Lobster Size Chart: Whole Lobsters and Lobster Tails

Lobster is one of those foods that feels like a celebration no matter the occasion. When it’s time to buy whole lobsters or tails, we’re often asked what size to get and why. Should you go for a one-pound lobster or splurge on a jumbo one? Small tails or jumbos? Does a lobster’s size affect the taste?

"People overthink lobster size," says Robert DiGregorio, Fulton Fish Market's head of quality control. "Every size has something to offer. The key is matching the lobster to how you want to enjoy it."

At Fulton Fish Market, we've spent over 200 years bringing the finest, most sustainable lobsters to our customers. We know these crustaceans inside and out, and brought in experts from around the market to help you confidently choose your next lobster. Our whole lobster and lobster tail size charts below make it easy to find the right fit for your next meal, whether you're hosting a backyard boil or preparing surf and turf for two.

• How Are Lobsters Sized?
• Whole Lobster Sizes
• Lobster Tail Sizes
• Which Lobster Size Is Best For Me?

How Are Lobsters Sized?

Whole lobsters are sold by weight in pounds, while lobster tails are sold by weight in ounces. The industry uses a mix of standard-size names and colorful nicknames like “chickens” or “deuces.” Lobster tail sizes are typically listed in ranges of a few ounces, such as 4-6 oz or 8-10 oz.

Whole Lobster Sizes

Whole lobsters are graded by weight, typically ranging from about 1 to 3+ pounds. Here is a quick size chart with what to expect from each whole lobster size:

Small lobsters weigh 1-1.25 pounds and are the smallest lobsters you'll find for sale. Often called "chicken lobsters" for their size, these lobsters pack the sweetest, most tender meat you can get and yield 3-4oz of meat each. Their youth means the muscle fibers haven't had time to toughen, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Small lobsters are exceptional for eating simply with drawn butter as part of a whole lobster surf & turf or as the star of a seafood tower.

Medium lobsters, about 1.5 pounds, are favorites of many lobster lovers and vendors alike. You get a generous portion of meat (5-6oz) to satisfy as a main course, while still enjoying that beloved sweetness of a smaller lobster. The texture remains tender with just a bit more substance than the smaller sizes. Medium is the recommended lobster size for a classic lobster boil for the quintessential New England experience.

Large lobsters get their trade nickname of “deuces” from their weight of ~2 pounds. Large lobsters offer a meatier bite to their tail and claw meat compared to smaller sizes. You'll notice the texture is slightly denser, though the meat retains considerable sweetness. 

Deuces are excellent for special occasions when you want an impressive plate without venturing into truly jumbo territory. Large lobsters can be shared as a main dish, like lobster bucatini, or enjoyed solo, with any leftover meat working beautifully in preparations like lobster roll salad.

Extra-large lobsters, interchangeably called jumbos, make a statement at 3+ pounds each. These showstoppers are perfect for indulgent, shared celebrations. Jumbo lobster meat is the heartiest of any size, with a rich, full flavor and a truly meaty texture.

“People think that bigger lobsters are tougher, but the key is just cooking them correctly,” explains Captain Blue Seafood’s Dave Bracher, a longtime market vendor. “Jumbo lobsters as big as 12 pounds come out great when cooked properly, but an overcooked 1lb lobster will come out tough.”

Jumbo lobsters do require a bit more attention when cooking to ensure even doneness throughout, and the reward is worth it. Such large lobsters can be enjoyed in a few ways at once, like indulging the claws and knuckles with drawn butter while incorporating the tail in a lobster bisque with a stock made from lobster shells.

Colossal and super colossal lobsters are most commonly warm-water lobsters, which grow larger and faster than cold-water lobsters. These warm-water lobsters produce milder meat, found only in their tails, as they do not have claws. Such massive lobsters are instant centerpieces in a feast or celebration.

Lobster Tail Sizes

Lobster tails are sized by weight in ounces and are generally proportionate to their bodies. A medium lobster tail (4-6oz), for example, usually comes from a medium lobster. Use the chart below to find the right tail size to match your meal.

Small lobster tails weigh 3-4 ounces and cook quickly (3-4 minutes). Petite and sweet, small lobster tails are the perfect size for appetizer portions. You can serve them elegantly poached in butter or chopped up in elote lobster rolls.

Medium lobster tails are considered the most versatile at 4-6 ounces. One broiled or grilled medium lobster tail is large enough for an entrée, or can be paired with a small steak for a more indulgent surf & turf feast. “If I want lobster tails, but don’t know how I want them yet, I reach for mediums,” says DiGregorio. “This size balances ease of cooking with satisfying portions.”

Large lobster tails, in the 6-8 ounce range, provide a generous serving that also looks impressive on the plate. Such meaty texture makes large lobster tails excellent for grilling or holding up to bolder seasonings, like in a panang curry. One tail is plenty for a main course.

Extra-large or jumbo lobster tails, weighing 8-10 ounces, are celebratory showpieces at a dinner table. A single tail can serve one generously or be split between two lighter appetites. Jumbo lobster tails bring a meaty bite to a BLT lobster sandwich, where you can yield 2 portions with a single tail.

Colossal and super colossal tails, weighing 10-20+ ounces, are ideal for splitting between 2-3 people or dicing up for lobster-flavored recipes. Just like colossal whole lobsters, such large lobster tails are no tougher than smaller sizes if cooked properly. We recommend butterflying these larger tails before cooking to achieve even cooking.

Which Lobster Size Is Best For Me?

Choosing a lobster size comes down to what you want from your meal. "When customers ask what size lobster to buy, I always say start with what you want to achieve," says DiGregorio. 

Our experts unanimously recommend medium-sized lobsters when you aren’t sure how you want to cook them. “It’s a great size for an adult meal and can be steamed, grilled, broiled, and more. It’s hard to regret a medium lobster,” shares Jerry Philips of South Street Fish Co.

If you're new to cooking lobster or want the most tender texture, start with small or medium sizes. For special occasions where presentation matters as much as taste, go for the large or jumbo. Remember, there is no wrong choice. You are eating lobster, after all! Every lobster size delivers a remarkable experience when cooked with care. To learn more about lobster, check out our Essential Guide to Lobster.

FAQs

Why do lobsters come in so many different sizes?
Lobster size is primarily determined by age. Unlike most animals, lobsters grow continuously without a defined adult size, getting larger the longer they live. A market-size one-pound lobster is approximately 5-7 years old, while a three-pound lobster has typically lived 15-20 years. Additional factors to lobster size include species (American versus spiny lobsters), sex (males with larger claws vs females with wider tails), and environmental variables such as water temperature and food sources.

How big can lobsters get?
The largest lobster ever recorded weighed 44 lb 6 oz and was caught off Nova Scotia in 1977. Scientists estimated it was over 100 years old. American lobsters never stop growing throughout their lives, which can span a century or more under the right conditions. Market lobsters typically range from 1-4 pounds, as regulations protect both undersized and oversized lobsters to maintain healthy populations.

How much meat is in a lobster?
25-30% of a whole lobster's weight is edible meat, and nearly 100% of the lobster can be used in cooking. A 1.5 lb lobster, for example, yields roughly 5-6 oz of meat from the tail, claws, and knuckles. Nearly all the rest, mostly shells and tomalley, are used by pro chefs and home cooks alike to layer succulent lobster flavors into stocks, sauces, and more.

How can I tell the difference between cold water and warm water lobster tails?
The easiest way to differentiate lobster tails is by checking out their color, according to Metropolitan Seafood’s Mark Drabich, a longtime customer of the Fulton Fish Market. Raw cold water lobsters with claws will have dark shells, ranging from brown to olive green. Warm water or rock lobsters will have more colorful tan shells with blue and gold spots and stripes.

How are Maine lobsters measured?
Maine lobsters are measured by the length of their carapace, the main body shell covering the space between a lobster’s eyes and tail. Rather than measuring the lobster’s total length or weight, lobstermen measure the carapace with a certified gauge. Maine lobsters must measure between 3¼ inches and 5 inches to be legally harvested. Any undersized lobsters (called "shorts" or "snappers") are returned to the water to continue growing, while oversized lobsters are released to protect the breeding stock. These regulations help maintain healthy lobster populations for generations to come.