egg.

Remember when purchasing shell eggs to shop for both egg grade and size. Look for the USDA Shield to ensure that the eggs were certified for quality, sanitation and checked for weight (size) under USDA supervision. [2].

What Are the Different Sizes of Eggs?

Additional Information

Eggs are also graded, to find out about the available grades and what they mean, see our egg grades post. Other labels that can appear on egg cartons include cage free eggs.

To find out how long fresh eggs last, visit our fresh egg page.

To find out how long hard boiled eggs can be expected to last, visit our hard boiled egg page.

If you’re wondering if eggs from an Easter egg hunt are safe to eat, be sure to check out our FAQ question on that subject before consuming.

To find out how long other foods are good for, please visit the Dairy, Drinks, Fruits, Grains, Proteins, Vegetables and Other sections of Eat By Date or use the search function below.