How Many Oysters in a Bushel? Your Complete Guide

If you’ve ever tried to order oysters in bulk — for a backyard shuck, a holiday gathering, or a proper raw bar — you’ve probably encountered the term “bushel” and immediately wondered: how many oysters in a bushel?

It’s a fair question, and the answer isn’t as straightforward as you might expect. Unlike buying a dozen eggs or a pound of shrimp, a bushel of oysters is measured by volume, not by count. That means the number of oysters you get depends on the size of the oysters themselves.

The Short Answer: 100 to 150 Oysters per Bushel

A standard bushel of medium-sized oysters typically contains between 100 and 150 oysters. However, this number can range anywhere from about 60 to over 200 depending on the variety and size of the oysters.

Here’s a general breakdown by oyster size:

• Small oysters (such as Kumamotos or small Wellfleets) — 150 to 200+ per bushel
• Medium oysters (such as Blue Points or Chesapeake Bay) — 100 to 150 per bushel
• Large oysters (such as Gulf oysters or large Pacific oysters) — 60 to 100 per bushel

The reason for this variation is simple: a bushel is a unit of volume, not count. A U.S. bushel equals about 35.24 liters (or roughly 1.24 cubic feet). Smaller oysters pack more tightly into that space, while larger shells take up more room.

What Exactly Is a Bushel?

A bushel is an old agricultural measurement that’s been used for centuries to measure dry goods like grain, apples, and — yes — oysters. In the United States, one bushel equals about 8 gallons of volume. When it comes to oysters, a bushel typically weighs between 45 and 60 pounds (20 to 27 kg), depending on the variety.

In the oyster trade, bushels are usually sold in burlap sacks or heavy-duty mesh bags. When you order a bushel from a seafood market or oyster farm, you’ll receive a sack filled to the standard bushel volume. Some regions have slightly different definitions — for example, in parts of the Gulf Coast, a “sack” of oysters may differ slightly from an East Coast bushel — but the general range stays consistent.

Other Common Oyster Quantities

Not everyone needs a full bushel. Here are the most common ways oysters are sold and roughly how many you’ll get:

• By the dozen — 12 oysters. The standard order at a raw bar or restaurant. Perfect for one person as an appetizer.
• By the half bushel — 50 to 75 medium oysters. Great for a small gathering of 4 to 6 people.
• By the bushel — 100 to 150 medium oysters. Ideal for a party of 8 to 12 people.
• By the peck — About 25 to 37 medium oysters (a peck is one-quarter of a bushel). Good for 2 to 4 people.
• By the bag or sack — Varies by region. In some areas, a “bag” equals a half bushel; in others, it’s a full bushel. Always ask your supplier.

How Many Oysters Should You Buy Per Person?

Planning the right amount of oysters is essential — you don’t want to run out, but you also don’t want to over-buy (though leftover oysters are rarely a problem among oyster lovers).

Here are some general guidelines:

• As an appetizer: 6 to 12 oysters per person
• As the main event (oyster roast or raw bar): 12 to 18 oysters per person
• For serious oyster enthusiasts: 18 to 24+ per person

So if you’re hosting a backyard oyster shucking party for 10 people and oysters are the star of the show, you’d want roughly 150 to 180 oysters — which works out to about one to one and a half bushels of medium-sized oysters.

How Much Does a Bushel of Oysters Cost?

The price of a bushel of oysters varies significantly based on location, variety, and season. As a general range in the United States:

• East Coast oysters (Blue Points, Wellfleets, etc.) — $80 to $200 per bushel
• Gulf Coast oysters — $50 to $120 per bushel
• West Coast/Pacific oysters — $100 to $250 per bushel
• Premium or specialty varieties (Kumamotos, Gillardeaus, etc.) — Often sold by the dozen rather than the bushel, at $20 to $50+ per dozen

Buying by the bushel is almost always more economical than ordering by the dozen. If you’re planning a large event, ordering directly from an oyster farm or wholesale seafood supplier can save you a significant amount compared to retail prices.

Tips for Buying Oysters by the Bushel

If you’re ordering your first bushel, keep these tips in mind:

• Order from a reputable source. Buy from established oyster farms, seafood markets, or trusted online suppliers. Ask where the oysters were harvested and when they were pulled from the water.
• Keep them cold, not frozen. Oysters should be stored between 35°F and 45°F (2°C to 7°C). Never freeze live oysters — it kills them. Keep them in a cooler with ice or wet towels, cup-side down.
• Eat them within 5 to 7 days. Live oysters in the shell will keep for about a week if properly refrigerated. The sooner you eat them, the better they’ll taste.
• Have the right tools ready. You’ll need a solid oyster knife, a sturdy glove or towel, and a surface to shuck on. If you’re new to shucking, check our guide on how to shuck oysters.
• Don’t forget the accompaniments. Lemon wedges, mignonette sauce, hot sauce, and crackers are essential. See our complete guide on what to eat with oysters for more pairing ideas.

Bushel Sizes by Region

It’s worth noting that the definition of a “bushel” can vary slightly by region in the United States:

• Chesapeake Bay (Maryland/Virginia) — A standard bushel here typically contains 80 to 120 medium oysters. Maryland has specific legal definitions for oyster bushel measurements.
• New England (Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island) — Bushels tend to contain 100 to 150 smaller, more tightly packed oysters.
• Gulf Coast (Louisiana, Texas, Alabama) — Gulf oysters are generally larger, so a bushel may contain 60 to 100 oysters. They’re often sold by the “sack” rather than the bushel.
• Pacific Northwest (Washington, Oregon) — Pacific oysters vary widely in size. A bushel might contain anywhere from 80 to 200 depending on whether you’re buying small Kumamotos or large Pacifics.

If you’re ordering from a specific region, always ask your supplier how many oysters to expect per bushel. A good vendor will give you a count estimate based on the current harvest.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many oysters in a half bushel?

A half bushel typically contains 50 to 75 medium oysters, though this can range from about 30 (for very large oysters) to 100 (for small varieties). A half bushel is a great option for smaller gatherings of 4 to 6 people.

How many people does a bushel of oysters feed?

A bushel of medium oysters (roughly 100 to 150 oysters) will feed about 8 to 12 people if oysters are the main attraction, or up to 15 to 20 people if they’re served as an appetizer alongside other food.

How heavy is a bushel of oysters?

A bushel of oysters typically weighs between 45 and 60 pounds (20 to 27 kg). The weight varies based on oyster size, shell thickness, and moisture content. Gulf oysters tend to be heavier per bushel due to their larger shells.

What’s the difference between a bushel and a peck of oysters?

A peck is one-quarter of a bushel — about 2 gallons of volume. A peck of medium oysters contains roughly 25 to 37 oysters. It’s a good quantity for a small dinner for two to four people who enjoy eating oysters.

Can you freeze a bushel of oysters?

You should not freeze live oysters in the shell. Freezing kills them and can affect the texture and flavor. If you need to preserve oysters, shuck them first, then freeze the meat in an airtight container with their liquor. Frozen shucked oysters are best used in cooked dishes rather than eaten raw.