Quick Answer
On average, a single medium-sized banana weighs about 4 ounces or 118 grams with the peel. Therefore, 6 average sized bananas would weigh about 24 ounces or 708 grams total. This is approximately 1.55 pounds.
Calculating the Weight of 6 Bananas
To estimate the total weight of 6 bananas, we first need to know how much a single banana weighs on average. Bananas come in different sizes, so there is some natural variation in their weights. Here are some key points about banana sizes and weights:
- Small bananas: About 3-4 inches long and weigh 3-4 ounces each
- Medium bananas: About 6-7 inches long and weigh 4-5 ounces each
- Large bananas: About 8-9 inches long and weigh 5-6 ounces each
Medium bananas are the most common size found in grocery stores. According to the USDA, a medium 7 inch banana with peel weighs about 4 ounces or 118 grams.
Therefore, if we take 6 medium bananas:
- 1 medium banana weighs 4 ounces
- 6 medium bananas would weigh 6 x 4 = 24 ounces
Converting the weight to grams:
- 1 medium banana weighs 118 grams
- 6 medium bananas would weigh 6 x 118 = 708 grams
Finally, converting ounces to pounds:
- 24 ounces = 1.5 pounds
So the total weight of 6 average sized, medium bananas would be approximately 1.55 pounds or 708 grams.
Factors Affecting Banana Weight
The actual weight of 6 bananas can vary somewhat based on a few factors:
- Banana size – Smaller or larger bananas will weigh less or more than medium sized bananas. Very small bananas may weigh only 2-3 ounces each, while extra large bananas may weigh 6-7 ounces each.
- Ripeness – As bananas ripen, they become softer, sweeter and weigh slightly less due to moisture loss.
- With or without peel – Banana peel accounts for about 33% of the total weight. Removing the peel cuts the weight by about a third.
- Water content – Growing conditions like water availability can affect the moisture content and weight.
So 6 small bananas could weigh around 1 pound, while 6 extra large bananas could be over 2 pounds. But in most cases, 6 medium bananas with peel will average around 1.5 to 1.6 pounds total.
Estimating Banana Weights Without a Scale
If you don’t have a scale handy, there are some tricks for roughly estimating banana weight:
- A medium banana fits comfortably in an average adult’s hand.
- A single medium banana takes up about half of a standard loaf-sized bread bag.
- The weight feels similar to a light apple or orange.
For a more accurate estimate, you can compare the weight by hand to common household items:
| Household Item | Weight |
|---|---|
| 1 medium banana | About 4 ounces |
| 1 medium apple | About 6 ounces |
| 1 medium orange | About 6 ounces |
| 1 slice of bread | About 1 ounce |
| 1 large egg | About 2 ounces |
| 1 tennis ball | About 2.5 ounces |
So holding a medium banana gives you a sense that it weighs slightly less than a tennis ball or egg. 6 bananas would be roughly triple the weight of 2 tennis balls or eggs.
Typical Uses for 6 Bananas
Knowing roughly how much 6 bananas weighs can be handy for recipes and other uses. Here are some examples:
- Banana bread – Most banana bread recipes call for 3-4 ripe bananas, so 6 bananas would make 1.5 to 2 loaves.
- Smoothies – A single banana is enough for 2 smoothies. 6 bananas would make juice for a crowd!
- Banana pudding – A layered banana pudding dessert usually uses 4-5 bananas total.
- Fruit salad – 1-2 sliced bananas is plenty for 6 servings of fruit salad.
- Snacks – 6 bananas would provide healthy snacks for 3 kids for a couple days.
Freezing overripe bananas is also a great way to save them for future baking. Simply mash them before freezing and they’ll be perfect for baked goods.
Nutrition Info for 6 Bananas
Besides weight, looking at the nutrition information for 6 bananas can also be helpful for meal planning:
| Nutrient | Amount in 6 medium bananas |
|---|---|
| Calories | 540 calories |
| Carbs | 135g |
| Sugar | 81g |
| Fiber | 12g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fat | 1g |
| Potassium | 2850mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 1mg |
Bananas are packed with key nutrients like vitamin B6, potassium, fiber and more. Six bananas provide over 20% of the recommended daily amount of fiber and potassium. The vitamin C and magnesium also contribute to the superfruit health status of bananas.
With all that nutrition along with the fiber and digestion-aiding starch, bananas are one of the best fruits you can eat daily as part of a balanced diet.
Cost of 6 Bananas
Bananas are one of the least expensive fruits in most grocery stores. Some average costs for 6 bananas:
- 6 medium bananas at a grocery store – $1.20 to $2.40
- 6 medium organic bananas – $1.80 to $3.60
- 6 medium bananas at a farmers market or fruit stand – $2 to $4
Banana prices do fluctuate depending on availability, season and location. But in general, 6 bananas should only set you back around $2-3 at the most. That makes them a budget-friendly fruit choice for families.
Compared to other fresh fruits like berries or grapes that may cost $4-5 for just a pint, bananas offer an affordable way to add fruit to your diet. Kids also love the sweet taste, making them an easy sell for picky eaters.
The price of bananas also tends to stay stable year round. Unlike delicate berries or stone fruits that follow seasonal price patterns. Bananas import consistently from tropical regions, meaning there is always plenty of affordable fruit.
Tips for Picking and Ripening Bananas
Follow these simple tips for selecting 6 ripe yet firm bananas at the store:
- Inspect the color – Yellow peels with a very slight green tip are ideal. Avoid bananas with large brown spots.
- Check the firmness – They should give slightly when gently squeezed but not be mushy.
- Pick similarly sized bananas – For even ripening choose bananas around the same shape and length.
- Separate clusters – Break each “hand” off into individual bananas to prevent bruising.
- Handle gently – Carry and store bananas carefully to avoid bruises or splits in the peel.
Once home, store bananas on the counter away from direct sun. The peel will continue to ripen from green to yellow. To slow down ripening, store bananas in the refrigerator. The peel may brown but the flesh will remain firm for several days.
Adding a ripe banana or two to a fruit bowl or bag with green bananas will help hasten ripening. The ethylene gas released accelerates the process. Within a couple days, greener bananas will become ready to eat.
Conclusion
Estimating the weight of 6 bananas is helpful for recipes, meal plans and nutrition tracking. Based on average sizes:
- A medium banana weighs 4 ounces or 118 grams.
- So 6 medium bananas weigh about 24 ounces or 1.55 pounds total.
- This provides 540 calories and delivers 20% or more of the recommended daily potassium and fiber.
- 6 bananas usually costs between $2-3, making them one of the most budget-friendly fruits.
Checking banana ripeness, avoiding bruising, and managing ethylene exposure during storage and ripening allows 6 bananas to last for 5-7 days at room temperature.
With their stellar nutritional profile and sweet, kid-friendly taste, bananas are one of the top fruits to regularly keep on hand. Knowing the approximate weight of 6 bananas helps ensure you have the right amount for all your favorite banana recipes and snacks.