How Much Does the Average Lobster Tail Weigh? A Breakdown by Size

Lobster tails are a delicious and indulgent seafood treat. When ordering or cooking lobster tails at home one of the first questions you’ll need to answer is – how big of a tail do I need? Lobster tails come in a range of sizes from petite to jumbo. So how much does the average lobster tail weigh? In this article we’ll provide a complete breakdown of typical lobster tail sizes and weights to help guide your purchasing or meal planning.

Whether you’re cooking for one or for a whole dinner party, read on to find out what size lobster tail best fits your needs We’ll also share tips for picking the right lobster tails and getting the most meat for your money based on common tail weights

Typical Lobster Tail Sizes and Weights

Lobster tails are most often categorized into 5 main size categories based on weight. Here is an overview of the most common size classifications:

• Small tails – 4-5 ounces
• Medium tails – 5-8 ounces
• Large tails – 8-12 ounces
• Jumbo tails – 12-14+ ounces
• Giant tails – 16-20+ ounces

Keep in mind that weight ranges are approximate and there can be some variance. For example, a “medium” tail may be anywhere from 5-8 ounces. Some retailers may also use slightly different size naming conventions.

But in most cases, you can expect a small tail to be under 5 ounces, medium 5-10 ounces, large 10-14 ounces, and jumbo over 14 ounces. The larger the tail size, the higher the weight.

Average Weight by Lobster Size

Another way to look at lobster tail weights is to compare it to the size of the whole lobster the tail came from. Here are some general guidelines:

• Tails from 1-1.25 pound lobsters are around 4-6 ounces
• Tails from 1.25-1.5 pound lobsters are approximately 5-8 ounces
• Tails from 2 pound lobsters are typically 8-10 ounces
• Tails from 3-4 pound lobsters are usually 10-14 ounces
• Tails from 5+ pound lobsters can be 14 ounces or more

So if you have a general sense of what size your whole cooked lobster was, you can estimate that the tail made up about one-quarter to one-third of the total weight. A 2 pound lobster will yield a tail around 8 ounces. A 5 pound lobster can have a tail up to 16 ounces or more.

Average Meat Yield per Ounce of Tail

When purchasing lobster tails keep in mind that not all the weight is edible lobster meat. Here is a rough estimate for the amount of meat you’ll get based on the total tail size

• A 4-5 ounce tail yields around 1 ounce of meat
• A 6-8 ounce tail provides about 2 ounces of meat
• A 10-12 ounce tail offers 3-4 ounces of meat
• A 14+ ounce tail delivers 5+ ounces of meat

This varies a bit based on preparation method, with broiling or grilling retaining a bit more meat than boiling. But in general, for every 4 ounces of tail weight, plan on around 1 ounce of lobster meat after cooking.

How Many People Each Lobster Tail Size Feeds

Another important factor when buying lobster tails is estimating how many people each tail will feed as part of a meal. Here are some general serving estimates:

• A 4-6 ounce tail serves 1 person
• An 8-10 ounce tail serves 1-2 people
• A 12-14 ounce tail serves 2-3 people
• An 18+ ounce tail serves 4+ people

The larger the tail, the more meat it yields and the more people it will feed. For a romantic dinner for two, select 10-12 ounce tails. For a family feast, splurge on jumbo 16+ ounce tails.

Average Per-Pound Price of Lobster Tails by Size

Pricing for lobster tails is usually based on weight. Expect to pay more per pound for larger sized tails. Here are typical per-pound prices:

• Small tails – $15-$25 per pound
• Medium tails – $22-$30 per pound
• Large tails – $28-$40 per pound
• Jumbo tails – $35-$50+ per pound

Sale prices at retailers may vary. But in general, small and medium tails cost $20-30 per pound, while large and jumbo tails range from $30-50+ per pound depending on the seller and season.

Getting the Most Meat for Your Money

When shopping for lobster tails, you’ll generally get more meat for your dollar by choosing larger sized tails. An 8 ounce medium tail at $25 per pound will cost around $4 and provide about 2 ounces of meat. A 14 ounce jumbo tail at $40 per pound will cost around $9 but yield over 5 ounces of meat.

Priced per ounce of actual meat, the jumbo tail ends up being a better value despite the higher price tag. Just be sure to account for how many people you need to serve when deciding which size to buy.

Choosing the Right Lobster Tail Size for Your Needs

So when it comes to selecting the perfect lobster tail, consider these factors:

• How many people are you serving?
• How much meat do you need per person?
• What is your budget per pound and overall?
• What size tails best fit your occasion – petite or indulgent jumbo?

Evaluate your needs carefully before purchasing. An inexpensive small 4 ounce tail may seem like a bargain but provide very little meat per person. Or an oversized 16 ounce tail could be perfect for a special night in for two but too pricey for a family dinner party.

Make sure to check the weight ranges for each tail size and allow 4-5 ounces per person. This will help you choose the ideal lobster tails for everything from a romantic night in to an impressive surf and turf dinner.

Storing and Cooking Larger Lobster Tails

Once you’ve brought home your lobster tails, proper storage and prep is key. Here are some tips:

• Keep tails chilled at 32-40°F until ready to cook.
• defrost in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
• Use scissors to cut through shell before cooking or serving.
• Cook larger tails a minute or two longer to ensure meat is fully cooked through.
• Serve with drawn butter, lemon wedges, or other dipping sauces.

Proper handling keeps the integrity of larger tails so you can maximize the sweet, succulent meat they provide.

Average Weight is Just a Guideline

While size names like “jumbo” or “large” give a general indication, keep in mind that lobster tail weights are ultimately guidelines. One retailer’s “medium” may be 6 ounces while another’s is 8. Individual lobster variability also impacts sizes.

Don’t hesitate to ask your fishmonger or check online product info for specifics on ounces per tail. This helps ensure the size you choose fits the number of people eating.

The Bottom Line

So what’s the bottom line on lobster tail weights? Here are some key takeaways:

• Small tails are 4-5 ounces, medium 5-8, large 8-12, and jumbo 12 ounces and up.

• To serve 1 person, select a 4-6 ounce tail. For 2 people, choose 8-10 ounces. For 4+ people, pick tails over 14 ounces.

• Approximately 1 ounce of edible meat comes from every 4 ounces of tail.

• Bigger tails offer more meat for the money but also a higher price. Select size based on your budget and needs.

• Ask your retailer for specifics on weight to pick the right amount of lobster.

Lobster tail sizes cover a wide spectrum, from petite to giant. Keep these average weight ranges in mind, and you’ll be able to successfully navigate the lobster case or online listings. Then you can enjoy the perfect lobster tail meal without getting pinched by the price.