Enter your guest count and whether shrimp is the main dish or an appetizer to see how much to buy.
Shrimp portion size depends heavily on whether it's the star of the meal or one of several appetizers. As a main course, about 1/2 pound of raw, shell-on shrimp per person is standard; as one appetizer among several, about 1/4 pound per person is typically enough.
Source: Based on standard seafood-industry portion guidance (similar to NOAA Fisheries consumer seafood guidance) of about 1/2 pound of raw shrimp per person as a main course, or 1/4 pound as an appetizer.
About 1/2 pound of raw, shell-on shrimp per person is a standard main-course estimate.
About 1/4 pound of raw, shell-on shrimp per person is typically enough when shrimp is one of several appetizers.
The weight-based estimate stays the same regardless of shrimp size, but larger shrimp (lower count per pound, like 16/20) feel more generous per piece than smaller shrimp at the same total weight.
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