Shell and Shell Membrane Percentage of Egg Weight

Correct Answer: 11%

The shell and shell membrane together form 11% of the total egg weight in a standard 58 g chicken egg.

Egg Component Breakdown

• Shell + shell membrane: 11%
• Albumin (egg white): 58%
• Yolk: 31%

Shell Composition

• Inorganic matter: 96% (CaCO₃ = 94%, MgCO₃ = 1%, CaHPO₄ = 1%)
• Organic matter: 4%

Shell thickness of a standard egg is 0.30–0.50 mm. Optimal shell thickness for best hatching is 0.33 mm. Shell strength is measured using a screw gauge.