Roma tomatoes are the go-to choice for sauce, paste, and canning. Because they are meaty and uniform, they are easy to measure. This guide shows how many Roma tomatoes fit in a pound, a cup, and a can. Use the converter for any amount.
How Many Roma Tomatoes Are in a Pound?
Roma tomatoes are small and dense. Most weigh 2 to 3 ounces, so it takes several to reach a pound. The exact count depends on the size of each tomato.
| Roma size | Weight each | Per pound |
|---|---|---|
| Small | about 2 oz | about 8 |
| Medium | about 2.5 oz | about 6 |
| Large | about 3 oz | about 5 |
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How Much Does a Roma Tomato Weigh?
A single Roma tomato weighs about 2 to 3 ounces, or 60 to 85 grams. That is roughly half the weight of a medium round tomato. Romas are firmer and have fewer seeds, which is why they hold their shape and cook down well.
How Many Roma Tomatoes Are in a Cup?
About 3 Roma tomatoes make one cup when chopped. Since each Roma is small, one tomato gives you roughly one-third of a cup. For two cups of chopped Roma tomatoes, plan on about 6 of them.
Roma Versus Other Paste Tomatoes
Roma is one of several paste tomato types. They are close in size and weight, so the counts are similar.
- Roma: about 2 to 3 ounces each. The most common paste tomato.
- San Marzano: longer and thinner, about 2 to 3 ounces, prized for sauce.
- Amish Paste: a bit larger, often 3 to 4 ounces.
All of these work in the conversions on this page, with slight changes for the larger types.
Why Roma Tomatoes Are Best for Sauce and Paste
Roma tomatoes have thick walls, dense flesh, and few seeds. That means more usable fruit and less watery juice. When you cook them down, you get a richer sauce in less time than with juicy slicing tomatoes. This is why most canning recipes call for Roma or plum tomatoes.
How Many Roma Tomatoes for Sauce or Paste?
Because Romas are meaty, they give a good yield.
- For 1 cup of sauce, use about 5 to 6 Roma tomatoes, which is roughly 1 pound.
- For 1 cup of thick paste, use about 16 to 18 Roma tomatoes, or close to 3 pounds.
- For a quart of sauce, use about 20 to 24 Roma tomatoes.
How Many Roma Tomatoes Are in a Can?
Whole canned tomatoes are usually a Roma-style plum tomato. A 28 ounce can holds about 10 to 12 of them. A 14.5 ounce can holds about 5 to 6, which is close to a pound of fresh Romas.
Roma Tomato Nutrition
One Roma tomato has about 11 calories. It gives you vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and the antioxidant lycopene. Because Romas are small and low in calories, they are an easy way to add flavor and nutrients without much added energy.
How to Pick and Store Roma Tomatoes
Choose Romas that feel firm and heavy for their size, with smooth, deep-red skin. Keep them on the counter, not in the fridge, so they stay flavorful. Use ripe Romas within about a week. If they start to soften, cook them into sauce right away.
Substitutes for Roma Tomatoes
If you cannot find Romas, use any meaty tomato. San Marzano and Amish Paste are the closest swaps. In a pinch, you can use medium round tomatoes, but drain some of the extra juice so your sauce does not turn watery.
Growing Roma Tomatoes at Home
Roma plants are determinate, which means they grow to a set size and ripen most of their fruit within a week or two. This makes them ideal for canning, because you get a big harvest all at once. Give them full sun, steady water, and a stake or short cage for support. Most Roma plants are ready to pick about 75 days after planting.
Can You Freeze or Dry Roma Tomatoes?
Yes, and their low water content makes them great for both. To freeze, wash and dry whole Romas, then store them in a sealed bag for up to 6 months. The skins slip off easily once thawed. To dry, slice them in half and use a low oven or a dehydrator until leathery. Dried Romas keep for months and add deep flavor to soups and pasta.
Common Roma Tomato Problems
Roma tomatoes are prone to blossom end rot, a dark sunken spot on the bottom of the fruit. It comes from uneven watering and low calcium. Water deeply and evenly to prevent it. Remove any affected tomatoes so the plant puts energy into healthy fruit.
Related Tomato Conversions
- How many tomatoes are in a pound
- How much does a tomato weigh
- How many tomatoes for a cup of sauce or paste
- Tomato Measurement Converter
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Roma Tomatoes Are in a Pound?
About 5 to 6, since each weighs 2 to 3 ounces.
How Much Does a Roma Tomato Weigh?
About 2 to 3 ounces, or 60 to 85 grams.
How Many Roma Tomatoes Are in a Cup?
About 3 Roma tomatoes make one cup chopped.
How Many Roma Tomatoes for a Cup of Sauce?
About 5 to 6, which is roughly a pound.
Are Roma and Plum Tomatoes the Same?
Yes. Roma is a common type of plum tomato, and the names are often used the same way.
How Many Roma Tomatoes Are in a 28 Oz Can?
About 10 to 12 whole plum tomatoes.
Shakeel Muzaffar is the founder of TomatoAnswers.com, a gardener, and a content writer. He combines hands-on tomato growing experience with evidence-based research from horticultural and nutrition sources. His work focuses on tomato cultivation, nutrition, and practical gardening advice, helping readers grow healthier plants and make informed food choices