Tomato Yield: Diced, Sliced and Wedges
Tomatoes are about 87% usable when cored and diced, and nearly 100% when cut into wedges (0.98 lb per pound) or as stemmed cherry tomatoes (0.99 lb), per the USDA Food Buying Guide. USDA’s nutrient database puts core and stem ends at 9%.
USDA yields for tomato
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tomatoes, fresh; Whole, All sizes | 1 lb AP = 0.87 lb ready-to-serve raw diced tomatoes (ready to use, raw) | 87% | FBG table |
| Tomatoes, fresh; Whole, All sizes | 1 lb AP = 0.98 lb (about 2-1/2 cups) ready-to-serve 1/2 inch tomato wedges (ready to use, raw) | 98% | FBG table |
| Tomatoes, fresh; Large or Extra large (approx. 2-1/2-inch to 2-3/4-inch diameter), Whole | 1 lb AP = 0.86 lb sliced tomatoes (1/8 inch thick slices) (ready to use, raw) | 86% | FBG table |
| Tomatoes, fresh; Cherry, Whole with stem | 1 lb AP = 0.99 lb (about 3 cups) stemmed, whole, ready-to-serve cherry tomatoes (ready to use, raw) | 99% | FBG table |
How much is waste
USDA’s nutrient database (SR28, NDB 11529) lists 9% of “Tomatoes, red, ripe, raw, year round average” as refuse: core and stem ends.
How much to buy
At 87% (diced, ready-to-serve tomato):
| Ready to use | Buy as purchased |
|---|---|
| 1.00 lb | 1.15 lb |
| 5.00 lb | 5.75 lb |
| 10.0 lb | 11.5 lb |
| 25.0 lb | 28.7 lb |
Cost per usable pound
At 87%, the price per pound as purchased becomes:
| Price as purchased | Cost per usable pound |
|---|---|
| $1.50/lb | $1.72/lb |
| $2.00/lb | $2.30/lb |
| $2.50/lb | $2.87/lb |
Example prices. Put yours in the food yield calculator.
Run your own numbers
Good to know
- Large and extra-large tomatoes cut in 1/8-inch slices give about 0.86 lb per pound.
FAQ
How much of a tomato is usable?
About 87% when cored and diced, per the USDA Food Buying Guide; USDA’s nutrient database lists 9% as core and stem ends.
How many pounds of tomatoes do I need for 5 lb diced?
About 5.75 lb of whole tomatoes (5 ÷ 0.87).
What is the yield of cherry tomatoes?
About 0.99 lb of stemmed, whole cherry tomatoes per pound purchased, 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.