The short answer: a cauliflower head typically weighs about 500 to 900 grams (1.1 to 2 pounds), because the curds pack tightly together.
Cauliflower head weight by type
Cauliflower is sold as a whole head, sometimes with leaves still attached. The weights below cover trimmed heads from the produce aisle.
| Type (example) | Typical weight |
|---|---|
| Small head | about 400-550 g (0.9-1.2 lb) |
| Medium head | about 550-750 g (1.2-1.7 lb) |
| Large head | about 750-1100 g (1.7-2.4 lb) |
| Head with leaves attached | about 700-1300 g (1.5-2.9 lb) |
What affects cauliflower head weight
- Head size. A large head can weigh twice as much as a small one.
- Leaves. Heads sold with their wrapper leaves attached weigh noticeably more.
- Curd density. Tightly packed curds make a compact head feel heavy.
- Variety. Romanesco and colored cauliflowers can differ in typical size.
- Freshness. Fresh heads hold more moisture than ones that have started to dry.
How cauliflower head weight compares
A typical cauliflower head weighs about the same as a loaf of bread, or roughly as much as a 1-liter bottle of water.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a cauliflower head weigh?
A typical trimmed head weighs about 500 to 900 grams, or roughly 1 to 2 pounds.
How much does a large cauliflower weigh?
Large heads can reach 1 kilogram or more, especially before the outer leaves are removed.
How much florets do you get from one head?
One medium head usually yields about 400 to 600 grams of florets, or roughly 4 to 6 cups.
