Egg Size Chart by Weight
Egg sizes are set by weight, not by how an egg looks. The US uses six grades from Peewee to Jumbo; the UK and EU use four from Small to Very Large, and the same word means a different weight in each system. The charts below give every threshold in grams and ounces, and the calculator underneath grades any egg you put on a kitchen scale.
US egg sizes by weight
US sizes are defined by the USDA as a minimum weight per dozen; the per-egg figure is that dozen weight divided by twelve. A carton labelled Large therefore has to average out, not match egg for egg, which is why the eggs inside can look slightly different.
| US size | Min. per egg (g) | Min. per egg (oz) | Min. per dozen (oz) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peewee | under 42.5 | under 1.5 | 15 |
| Small | 42.5 | 1.5 | 18 |
| Medium | 49.6 | 1.75 | 21 |
| Large | 56.7 | 2 | 24 |
| Extra Large | 63.8 | 2.25 | 27 |
| Jumbo | 70.9 | 2.5 | 30 |
UK and EU egg sizes by weight
The EU and UK grade by weight bands rather than minimums. A British "Large" egg is a US Extra Large or Jumbo, so a UK baking recipe followed with American Large eggs is short on egg.
| UK / EU size | Weight (g) | Weight (oz) | Closest US size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (S) | under 53 | under 1.87 | Peewee, Small, Medium |
| Medium (M) | 53 to 63 | 1.87 to 2.22 | Medium, Large |
| Large (L) | 63 to 73 | 2.22 to 2.57 | Extra Large, Jumbo |
| Very Large (XL) | 73 and over | 2.57 and over | Jumbo |
Weigh your own egg
Put one egg on a kitchen scale and enter the grams to see its US size grade. To estimate how many eggs your flock lays, use the chicken egg calculator.
US size gradeMedium
Weight1.98 oz
How big is that egg, really?
More freakishly large eggs live on our chicken world records page.
Recipes and egg size
Large is the reference size for almost every US recipe. If a recipe just says "2 eggs" it means two Large eggs, roughly 100 g of egg out of the shell. Baking with Medium eggs when a recipe wants Large will noticeably dry out a cake, and three Jumbo eggs will substitute for four Large in most batters.
Why your hens' eggs vary so much
A pullet's first eggs are often Peewee or Small, sometimes tiny yolkless "fairy eggs", and they climb through Medium and Large over her first few months of laying. Egg size then keeps creeping up as a hen ages, which is why the biggest eggs and most double-yolkers come from older birds. Breed sets the ceiling, and heat, low-protein feed, and stress all push sizes down. If your eggs suddenly shrink, check protein levels first. See also why hens stop laying.
How we calculate it
US grades by weight per egg: Peewee under 42.5 g, Small 42.5+, Medium 49.6+, Large 56.7+, Extra Large 63.8+, Jumbo 70.9+ grams. UK and EU: Small under 53 g, Medium 53 to 63 g, Large 63 to 73 g, Very Large 73 g and over.
Based on:
- Official US shell egg weight classes (USDA Agricultural Marketing Service)
- UK egg weight bands (British Egg Information Service)
- EU marketing standards for eggs, weight grades (EUR-Lex, Regulation (EC) 589/2008)
Figures are typical guidelines for planning. Your birds, breed, climate, and feed will vary.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a large egg weigh?
A US Large egg weighs at least 56.7 grams (about 2 ounces). Extra Large starts at 63.8 grams and Jumbo at 70.9 grams. A UK or EU Large egg is heavier: 63 to 73 grams.
What size is a UK large egg in the US?
A UK Large egg (63 to 73 g) is a US Extra Large or Jumbo. A UK Medium (53 to 63 g) covers US Medium and Large. The two systems use the same words for different weights.
Why are my hens laying small eggs?
Young hens (pullets) lay small eggs at first and the size increases over their first few months. Small eggs can also come from small breeds, heat, or low-protein feed.
What counts as a jumbo egg?
A Jumbo egg weighs 70.9 grams or more (about 2.5 ounces). These often come from older hens and sometimes have double yolks.