Canned tuna is a pantry staple for many households, but How Many Ounces Are in a Can of Tuna?
The short answer is that a standard 5 or 6 ounce can of tuna contains around 2.5 to 4 ounces of tuna that is ready to eat or use in recipes, after draining the liquid.
Here is a breakdown of common tuna can sizes and how much tuna is typically inside each:
| Can Size | Total Weight | Drained Tuna |
|---|---|---|
| 5 oz | 5 oz | 2.5 – 3 oz |
| 6 oz | 6 oz | 2.5 – 4 oz |
| 3 oz | 3 oz | 1.5 – 2 oz |
| 12 oz | 12 oz | 6 – 8 oz |
| 48 oz | 48 oz | 24 – 32 oz |
- Albacore or solid white tuna tends to have more actual tuna compared to chunk light tuna
- Some brands may have slightly less tuna than stated, due to water or broth being included in the net weight
- Canned tuna is typically packed in water or oil. Draining the liquid removes around 2 oz per 5 oz can
So in summary, while a 5 or 6 oz can is the standard size, tuna can range from 3 oz up to 100 oz depending on the brand and type of can. Check the label closely to see the exact net weight of tuna.
Draining the liquid before use removes about 2 oz per 5 oz can, leaving 2.5 – 4 oz of ready to eat tuna per average can.
Canned tuna can be a healthy, versatile addition to sandwiches, salads, pasta dishes, and more. Knowing approximately how many ounces of tuna is in each can allows you to plan recipes accordingly.
