Answer
May 28, 2026 - 12:17 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 ($1 \text{ lb}$) of these shrimp, you will get a yield of 16 to 20 individual pieces.
The "Inverse" Scale: Why Lower is Larger
The most important rule to remember when shopping is that the count is an inverse scale:
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Lower Numbers = Bigger Shrimp: A "U-10" count means the shrimp are massive (Colossal), because it only takes a few to weigh a pound.
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Higher Numbers = Smaller Shrimp: A "51/60" count means the shrimp are tiny, because it takes dozens to make up that same pound.
Why 16/20 is the "Sweet Spot"
A 16/20 count is generally labeled as "Jumbo" or "Extra Large." It is the favorite size for Creole and Cajun cooks because:
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Durability: They are thick enough to stay juicy on a hot grill or in a spicy BBQ shrimp butter sauce.
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Efficiency: Because they are large, you have fewer individual shells to peel than you would with smaller "salad" shrimp.
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Presentation: They look impressive as the centerpiece of a dish.
