How Many Ounces is One Pork Chop? A Guide to Serving Sizes

Pork chops are a delicious and versatile dinner option enjoyed by many But when it comes to buying and cooking pork chops, one question that often comes up is – how many ounces is a single pork chop? The answer can vary quite a bit based on the cut, thickness, and whether it’s bone-in or boneless

In this article, we’ll break down typical pork chop sizes so you can easily shop for and cook the right amount for your recipe or dinner needs. Whether you prefer big 1″ thick bone-in chops or thin boneless cutlets, read on to learn about common pork chop serving sizes.

Typical Pork Chop Serving Sizes

Pork chops come in a range of sizes. but most fall into a few general categories

Thin or thin-cut pork chops

• Boneless
• Around 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick
• 3 to 5 ounces each

Standard or center-cut pork chops

• Bone-in or boneless
• Around 3/4 to 1 inch thick
• 6 to 8 ounces each

Thick-cut or bone-in pork chops

• Bone-in with a T-bone
• 1 to 1 1/4 inches thick
• 8 to 12 ounces each

Double-cut pork chops

• Extra thick bone-in chops
• 1 1/2 to 2 inches thick
• 12 to 16 ounces each

As you can see, a single pork chop can range from 3 ounces for a thin boneless cutlet up to 1 pound or more for an extra thick double-cut chop. The most common sizes are between 6 to 12 ounces.

Below we’ll look at key factors that affect just how many ounces you get in an individual pork chop.

Bone-In vs. Boneless Chops

One of the biggest determining factors for the weight of a pork chop is whether it has a bone or not.

A bone-in pork chop will weigh more per piece because part of the stated weight comes from the bone itself. The bone also adds thickness, resulting in larger, meatier chops.

On the other hand, boneless pork chops contain just the meat without any bone. More of the total weight is edible meat since there is no bone included. This results in thinner, lighter chops overall.

As a general guide:

• A 7 ounce bone-in pork chop yields about 4 ounces of boneless meat.

• An 8 ounce bone-in chop provides around 5 ounces of boneless meat.

So when substituting bone-in for boneless, reduce the bone-in weight by 2-3 ounces to allow for the bone.

Chop Thickness

The thickness of the pork chop greatly impacts its weight as well. Thicker chops mean more ounces of pork per serving.

Some typical thickness sizes are:

• Thin: 1/4 to 1/2 inch
• Standard: 3/4 to 1 inch
• Thick: 1 to 1 1/4 inches
• Double thick: 1 1/2 inches or more

Thinner pork chops weigh less than thick pork chops, by about 2-3 ounces per 1/2 inch thickness. So a 1/2 inch thin chop may be 4 ounces while a 1 1/4 inch thick chop could be 10 ounces or more.

When choosing chop thickness, keep your desired serving size and preparation method in mind. Thinner chops are great for sautes or breading and frying. Go for 1 inch or thicker chops for grilling or roasting.

Different Cuts of Pork

The cut of pork used for chops also impacts their size and thickness options. Common cuts include:

• Loin – Lean and tender with little fat marbling
• Rib – Juicy and flavorful with generous fat
• Sirloin – Lean like loin, but slightly tougher
• Shoulder/Blade – Very marbled with fat, thus smaller chops

Chops cut from the loin or sirloin allow for thicker cuts since these areas contain larger, meatier muscles. Rib and shoulder chops are typically smaller at comparable thicknesses due to their high fat content.

Weight Ranges For Common Sizes

Now that you know the major factors impacting pork chop weights, here is a summary of typical ounces per chop for popular sizes:

• Thin boneless: 3 to 4 ounces
• Standard boneless: 4 to 6 ounces
• Thick boneless: 6 to 8 ounces
• Thin bone-in: 5 to 7 ounces
• Standard bone-in: 7 to 9 ounces
• Thick bone-in: 8 to 12 ounces
• Double bone-in: 12 to 16 ounces

These weight ranges account for differences in cut, thickness, and bone-in vs boneless. Use them as a guide when shopping for and portioning pork chops.

How to Pick the Right Size Pork Chops

The best pork chop size for you depends on factors like:

• Number of people you are serving
• Appetites of who is eating (age, gender, etc)
• Other side dishes being served
• Preferred thickness for cooking method
• Cut of pork you prefer
• Bone-in for more flavor or boneless for ease

For a main course, plan for one standard or thick 8+ ounce chop per average adult. Go smaller if pairing with multiple sides in a larger meal. Or allow two thinner chops for bigger appetites.

If breading or sautéing, opt for thin 3-5 ounce boneless chops to cook quickly. Grilled or roasted bone-in chops should be at least 3/4 inch thick and 6+ ounces.

Use your knowledge of typical pork chop sizes and weights to pick the right options for your recipe or dinner needs.

How to Cook Pork Chops Properly

Now that you’ve selected the perfect pork chops, proper cooking is key to juicy, flavorful results:

• Season chops before cooking to boost flavor – salt, pepper, herbs, and spices all pair nicely.

• Don’t overcook – pork is safest and most delicious when cooked to 145°F and allowed to rest to 150°F.

• Sear chops first on both sides to lock in juices whether pan frying, grilling, or roasting.

• Let rest at least 5 minutes before slicing for tender, moist meat.

Properly cooked pork of any size should be slightly pink in the center and juicy throughout. Use an instant read thermometer to track temperature.

When it comes to a delicious pork chop dinner, you’ll want to buy and cook pork chops of the ideal size for your needs. Keep these general guidelines in mind:

• 8 ounces is typical for a single bone-in chop
• 5-6 ounces for a boneless chop
• Thickness ranges from thin 1/4″ up to double-cut 2″
• Thicker chops work best for the grill or oven
• Allow 1 standard chop per average adult
• Cook to 145°F internally plus rest time

Now that you know about common pork chop sizes and how thickness, cut, and bone-in vs boneless affect the ounces, you can pick the perfect pork for your recipe or dinner. Just follow proper seasoning and cooking guidelines for tender, juicy results. Then sit down to a satisfying meal featuring premium pork chops cooked to perfection.