Average Potato Weight: Medium Potato = 150-175g (5.3-6.1oz)

The average weight of a medium potato is approximately 5.3 to 6.1 ounces (150-175 grams), with Russet potatoes typically weighing slightly more than Yukon Gold or Red varieties. This precise measurement matters for recipe accuracy, meal planning, and portion control in both home and professional kitchens.

Ever stared at a recipe calling for "2 medium potatoes" and wondered exactly what that means in your kitchen? You're not alone. Getting potato measurements right affects cooking times, texture, and final dish quality. As a professional chef who's worked with thousands of potatoes across diverse culinary settings, I've seen how this simple measurement detail makes or breaks recipes.

Why Potato Weight Matters in Your Cooking

Understanding potato weights isn't just kitchen trivia—it directly impacts your cooking results. When recipes specify "2 medium potatoes," they're actually referencing a specific weight range that ensures proper cooking chemistry. Too little potato and your dish lacks substance; too much and you'll face uneven cooking or altered flavor balances.

Professional kitchens measure by weight rather than count for good reason: visual size estimates can vary by up to 30% in actual mass. This discrepancy explains why your mashed potatoes sometimes turn out too watery or dense despite following the same recipe.

Potato Size Categories Decoded

Commercial potato grading provides the most reliable sizing framework. The USDA establishes these standard categories based on diameter, which correlates directly with weight:

Size Category	Diameter Range	Weight Range (grams)	Weight Range (ounces)
Small	1.5-2.0 inches	100-149g	3.5-5.3oz
Medium	2.0-3.0 inches	150-175g	5.3-6.1oz
Large	3.0-4.25 inches	225-340g	8.0-12.0oz
Extra Large	4.25+ inches	340g+	12.0oz+

This standardized sizing comes from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, which regulates commercial potato grading. Notice how medium potatoes consistently fall within that 150-175g range across most common varieties.

Practical Measurement Techniques for Home Cooks

You don't need professional equipment to get accurate potato measurements. Here's how to determine potato weight without a scale:

Visual Estimation Method

Hold the potato in your hand—medium potatoes should feel substantial but not heavy, roughly equivalent to a baseball or tennis ball in size. For precise visual reference:

• Small potato = golf ball to tennis ball
• Medium potato = baseball
• Large potato = softball

Kitchen Scale Alternative

Without a scale, use household items as reference weights:

• Medium potato ≈ 3 medium eggs
• Medium potato ≈ standard baseball
• Medium potato ≈ 2/3 cup of water

How Potato Variety Affects Weight

Not all potatoes weigh the same, even at identical sizes. Moisture content and density vary significantly between varieties:

• Russet potatoes: Highest starch content, medium ones average 173g (6.1oz) - ideal for baking and frying
• Yukon Gold: Medium density, medium ones average 149g (5.3oz) - perfect for mashing
• Red potatoes: Densest variety, medium ones average 149g (5.3oz) but feel heavier - best for boiling
• Fingerling potatoes: Much smaller, average 70-90g (2.5-3.2oz) each

This data comes from USDA FoodData Central, the authoritative source for food composition information. When precision matters, always consider both size AND variety.

Recipe Conversion Guide

Converting between weight and volume measurements prevents recipe failures. Here's your kitchen reference:

• 1 medium potato (170g) = 1 cup diced = 3/4 cup mashed
• 1 pound of potatoes = approximately 3 medium Russets
• When substituting varieties: increase Yukon Gold quantity by 10% when replacing Russets
• For dehydrated potato flakes: 1/4 cup flakes = 1 medium potato when reconstituted

Special Considerations for Accurate Measurements

Several factors affect potato weight that most home cooks overlook:

Seasonal Moisture Variations

Potatoes harvested in early season contain up to 15% more moisture than late-season potatoes of identical size. This means an early-season medium Russet might weigh 180g while a late-season one of the same size weighs 165g. For critical recipes like gnocchi, this moisture difference significantly impacts texture.

Storage Effects

Properly stored potatoes lose about 1% of their weight per week due to moisture evaporation. A medium potato weighing 170g when purchased might weigh only 155g after three weeks in storage. Always account for storage duration when precision matters.

Cooking Method Impact

Different cooking methods change potato weight through moisture loss:

• Boiling: loses 10-15% weight from water absorption
• Baking: loses 20-25% weight from evaporation
• Frying: loses 30-35% weight while absorbing oil

For recipe scaling, always measure potatoes raw unless specified otherwise. Cooked potato weights vary too much for reliable conversions.

Putting It All Together: Practical Applications

Now that you understand potato weights, apply this knowledge immediately:

• Meal planning: Calculate exact portions for dietary needs (1 medium potato = 150g carbs)
• Recipe scaling: Double recipes accurately by weight rather than count
• Grocery shopping: Estimate costs when buying in bulk (knowing price per pound)
• Dietary tracking: Log precise nutritional information using weight-based calculations

Professional chefs measure potatoes by weight for consistency—now you can too. This simple practice transforms recipe reliability and eliminates cooking guesswork.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to the most common questions about potato weights:

How much does an average medium potato weigh in grams?

A medium potato typically weighs between 150-175 grams. Russet potatoes tend to be at the higher end of this range (173g), while Yukon Gold and Red varieties average closer to 149g for the same visual size.

What's the weight of a large potato for baking?

Large baking potatoes (Russets) typically weigh 225-340 grams (8-12 ounces). For perfect baked potatoes, select ones in the 280-315g range, which provides the ideal surface-to-interior ratio for even cooking.

How many small potatoes equal one medium potato?

It takes approximately 1.5 small potatoes (100-149g each) to equal one medium potato (150-175g). However, for recipes requiring specific textures like mashed potatoes, it's better to use uniformly sized potatoes rather than mixing sizes.

Does potato weight change after cooking?

Yes, potato weight changes significantly after cooking. Boiled potatoes gain 10-15% weight from water absorption, while baked potatoes lose 20-25% from evaporation, and fried potatoes lose 30-35% while absorbing oil. Always measure potatoes raw for recipe accuracy.