How many medium eggs equal one large egg?

A UK large egg holds about 50g of liquid (out of shell) and a medium about 44g, so you need roughly 1.14 medium eggs per large egg. The authoritative UK ratio is 6 large = 7 medium (and 4 large = 5 medium). For small numbers, weighing is more precise — match the total egg-liquid weight rather than counting.

Does egg size really matter in baking?

Yes, especially in recipes that rely on eggs for structure like sponge cakes, choux pastry, and meringues. A difference of 1-2 eggs worth of weight can significantly affect texture and rise. For recipes with 1-2 eggs it matters less.

What size eggs do most UK recipes use?

Most UK recipes assume large eggs (63-73g in shell, about 50g of liquid). If a recipe does not specify, use large eggs. American recipes also typically use large eggs, though a US large is slightly lighter — about 57g in shell, roughly 50g of liquid — so US and UK large are close in practice.

Can I weigh eggs instead of counting them?

Absolutely. Weighing is the most accurate method. Crack the eggs into a bowl, weigh the liquid, and match the total weight the recipe needs. This is especially useful when substituting sizes results in an awkward fraction.

BakeCalcs

Egg Size Substitution Calculator

Substitute different egg sizes in recipes. Find out how many eggs you need when using a different size.

Recipe Egg SizeSize the recipe calls for

Recipe Quantity

How many eggs the recipe needs

Available Egg SizeSize you have available

How We Calculate This

This calculator converts egg quantities between sizes by matching the egg liquid — the out-of-shell content that actually goes into your batter. Each UK size has a typical liquid weight (band midpoint, shell removed):

Small (<53g in shell): ~38g liquid
Medium (53-63g in shell): ~44g liquid
Large (63-73g in shell): ~50g liquid
Very Large (73g+ in shell): ~56g liquid

The calculation

Total egg liquid = recipe egg liquid weight × quantity. Divide by the available egg's liquid weight to get the number needed, then round to a whole egg. The volume comparison converts liquid grams to millilitres using egg-liquid density (~1.03 g/ml). This matches the standard UK chart of 6 large = 7 medium. For odd quantities, weighing the liquid is the most accurate method.

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Last updated: March 2026

All calculations are based on standard ratios and conversions. Results may vary with specific ingredients, equipment, and conditions.