Garlic Yield: Peeled Cloves per Pound of Bulbs
Whole garlic bulbs yield about 87% of their weight as peeled raw cloves; the knob and skins are the other 13% (USDA Agriculture Handbook 102, range 87–88%). USDA’s nutrient database lists the same 13% refuse for raw garlic. To get 1 lb of peeled cloves, buy about 1.15 lb of whole bulbs.
USDA preparation yields for garlic (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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garlic, bulbs | Peeled cloves, raw | 87% | No. 1152, p. 55 |
How much is waste
USDA’s nutrient database (SR28, NDB 11215) lists 13% of “Garlic, raw” as refuse: knob and skin.
How much to buy
At 87% (peeled cloves):
| Ready to use | Buy as purchased |
|---|---|
| 1.00 lb (0.45 kg) | 1.15 lb (0.52 kg) |
| 5.00 lb (2.27 kg) | 5.75 lb (2.61 kg) |
| 10.0 lb (4.54 kg) | 11.5 lb (5.21 kg) |
| 25.0 lb (11.3 kg) | 28.7 lb (13.0 kg) |
Cost per usable pound
At 87%, the price as purchased becomes, per pound and per kilogram:
| Price as purchased | Cost per usable pound |
|---|---|
| $2.50/lb ($5.51/kg) | $2.87/lb ($6.34/kg) |
| $3.50/lb ($7.72/kg) | $4.02/lb ($8.87/kg) |
| $4.50/lb ($9.92/kg) | $5.17/lb ($11.40/kg) |
Example prices. Put yours in the food yield calculator.
Run your own numbers
Good to know
- Pre-peeled garlic costs more per pound but has no waste, so compare it on cost per usable pound and the labor it saves, not on purchase price.
- The USDA Food Buying Guide lists only dried garlic: it suggests 1/4 teaspoon of dried garlic in place of 2 cloves of fresh minced garlic.
FAQ
How much of a garlic bulb is usable?
About 87% by weight is peeled cloves; the knob and skins make up about 13% (USDA Handbook 102 and nutrient database).
How much whole garlic do I need for 1 lb peeled?
About 1.15 lb of whole bulbs (1 ÷ 0.87).
Is pre-peeled garlic worth it?
Compare cost per usable pound: whole bulbs at $3.50 a pound cost about $4.02 per pound of peeled cloves before labor, so pre-peeled garlic saves money only if it costs less than that plus the time it takes to peel.
Sources
- USDA Agricultural Research Service, Agriculture Handbook No. 102: Food Yields Summarized by Different Stages of Preparation (1975; 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.