How Many Tomatoes In A Pound? [Infographic]

Some recipes call for tomatoes that are measured in weight (pounds) or volume (cups). Instead of weighing everything out, you can simply refer to this page which provides a selection of tomato conversions. If you want to know how many tomatoes in a pound or a cup we’ll give you the quick answers here. You’ll also learn how many tomatoes convert into a range of different canned tomatoes.

How many tomatoes in a pound?

One pound of tomatoes equates to two large, three medium, or four Roma tomatoes. If you have smaller tomatoes, then you’ll need to count out eight small plum or twenty cherry tomatoes to get a pound.

How many cups in a pound of tomatoes?

There are 1 ½ cups of chopped tomato and three cups of pureed tomato in a pound. As you’ve probably guessed, this isn’t an exact science but the numbers will give you a pretty good estimate. Now you can pop down to your local grocer and buy the right amount of fresh tomatoes without going overboard. Forget about being stuck with leftovers that don’t get eaten and perish.

What does a fresh tomato weigh?

We got the weighing scales out of the cupboard and did the test. The average tomato weighs 5 ounces, while small and large tomatoes weigh three and seven ounces respectively.

How many cups of tomato in a can?

Canned tomatoes are hugely popular and most households will have at least one sitting in their pantry. Wouldn’t it be helpful to know how a can converts to cups of tomato? An everyday 16 oz can contains two cups of the fresh equivalent.

Did you know?

There are over 10,000 varieties of tomato on this planet. They cover a wide range of colors and flavors. But most importantly, they vary significantly in weight. Some tomatoes grow to the size of a bowling ball and don’t work with the tables above. So when you’re using these conversions try to stick to the common tomato varieties you find at the greengrocer.

Relevant reading
Tomato sauce and paste are sometimes mixed up in cooking. If you want to know how they differ check out our article here.
We researched the best tomato sauce presses available. If you want to see the results, check them out here.

How to choose the perfect tomato

The secret to picking delicious tomatoes is shopping local. If you have a farmers market nearby you’ll do well to buy them from there. Why does it matter? Supermarket suppliers pick their crops when they’re still green to avoid bruising during transportation. Unfortunately, tomatoes don’t continue to ripen once they’re picked. Sure, they’ll turn red and become softer, but there will be little change to the flavor and aroma.

Locally bought tomatoes probably won’t have that perfect shape and skin that you’ll get from the store-bought ones. But all will be forgiven once you take a bite and taste the amazing flavor that comes from vine-ripened tomatoes.

If you have to buy from a supermarket then choose smooth, shiny, firm fruits that are free from bruising or squish soft patches. The best indicator of freshness is the tomato’s aroma. If you can’t detect any fragrance, you’re unlikely to get a lot of flavor from it.

Don’t be afraid to use canned tomatoes if you’re using the tomatoes for cooking. They tend to have excellent flavor and work very well in casseroles and sauces.

Not sure what the best tomato is for cooking, juicing, or snacking? We designed a helpful infographic to help you decide on the perfect tomato.

Quick Cooking Tip

Do you enjoy baking or stuffing tomatoes? You may find that they tend to lose their shape as they cook. To avoid this, bake them in a lined muffin tray and you’ll get perfect looking baked tomatoes every time.

FAQ

How many tomatoes in a bushel?

One bushel of tomatoes weighs 53 pounds which equates to 106 large tomatoes, 159 medium tomatoes or, 1060 cherry tomatoes.

How many cherry tomatoes in a pint?

A dry pint of cherry tomatoes contains 10 oz (275g) or 25 cherry tomatoes.

How much is a pound of beefsteak tomatoes?

There are approximately 3 medium-sized beefsteak tomatoes in one pound.

How many tomatoes in an 8-oz can?

A 28-oz can contains the equivalent of 6 medium-sized tomatoes.

Are tomatoes a fruit or vegetable?

From a botanical perspective, tomatoes are a fruit. However, in the United States tomatoes are legally classified as a vegetable and are subject to the same importation tariffs as other vegetables. This ruling came about after the decision was made by the Supreme Court back in 1893 that tomatoes were eaten as part of the main course and should, therefore, be treated as a vegetable.

Recommended reading

What is the best tomato knife? Our in-depth research into the best super-sharp, comfortable knives that are designed for cutting a tomato.

Concluding Words

Although there will be some variance, there are about two large tomatoes or eight small plum tomatoes in a pound . A pound of tomatoes ranges from one and a half to two cups of chopped tomatoes. If you’re making a dish that requires exact measurements then your best bet is to get out the scales and weigh them. This will give you a perfect measurement every time.

Are you able to buy locally grown tomatoes where you live? Do you choose to buy local or prefer the supermarket? Please let us know in the comments below.

A tomato weight conversion infographic.