How Many Potatoes Are in a Pound?
Potatoes can be a bit sly. We’re used to buying them either piecemeal or by the bag, so when you step back to try and really understand what a pound looks like, it can be a bit puzzling. Not to mention, if a recipes calls for certain kinds of potatoes in pounds, it’s especially important to have an idea of how to shop for that. How can you determine how many potatoes are in a pound when there are so many types, shapes, and sizes?
If you don’t have a scale, the best way to determine what one pound of potatoes looks like is to estimate it by the size of each potato. Use this general formula to know how many potatoes are in a pound:
While these aren’t exact measurements, it’s useful to be able to eyeball a potato or three to get a sense of their weight. It’s important to remember, though, that the weight of potatoes depends a lot on the variety of potatoes. Russet potatoes tend to be the largest type of potatoes, followed by Yukon Gold, red potatoes, and baby potatoes.
One Large Potato Equals One Pound
Large potatoes are typically 1 3/4 to 2 1/2 inches in diameter, but can be even larger. Russet potatoes often fall under this category, as well as some types of sweet potatoes.
Two Medium Potatoes Equal One Pound
Medium-sized potatoes generally fall in the range of 1 1/2 to 2 1/4 inches in diameter. Red potatoes, some white potatoes, and purple potatoes often come in this size.
Three Small Potatoes Equal One Pound
The general rule of thumb for small potatoes — 1 1/2 inches or less in diameter — is that there are about three per pound, though for especially small ones, it could be as many as four or five. New potatoes, creamer potatoes, and fingerling potato varieties all fall into this category, as well as smaller red potatoes.
Recipes to Try with One Pound of Potatoes
After you’ve loaded up your shopping bag, you’ll want to put those potatoes to good use. Here are some of our favorite recipes that call for potatoes by the pound.
Further Reading
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