Egg Size and Weight Chart for Chicken Eggs
A chicken egg size and weight chart: Peewee to Jumbo by weight per dozen, plus what a single egg weighs and how pullet eggs differ from mature hen eggs.
Quick answer: US eggs are graded into six size classes by weight per dozen: Peewee (15 oz), Small (18 oz), Medium (21 oz), Large (24 oz), Extra Large (27 oz), and Jumbo (30 oz). A single Large egg averages about 2 ounces, or 57 grams, and is the standard most recipes assume. Young hens lay smaller pullet eggs that grow toward the breed's normal size over the first months of laying.
Use the chart below to match weight to size class.
Whether you are following a recipe, selling eggs, or just curious why your hen's eggs keep getting bigger, it helps to know how egg sizes are defined. The official scale is based on the weight of a full dozen, not a single egg, which is why backyard eggs of all shapes still sort neatly into the same classes once you weigh them.
Egg Size and Weight Chart
| Size Class | Min. Weight per Dozen | Approx. per Egg (oz) | Approx. per Egg (g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peewee | 15 oz | 1.25 oz | ~35 g |
| Small | 18 oz | 1.5 oz | ~43 g |
| Medium | 21 oz | 1.75 oz | ~50 g |
| Large | 24 oz | 2.0 oz | ~57 g |
| Extra Large | 27 oz | 2.25 oz | ~64 g |
| Jumbo | 30 oz | 2.5 oz | ~71 g |
The per-egg figures are averages derived from the dozen weight. Large is the standard cooking size, so when a recipe just says egg, it almost always means a Large one at about 2 ounces.
Pullet Eggs vs Mature Hen Eggs
- Pullet eggs: the first small eggs from a young hen, often Peewee or Small.
- Growing in: eggs enlarge toward the breed's normal size over the first few months.
- Bigger yolks: small early eggs often have a proportionally larger, richer yolk.
- Breed matters: bantams lay small eggs, heavy breeds lay Large to Jumbo.
What Changes Egg Size
Age is the biggest factor: every hen starts with small pullet eggs that grow over time. Breed and body size come next, with large dual-purpose hens laying bigger eggs than bantams or light breeds. Diet, hydration, comfort, and the absence of heat stress all support normal egg size, since chickens tolerate cold far better than heat and may lay smaller in hot weather. A complete layer feed with adequate protein and calcium, plus oyster shell on the side, helps hens produce full-size, strong-shelled eggs.
These weight classes follow standard US grading, and the per-egg figures are approximate. Backyard eggs naturally vary more than sorted store eggs, which is part of their charm. If a mature hen suddenly lays much smaller eggs or shows shell problems, review her feed, water, and stress level, and consult a poultry or avian vet or your local extension office. This chart is educational and complements that guidance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the official egg size classes?
In the United States, eggs are graded into six size classes by weight per dozen: Peewee (15 ounces), Small (18 ounces), Medium (21 ounces), Large (24 ounces), Extra Large (27 ounces), and Jumbo (30 ounces). The classes are defined by total dozen weight rather than the size of any single egg, so a carton meets a class if the dozen hits the minimum. A Large egg, the most common cooking standard, averages about 2 ounces or 57 grams each. Backyard eggs vary more than graded store eggs but follow the same general scale.
How much does a large egg weigh?
A single Large egg weighs about 2 ounces, or roughly 57 grams, in the shell. The Large class is defined as 24 ounces per dozen, which works out to that 2 ounce average per egg. Large is the standard size most recipes assume, so it is the safest default when a recipe just says egg. The edible portion, without the shell, is closer to 50 grams, split into roughly 30 grams of white and 18 grams of yolk. Other sizes scale up or down from this benchmark by about 3 ounces per dozen per class.
Why are my hen's eggs small?
Small eggs are most often a sign of a young hen. Pullets lay small pullet eggs when they first start at point of lay, and the eggs grow toward the breed's normal size over the following weeks and months. Breed matters too, since bantams and lighter breeds naturally lay smaller eggs than large dual-purpose hens. Heat stress, a diet low in protein, crowding, and certain illnesses can also reduce egg size. If a mature hen suddenly lays much smaller eggs, review her feed, water, and comfort, and watch for other signs of stress or illness.
What is the difference between pullet eggs and hen eggs?
Pullet eggs are the smaller eggs laid by a young hen in her first weeks of laying, often falling in the Peewee or Small range. As the pullet matures over the first few months, her eggs gradually increase to the full size typical for her breed, usually Medium to Large or larger. Pullet eggs are perfectly good to eat and many keepers prize them for their proportionally larger, richer yolks. There is nothing wrong with a hen that lays small eggs early; it simply reflects her age and developing reproductive system.
Do bigger hens lay bigger eggs?
Generally yes. Larger breeds and bigger-bodied hens tend to lay larger eggs, while bantams and small light breeds lay smaller ones. Heavy dual-purpose breeds like Orpingtons and Brahmas often produce Large to Extra Large eggs once mature, whereas a bantam may lay eggs in the Peewee to Small range. Age still matters within any breed, since every hen starts with smaller pullet eggs that grow over time. Genetics, diet, and overall health all influence final egg size, so two hens of the same breed can still differ noticeably.
Can I substitute different egg sizes in recipes?
Most recipes assume Large eggs, so that is the safe default. For small adjustments you can often swap sizes one for one, but for baking, where ratios matter, it helps to match by weight. As a rough guide, one Large egg is about 57 grams in the shell or 50 grams of edible egg. Two Large eggs can be replaced by about three Medium or three Small eggs, and Jumbo eggs can be a touch much in delicate recipes. When in doubt, crack eggs into a measuring cup and use about 3 tablespoons of beaten egg per Large egg called for.
Does egg size affect nutrition or yolk quality?
Egg size mainly changes the total amount of egg, not its core makeup, so a larger egg simply has more white and yolk than a smaller one. Smaller pullet eggs often have a proportionally larger yolk, which some cooks prefer. Yolk color and overall nutrition depend far more on the hen's diet and access to forage than on size, with pasture and varied feed producing richer, more deeply colored yolks. So choose size for your cooking needs, but look to diet, freshness, and how the hens are raised for quality.
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