Sweet potatoes are a favorite in everything from pies to casseroles to roasted side dishes. But when a recipe calls for “1 pound of sweet potatoes,” you might be left wondering: how many sweet potatoes are in a pound? Since they vary in size, there’s no single answer—but here’s a clear guide to help you measure correctly.
Quick Answer
- 1 pound of sweet potatoes = about 2 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 large sweet potato = about 1 pound
- 1 pound = about 3 small sweet potatoes
Average Sweet Potato Weights
On average:
- Small sweet potato: 3–4 ounces (¼ pound)
- Medium sweet potato: 5–6 ounces (½ pound)
- Large sweet potato: 12 ounces (¾ to 1 pound)
Sweet Potato Conversions
| Weight | Number of Sweet Potatoes |
|---|---|
| 1 pound | 2 medium, 3 small, or 1 large |
| 2 pounds | 4 medium, 6 small, or 2 large |
| 3 pounds | 6 medium, 9 small, or 3 large |
Tips for Measuring Sweet Potatoes
- Use a kitchen scale: The most accurate way to measure by weight.
- Estimate by size: If you don’t have a scale, remember that 2 medium = about 1 pound.
- Cut evenly: If using multiple sweet potatoes, chop them into similar sizes so they cook evenly.
How Many Cups in a Pound of Sweet Potatoes?
- 1 pound raw sweet potatoes = about 3 ½ cups chopped
- 1 pound mashed sweet potatoes = about 2 cups
- 1 large sweet potato (about 1 pound) = 2 cups mashed
Common Recipe Uses
- Sweet Potato Pie: Usually needs 2–3 pounds (about 6 medium potatoes).
- Roasted Side Dish: 1 pound serves 2–3 people.
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes: 2 pounds makes about 4 cups mashed (serves 4–6).
Quick Picks: Best Kitchen Tools for Sweet Potatoes
- Best Overall: Ozeri Kitchen Scale — Accurate and easy for weighing sweet potatoes.
- Best Budget: OXO Good Grips Y-Peeler — Makes peeling sweet potatoes fast and safe.
- Best Premium: All-Clad Pro-Release Baking Sheet — Ideal for roasting evenly.
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing Sweet Potatoes
- Look for firmness: Sweet potatoes should feel heavy and solid.
- Avoid bruises: Stay away from wrinkled, soft, or blemished potatoes.
- Size choice: Medium sweet potatoes are easiest for even cooking.
FAQ
How many sweet potatoes do I need for 5 pounds?
About 10 medium or 15 small sweet potatoes.
How many pounds is 4 large sweet potatoes?
Roughly 4 pounds, since each large potato is close to 1 pound.
Do cooked sweet potatoes weigh less?
Yes—sweet potatoes lose about 25% of their weight when baked or roasted due to water loss.
How many mashed sweet potatoes does 1 pound make?
About 2 cups of mashed sweet potato.
Conclusion
One pound of sweet potatoes is about 2 medium, 3 small, or 1 large potato. For precise cooking and baking, a kitchen scale is best. But with these size and cup conversions, you can measure sweet potatoes confidently without a scale.
For better results, pair your sweet potato cooking with tools like a kitchen scale, a peeler, and a baking sheet for easy prep and roasting.
Shop the best kitchen tools today and make every sweet potato recipe easier and more accurate.