Imagine gathering with friends and family under a warm, setting sun, the air filled with laughter and the mouth-watering aroma of spices. This is the essence of a shrimp boil, a beloved Southern tradition.
Sound tantalizing? That’s probably why you’re here, planning your own shrimp boil for your next event. A shrimp boil is a fantastic way to bring people together in many settings, from backyard BBQs to large festivals and corporate picnics. But once you start planning, one of the first questions to come to mind is probably “But wait, many pounds of shrimp do you need per person for a shrimp boil?!”
No worries, we’re here to answer that question and give you a complete rundown on how to plan a shrimp boil for any group. In this blog, we’ll help you calculate how much food you’ll need, what essentials you’ll need for a shrimp boil, and some delicious Southern sides that pair perfectly with your shrimp boil.
- How Many Pounds of Shrimp Do You Need Per Person?
- How Many People Does a Pound of Shrimp Feed?
- How Many Shrimp Per Person?
- What Do You Need to Host a Shrimp Boil?
- Shrimp Boil Ingredients Per Person
- What Should You Serve With a Shrimp Boil?
- How to Time a Shrimp Boil
Shrimp Boil Calculator
Enter your headcount and get a full shopping list, from shrimp to lemons. Updates as you go.
Look for 21/25 or 16/20 count per pound. Big enough to peel easily, small enough to cook evenly.
| Yellow onionsquartered, into the pot | 5 |
| Lemonshalf for the pot, half for wedges | 7 |
| Garlicwhole heads, tops sliced off | 4 heads |
| Seafood boil seasoninglike Old Bay or Zatarain's; extra for sprinkling | 2 ½ cups |
| Buttermelted, for drizzling over the spread | 5 sticks |
Got the food covered? Find tables, chairs, tents, and more from rental vendors near you.
Browse rentals on ReventalsEstimates assume ¼ lb sausage, 1 ear of corn, and ½ lb potatoes per guest, with amounts rounded up so you won't run short.
How Many Pounds of Shrimp Do You Need Per Person?
Plan on ½ pound of shrimp per person when the boil comes with sides, and 1 pound per person when shrimp is the main event. Here’s what that looks like for groups of 2 to 100, including sausage, corn, and potatoes.
Shrimp Amounts Needed by Crowd Size
| Guests | Shrimp (with sides) | Shrimp (main attraction) | Sausage | Corn | Potatoes |
| 2 | 1 lb | 2 lbs | ½ lb | 2 ears | 1 lb |
| 4 | 2 lbs | 4 lbs | 1 lb | 4 ears | 2 lbs |
| 6 | 3 lbs | 6 lbs | 1½ lbs | 6 ears | 3 lbs |
| 8 | 4 lbs | 8 lbs | 2 lbs | 8 ears | 4 lbs |
| 10 | 5 lbs | 10 lbs | 2½ lbs | 10 ears | 5 lbs |
| 12 | 6 lbs | 12 lbs | 3 lbs | 12 ears | 6 lbs |
| 15 | 7½ lbs | 15 lbs | 4 lbs | 15 ears | 7½ lbs |
| 20 | 10 lbs | 20 lbs | 5 lbs | 20 ears | 10 lbs |
| 25 | 12½ lbs | 25 lbs | 6½ lbs | 25 ears | 12½ lbs |
| 30 | 15 lbs | 30 lbs | 7½ lbs | 30 ears | 15 lbs |
| 40 | 20 lbs | 40 lbs | 10 lbs | 40 ears | 20 lbs |
| 50 | 25 lbs | 50 lbs | 12½ lbs | 50 ears | 25 lbs |
| 75 | 37½ lbs | 75 lbs | 19 lbs | 75 ears | 37½ lbs |
| 100 | 50 lbs | 100 lbs | 25 lbs | 100 ears | 50 lbs |
How Many People Does a Pound of Shrimp Feed?
One pound of shell-on shrimp feeds 2 people at a shrimp boil with corn, potatoes, and sausage. If shrimp is the only thing on the table, 1 pound feeds 1 hungry adult.
How Many People Does a Pound of Shrimp Feed?
| Shrimp (shell-on) | Feeds (with sides) | Feeds (shrimp as the main) |
| 1 lb | 2 people | 1 person |
| 2 lbs | 4 people | 2 people |
| 5 lbs | 10 people | 5 people |
| 10 lbs | 20 people | 10 people |
| 20 lbs | 40 people | 20 people |
Is half a pound of shrimp enough for one person?
Yes, with sides. Half a pound of shell-on shrimp yields about 6 to 7 ounces once peeled, which is a full serving alongside corn, potatoes, and sausage. Bump it to ¾ or 1 pound per person for big eaters or a crowd that came for the shrimp.
How Many Shrimp Per Person? Sizes and Counts Explained
Shrimp is sold by count: the number of shrimp in one pound. A bag labeled 21/25 has 21 to 25 shrimp per pound. Lower numbers mean bigger shrimp.
For a boil, 16/20 or 21/25 is the sweet spot. They’re big enough to peel without frustration and small enough to cook evenly with everything else in the pot
How Many Shrimp Per Person? Counts Explained
| Count per pound | Size | Shrimp per person (½ lb) | Shrimp per person (1 lb) |
| 16/20 | Extra jumbo | 8 to 10 | 16 to 20 |
| 21/25 | Jumbo | 10 to 13 | 21 to 25 |
| 26/30 | Extra large | 13 to 15 | 26 to 30 |
| 31/35 | Large | 15 to 18 | 31 to 35 |
Shell-on, heads-on, or peeled?
Shell-on shrimp with the heads removed is the standard for a boil. The shell holds in moisture and soaks up seasoning, and peeling at the table is half the fun. All the amounts in this guide are based on this type.
- Heads-on shrimp: Heads add a lot of weight you won’t eat. Buy about 50% more, so 1½ pounds for every pound in the chart.
- Peeled and deveined: No shell weight, so you can buy about 15% less. They cook faster and won’t hold seasoning as well, so add them for the last 2 minutes only.
- Frozen: Totally fine, and often fresher than the “fresh” shrimp at the counter, which was usually frozen first. Thaw overnight in the fridge or under cold running water before it goes in the pot.
Shrimp Boil Ingredients Per Person
Shrimp gets the attention, but the sides fill everyone up. Here’s how much of each ingredient to buy per guest. The calculator at the top of this post adds it all up for you.
Shrimp Boil Sides Per Person
| Ingredient | Per guest | Tips |
| Shrimp (shell-on, heads off) | ½ to 1 lb | ½ lb with sides, 1 lb when shrimp is the star |
| Smoked sausage | ¼ lb | Andouille for heat, kielbasa for mild. Cut into 2-inch pieces. |
| Corn on the cob | 1 ear | Snap or cut each ear in half so they're easy to grab |
| Baby potatoes | ½ lb | Red or gold, about 4 to 5 baby potatoes each |
| Yellow onion | 1 per 4 guests | Quartered, skins off |
| Lemons | 1 per 3 guests | Halve some for the pot, slice the rest into wedges for serving |
| Garlic | 1 head per 6 guests | Slice off the top and drop the whole head in |
| Seafood boil seasoning | 2 tablespoons | Most goes in the water. Save some to sprinkle on at the end. |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons (1 stick per 4 guests) | Melt with garlic and a little seasoning for drizzling |
Low country boil vs. shrimp boil
They’re the same meal. Low country boil (also called Frogmore stew) is the South Carolina name for shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes cooked in one seasoned pot, so the amounts above work for both.
What Do You Need to Host a Shrimp Boil?
Here is everything you’ll need to host:
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Large Boiler: You’ll need a large pot or outdoor cooker capable of boiling large quantities of shrimp along with potatoes, corn, and sausage. If you’re hosting a large event, you might want to rent more than one of these to ensure you have plenty of cooking supplies.
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Propane Tank: Most outdoor boilers are propane-powered, so you’ll need a full propane tank to keep the boil going.
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Tables and Chairs: Provide ample seating and table space for your guests to enjoy their meal. Consider long, communal tables to enhance the social, communal feel of the event.
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Cooking Utensils: Have a large slotted spoon, tongs, and other necessary utensils for handling hot food safely.
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Ingredients: Stock up on shrimp, corn on the cob, whole potatoes, smoked sausage, onions, and lemons. Don’t forget plenty of seafood boil seasoning to give your boil that signature spicy flavor.
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Serving Supplies: You’ll need large serving platters or bowls, as well as plenty of paper plates, napkins, and disposable cutlery for easy cleanup.
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Condiments and Extras: Offer cocktail sauce, hot sauce, and melted butter for dipping. Bread and a simple salad can complement the richness of the shrimp boil.
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Beverages: Keep guests refreshed with a selection of beverages. Iced tea, lemonade, and cold beers are popular choices at shrimp boils.
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Garbage Bins: Have several large bins available for easy disposal of shells and other waste.
What Should You Serve with a Shrimp Boil?
When planning what to serve with shrimp, it’s best to choose side dishes that complement the flavors of the seafood while adding variety to the meal. Here are some easy and delicious options that are sure to please you and your guests:
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Corn on the Cob: A classic at any shrimp boil, corn on the cob not only adds a sweet, crunchy contrast but also soaks up the flavorful seasoning from the boil.
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Hush Puppies: These deep-fried cornmeal balls are a Southern favorite and pair perfectly with the spices and textures of a shrimp boil. Serve them hot with a side of butter or a tangy dipping sauce.
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French Fries: A crowd-pleaser at any gathering, French fries are easy to prepare and serve as a great side that both kids and adults will enjoy. Their crispy texture makes them a perfect match for the tender, juicy shrimp.
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Salad: Offer a light, refreshing salad to balance the hearty and spicy flavors of the shrimp boil. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing or a tangy coleslaw can provide a cool contrast.
These side dishes not only round out the meal but also ensure that there’s something for everyone to enjoy at your shrimp boil. And you can’t forget about the drinks! Serve up a variety of cold sodas, sweet tea, fresh lemonade, and ice water to ensure there’s plenty for everyone to drink!
How to Time a Shrimp Boil
Everything goes in the same pot, but not all at once. Start with whatever takes longest and add the shrimp last.
- Season the water. Fill the pot about halfway, add seasoning, lemons, onions, and garlic, and bring it to a rolling boil.
- Potatoes: 15 minutes.
- Sausage and corn: Add both and cook for 8 to 10 more minutes.
- Crab legs or lobster tails (if using): 4 to 6 minutes.
- Shrimp: 2 to 3 minutes, just until pink. Turn off the heat right away.
- Soak: Let everything sit in the hot water for 5 to 10 minutes to pull in more flavor, then drain.
If your ingredients fill more than about two-thirds of the pot, split them into batches so the water stays at a boil. Keep the first batch warm in a chafing dish while you cook the second.
Then pour it all onto paper-lined tables and let people dig in. Rent a couple of extra tables so guests have room to peel without bumping elbows.
Planning a Shrimp Boil? Let Us Help!
A shrimp boil is a fantastic way to take any event to the next level, but planning the details can become a pain. If you need rentals for your party or event, let us help! Reventals is the largest online marketplace in the US! Simply visit our marketplace, find what you need, and submit a cart. We’ll find the best rentals in your area and send you an invoice. Consider us your free party planning assistant!
Ready to plan your shrimp boil? Start here!
Shrimp Boil FAQs
Is 2 pounds of shrimp enough for 4 people?
Yes, for a boil with corn, potatoes, and sausage. That’s ½ pound per person. If shrimp is the whole meal, plan on 4 pounds.
Is 1 pound of shrimp enough for 3 people?
Only as an appetizer or in a mixed seafood boil. For a regular shrimp boil, 3 people need 1½ pounds.
How many pounds of shrimp do I need for 20 people?
10 pounds with sides, or 20 pounds if shrimp is the main attraction.
Is 1 pound of seafood boil enough for 2 adults?
One pound of shrimp feeds 2 adults if you add corn, potatoes, and sausage. One pound of crab legs or crawfish won’t, because so much of the weight is shell.
Are shrimp portions measured raw or cooked?
Raw, the way you buy it. Shrimp loses a little weight as it cooks, and every amount in this guide already accounts for that.
How much shrimp per person for an appetizer?
About ¼ pound per person for shrimp cocktail or a party platter. With 16/20 shrimp, that’s 4 to 5 shrimp each.
How much shrimp should I buy for kids?
Count kids under 10 as half a guest, or about ¼ pound each at a boil.
