Carrot Yield: Peeled, Cut and Cooked
Trimmed and peeled carrots come to about 83% of their purchased weight (USDA Food Buying Guide), close to the 11% waste in USDA’s nutrient database. Cutting sticks drops the yield to about 70%, and a pound of carrots gives about 0.76 lb cooked and sliced.
USDA yields for carrot
From the USDA Food Buying Guide: how much ready-to-use or cooked product one pound as purchased gives.
| As purchased (USDA description) | Result, as USDA states it | Yield | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carrots, fresh; Without tops | 1 lb AP = 0.83 lb trimmed, peeled carrots (ready to use, raw) | 83% | FBG table |
| Carrots, fresh; Without tops | 1 lb AP = 0.70 lb ready-to-cook, or serve raw carrot sticks (ready to use, raw) | 70% | FBG table |
| Carrots, fresh; Without tops | 1 lb AP = 0.76 lb (about 2 cups) cooked, sliced carrots (cooked) | 76% | FBG table |
How much is waste
USDA’s nutrient database (SR28, NDB 11124) lists 11% of “Carrots, raw” as refuse: crown, tops and scrapings.
How much to buy
At 83% (trimmed, peeled carrots):
| Ready to use | Buy as purchased |
|---|---|
| 1.00 lb | 1.20 lb |
| 5.00 lb | 6.02 lb |
| 10.0 lb | 12.0 lb |
| 25.0 lb | 30.1 lb |
Cost per usable pound
At 83%, the price per pound as purchased becomes:
| Price as purchased | Cost per usable pound |
|---|---|
| $0.70/lb | $0.84/lb |
| $0.90/lb | $1.08/lb |
| $1.10/lb | $1.33/lb |
Example prices. Put yours in the food yield calculator.
Run your own numbers
Good to know
- Food Buying Guide figures are for carrots bought without tops.
FAQ
What is the yield of carrots after peeling?
About 83% of the purchased weight, per the USDA Food Buying Guide (carrots without tops, trimmed and peeled).
How many pounds of carrots do I need for 5 lb peeled?
About 6 lb of carrots without tops (5 ÷ 0.83).
Do carrots lose weight when cooked?
Yes. A pound of carrots as purchased gives about 0.76 lb of cooked, sliced carrots, per the USDA Food Buying Guide.
Sources
- USDA Food and Nutrition Service, Food Buying Guide for Child Nutrition Programs (yield tables; public domain)
- USDA Agricultural Research Service, National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 28 (refuse)
USDA figures are averages; size, grade, trim, ripeness and cooking change them. Weigh your own main items before you cost a menu on them.
Last reviewed October 11, 2026.