Answer
May 28, 2026 - 12:15 PM
In the seafood industry, shrimp are sold by "count per pound." The numbers 16/20 tell you that if you weigh out one pound (1 lb) of these shrimp, you will get between 16 and 20 individual pieces.
The "Lower is Larger" Rule
The most important thing to remember is that shrimp counts are an inverse scale:
-
Lower Numbers = Bigger Shrimp: A "10/15" count means the shrimp are huge (Colossal), because it only takes a few to make a pound.
-
Higher Numbers = Smaller Shrimp: A "51/60" count means the shrimp are tiny (Popcorn size), because it takes dozens to make a pound.
Why 16/20 is the "Sweet Spot"
A 16/20 count is widely considered the "Jumbo" or "Extra Large" size. It is the most popular choice for Louisiana cooking because:
-
Presentation: They look impressive on a plate.
-
Versatility: They are large enough to grill without falling through the grates, but small enough to fit comfortably in a po-boy or a bowl of BBQ shrimp.
-
Prep Time: Because they are larger, you have fewer individual shells to peel compared to smaller counts.
