The number of crabs in a bushel varies significantly depending on the size of the crabs. A bushel is a unit of volume, so larger crabs will take up more space, meaning fewer of them will fit into a bushel compared to smaller crabs.
Crabs Per Bushel by Size
When ordering or preparing crabs, it's essential to understand that a bushel is not a fixed count but rather a volume. The approximate number of crabs you can expect in a bushel is categorized by their dimensions, specifically their shell length.
Here is a breakdown of how many crabs typically make up a bushel based on their size:
Crab Size | Crab Dimensions (Shell Length) | Approximate Crabs in a Bushel |
---|---|---|
Standard | 5-5.5 inches | 84 crabs |
Large | 5.5-6 inches | 72 crabs |
Jumbo | 6-6.75 inches | 60 crabs |
Colossal | 6.75 inches or larger | 48 crabs |
This table illustrates that while a bushel of standard crabs might contain around 84 individuals, the same bushel filled with colossal crabs would only hold about 48. This difference highlights the importance of specifying crab size when purchasing to ensure you receive the desired quantity and value.