16 oz Raw Unpopped Popcorn Kernels = 14.29 oz (405.1g) Cooked
1 pound (16 oz / 454 grams) of raw unpopped popcorn kernels yields 14.29 ounces (405.1 grams) cooked, retaining 89% of its uncooked weight (11% moisture and fat loss during cooking) for roughly 16.9 standard cooked portions.
Heat kernels in hot air popper or stovetop pot with high-heat oil; moisture vaporization causes starch puffing, exploding to 24x dry volume!
Method note: Heat kernels in hot air popper or stovetop pot with high-heat oil; moisture vaporization causes starch puffing, exploding to 24x dry volume!
Unpopped Popcorn Kernels Batch Yield Reference Chart
| Raw Weight (oz / lb) | Uncooked Grams | Cooked Volume | Cooked Weight | Est. Servings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 oz (0.50 lb) | 226.8 g | 25 ¼ cups + 1 tbsp + ¼ tsp | 202.5 g (7.14 oz) | ~8.4 |
| 12 oz (0.75 lb) | 340.2 g | 37 ¾ cups + 3 tbsp + 1 ¾ tsp | 303.8 g (10.72 oz) | ~12.7 |
| 16 oz (1.00 lb) | 453.6 g | 50 ½ cups + 2 tbsp + ¼ tsp | 405.1 g (14.29 oz) | ~16.9 |
| 24 oz (1.50 lb) | 680.4 g | 75 ¾ cups + 3 tbsp + ½ tsp | 607.6 g (21.43 oz) | ~25.3 |
| 32 oz (2.00 lb) | 907.2 g | 101 ¼ cups | 810.1 g (28.58 oz) | ~33.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cups of popped popcorn does 1/4 cup unpopped kernels make? ▾
1/4 cup (approx 54g) of unpopped popcorn kernels expands to yield approximately 6 to 7 cups of light, airy popped popcorn.
Why does popcorn expand so dramatically? ▾
Each kernel contains a droplet of water inside hard endosperm starch; when heated, superheated steam pressure explodes the kernel inside-out into expanded starch foam.