Many of us are familiar with medium, large and extra-large eggs, but did you know that those aren’t the only sizes chicken eggs come in? While not all sizes are readily available at your local grocer, chickens produce more egg sizes than you might imagine.
These sizes, which range from peewee (the smallest) to jumbo (the largest), are sorted when they arrive at the plant. Each size goes into its own container which is based on weight, rather than the actual size of the egg, which is why some eggs in your carton may look a little larger or smaller than others.
Factors like a hen’s age, the time of year the egg is produced, and the hen’s breed determine an egg’s size.
To help you navigate the grocery store aisle, we’ve put together this handy egg sizing guide which includes all six egg sizes. Peewee, Small, Medium, Large, Extra-large, and Jumbo.
* Note that the weight of these eggs is the combined weight per dozen. Not the visual size.
PeeWee eggs
In addition to having the best name in the egg world, these ultra small eggs are as dainty as they sound. PeeWee eggs are at least 15 ounces, but no more than 18 ounces. The size is a result of being laid by a young hen.
Small eggs
Small eggs are a few ounces heavier than peewee eggs, and must weigh a minimum of 18 ounces, but no more than 21 ounces. Similar to peewee eggs, small eggs are laid by young hens.
Medium eggs
Medium eggs are right in the middle when it comes to egg sizing. These eggs must be a minimum of 21 ounces per dozen.
Large eggs
Large eggs are one-size fits all eggs. They’re great for baking, scrambling, or most any time a recipe calls for the use of eggs. Large eggs must be a minimum of 24 ounces per dozen.
Extra-large eggs
Extra-large eggs must be a minimum of 27 ounces per dozen. Most recipes call for large or XL eggs, which means a lot of the eggs you find at the grocery store will be one of these two sizes. If you’re looking for XL Happy Eggs, they’re available exclusively at Sprouts Farmers Market!
Jumbo eggs
Jumbo eggs, which are the largest sized chicken eggs, must be a minimum of 30 ounces per dozen. These extra, extra big eggs are great for making a jumbo-sized omelet or scrambled eggs.