Maryland Blue Crab Sizes & Grades

Quick Reference

Shell width is measured point to point across the widest part of the shell, the standard Maryland grading method.

How Maryland Grades Work

After the watermen unload the day’s catch, every keeper crab gets hand-graded. The split is roughly:

1. Females are separated from males immediately — different demand, different price.
2. Males get graded by shell width and weight into #1 (the biggest), #2 (mid-size), and “smalls” (which we don’t sell — they’re tossed back or sold to processors).
3. Jumbos and colossals are the standout males pulled from the #1 grade. They’re not a separate gender, just the biggest of the day.
4. Within each grade, finer sub-grading by weight happens for specialty orders.

Picking the Right Grade

Best for first-time crab feasts — Mixed #1 + #2 males. You get variety, a friendly per-crab price, and the size mix that’s most forgiving to pick.

Best for serious crab eaters — Straight #1 males or jumbos. Big meat lumps, less picking work, more impressive on the table.

Best value for big groups — All #2 males or all-female bushels. More crabs per bushel at a better per-crab rate.

Best for picking parties / crab cakes — Females. Sweeter, denser meat, and the back-fin meat picks down beautifully for crab cakes.

Best for special events — Reserve jumbos or colossals 1-2 weeks ahead. Limited supply, but unforgettable when you can get them.

How Many Crabs Do I Need?

A “casual eater” gets through 4-6 crabs in a sitting. A “serious eater” (think a Maryland native at a real picking dinner) will work through 12+. Plan accordingly.

Still Not Sure?

Call (443) 306-2230 — tell us how many people, what they like, what your budget is, and we’ll recommend the right grade and quantity.