Cod Yield: Fillet from Whole Cod and Cooking Loss
A whole (round) cod yields about 30% of its weight as raw fillet, with a wide range of 15–36%, and a gutted (drawn) cod about 40% (35–48%), according to USDA Agriculture Handbook 102. Counting all the flesh rather than neat fillets, a drawn cod gives 69%. Cod fillets lose weight in cooking too: they kept 81% pan fried, 72% broiled and 69% baked uncovered in USDA tests.
USDA preparation yields for cod (Handbook 102)
From USDA Agriculture Handbook No. 102, Food Yields Summarized by Different Stages of Preparation (1975): the weight left after each step, as a percentage of the weight before it. Percentages work the same in pounds and kilograms.
| Before preparation (USDA description) | After preparation | Yield | Item, page |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cod, round | Dressed, raw | 55% | No. 887, p. 43 |
| Cod, round | Fillet, raw | 30% | No. 889, p. 43 |
| Cod, drawn | Flesh, raw | 69% | No. 890, p. 44 |
| Cod, drawn | Fillet, raw | 40% | No. 891, p. 44 |
| Cod steak | Steak, raw, boneless | 88% | No. 892, p. 44 |
| Cod fillet, frozen | Thawed, raw | 93% | No. 893, p. 44 |
| Cod fillet, thawed, raw | Baked, covered | 83% | No. 895, p. 44 |
| Cod fillet, thawed, raw | Baked, uncovered | 69% | No. 897, p. 44 |
| Cod fillet, thawed, raw | Broiled | 72% | No. 898, p. 44 |
| Cod fillet, thawed, raw | Pan fried | 81% | No. 899, p. 44 |
| Cod fillet, thawed, raw | Poached | *88% | No. 900, p. 44 |
* USDA based this figure on limited data.
How much to buy
At 40% (raw fillet from a drawn cod), for 6 oz (170 g) portions:
| Portions | Raw portions | Buy as purchased |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 3.75 lb (1.70 kg) | 9.38 lb (4.25 kg) |
| 25 | 9.38 lb (4.25 kg) | 23.4 lb (10.6 kg) |
| 50 | 18.8 lb (8.50 kg) | 46.9 lb (21.3 kg) |
| 100 | 37.5 lb (17.0 kg) | 93.8 lb (42.5 kg) |
Cost per usable pound
At 40%, the price as purchased becomes, per pound and per kilogram:
| Price as purchased | Cost per usable pound |
|---|---|
| $3.50/lb ($7.72/kg) | $8.75/lb ($19.29/kg) |
| $4.50/lb ($9.92/kg) | $11.25/lb ($24.80/kg) |
| $5.50/lb ($12.13/kg) | $13.75/lb ($30.31/kg) |
Example prices. Put yours in the food yield calculator.
Run your own numbers
Good to know
- Fillet yield depends heavily on the size of the fish and the skill of the cutter: USDA’s range for round cod runs from 15% to 36%.
- Frozen cod fillets lost 7% of their weight on thawing in USDA tests (range 0–20%), so check whether your supplier prices by frozen or thawed weight.
FAQ
How much fillet do you get from a whole cod?
About 30% of a whole (round) cod as raw fillet, per USDA Handbook 102 (range 15–36%), and about 40% from a gutted (drawn) cod (35–48%).
How much does cod shrink when cooked?
Thawed cod fillets kept 83% of their weight baked covered, 81% pan fried, 72% broiled and 69% baked uncovered in USDA tests.
How much drawn cod should I buy per person?
For a 6 oz raw fillet portion, about 15 oz (0.94 lb) of drawn cod at a 40% fillet yield.
How much do frozen cod fillets lose when thawed?
About 7% on average in USDA tests, with a range of 0–20%.
Sources
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.