The number of dozens of crabs in a bushel depends on the size of the crabs. Jumbo crabs that are 6 to 6.5 inches in size make five to six dozen in a bushel, or 60 to 72 crabs per bushel.
Large-size crabs that are 5.5 to 6 inches are six to seven dozen per bushel, or 72 to 84 crabs. Medium crabs that are 5 to 5.5 inches are seven to eight dozen in a bushel, or 84 to 96 crabs. The median standard for grading the size of crabs can differ by location. For example, what is considered to be a “large” crab in the lower Chesapeake Bay area would be graded as “medium” in the upper area.
As a general rule, colossal crabs are considered to be those that measure 6.5 inches or greater. Jumbo crabs measure 6 to 6.5 inches. Large crabs are 5.5 to 6 inches in size. Crabs that are 5 to 5.5 inches are considered to be medium size, while small crabs, which are usually female, are 4.5 to 5 inches in size.
