Understanding Cookie Scoop Sizes

Cookie Scoop Sizes

Cookie scoops and dishers create consistent portion sizes for uniform cookies, truffles, and cupcakes. Standard cookie scoop sizes use a gauge system to designate the number of scoops in 1 quart of product. For example, a No. 10 scoop will produce 1/10 quart per scoop, while a No. 24 scoop holds 1/24 quart. Scoop manufacturers also designate gauges by color for quick identification.

Disher Size Chart

The following chart shows scoop capacities based on the standard 1-quart gauge model, though specific manufacturers may vary according to product series. When shopping for a disher, always double check its capacity.

Gauge # Standard Color Capacity (oz) Capacity (Tbsp)
4 Orange 8 16
5 Teal 6.4 12.8
6 White 5.3 10.7
8 Gray 4 8
10 Ivory 3.2 6.4
12 Green 2.7 5.3
14 Sky Blue 2.3 4.6
16 Blue 2 4
20 Yellow 1.6 3.2
24 Red 1.3 2.7
30 Black 1.1 2.1
36 Mushroom 0.9 1.8
40 Orchid 0.8 1.6
50 Terracotta 0.6 1.3
60 Pink 0.5 1.1
70 Plum 0.5 0.9
100 Orange 0.3 0.6

Cookie Scoop Sizes Explained

Large: No. 4 to No. 10

The largest scoops on this list aren't typically used for cookies; instead, they're often used as ice cream scoops or food portioners. They're also great for scooping batter for medium-sized baked goods, like cupcakes and muffins, or for forming uniform meatballs.

Medium: No. 12 to No. 24

These sizes are used for large- to medium-sized cookies. A No. 12 scoop produces a cookie about 4 inches in diameter. They also accommodate smaller cupcakes or pastries.

Small: No. 30 to No. 100

These scoop sizes are almost exclusively used for cookie and truffle portioning. While they're too small to use as portion dishers, they're large enough to scoop cookies between 2 and 3 inches in diameter. Their capacity ranges from about 1/3 ounce to slightly more than 1 ounce.

How to Choose a Cookie Scoop

Types of Cookie Scoops

Aside from size differences, most cookie scoops are identical. However, there will be some slight variations in design and aesthetic:

  • Product release mechanisms: Thumb release or handle squeeze models
  • Handle design: Color-coded plastic or plain stainless steel

Sizing Advice by Operation

  • Artisan Bakeries: Consider a wide range of color-coded scoops to add variety to your cookie sizes. Some shops specialize in giant cookies, while others make dozens of small ones in different sizes
  • Restaurants and Hotels: Find a few durable sizes for consistent baking results
  • Cafeterias and Bulk Foodservice: You'll likely need several scoops of the same size to increase output and maintain consistency. Lower-gauge scoops also help servers with portion control
Common Cookie Scoop sizes

Cookie Scoop FAQ

What is the standard size for a cookie scoop?

Standard cookie scoops typically fall between No. 70 and No. 24, holding approximately 9/10 to 22/3 tablespoons of dough.

What is a No. 40 cookie scoop?

A No. 40 cookie scoop holds about 13/5 tablespoons of dough and is used for medium-sized cookies.

What is a No. 50 cookie scoop?

A No. 50 cookie scoop holds about 11/3 tablespoons of dough and can portion small- to medium-sized cookies.

What is a No. 24 scoop?

A No. 24 cookie scoop holds about 22/3 tablespoons of dough and portions medium to large cookies.

Which cookie scoop size is best for large cookies versus small ones?

The smaller the gauge you use, the larger your cookie will be. For example, to bake large cookies, a No. 8 scoop doles out 4 ounces of dough. On the other end, a No. 100 scoop only scrapes 1/3 ounce of dough.

Shop All Cookie Scoop Sizes at KaTom

KaTom offers every cookie scoop and disher size in both single and bulk purchasing options. Whether you bake dozens of cookies each day or just sheet the occasional batch, you can find commercial-grade cookie scoops at KaTom.