W320 is a white whole cashew grade containing about 300–320 kernels per pound — a medium size that is the most widely traded and benchmark grade in the world, prized for its balance of quality and price. The “W” means white/first-quality whole, and “320” is the count per pound: the higher the number, the smaller the kernel. Because it is the grade buyers watch most closely, W320 is the reference against which larger premiums like W240 and cheaper smaller grades like W450 are quoted. This page explains what W320 means, its size, why it is the benchmark, and its typical uses.
What W320 Means
In the grade code, W = white first-quality whole kernel and 320 = the approximate number of kernels in one pound. So W320 kernels are uniform, ivory-white, unbroken, and mid-sized. It sits in the middle of the white-whole range on the full cashew grades chart.
Size & Count per Lb (300–320)
At roughly 300–320 kernels per pound, W320 is smaller than W240 (about 220–240) and W210 (“Jumbo”), but larger than W450 (about 400–450). The count-per-pound logic is the key: fewer kernels per pound means each one is bigger. See how it sits across the range in the classification framework.
| Grade | Count per lb | Size vs W320 | Price vs W320 |
|---|---|---|---|
| W240 | ~220–240 | Larger | Premium |
| W320 | ~300–320 | Benchmark | — |
| W450 | ~400–450 | Smaller | Discount |
Why W320 Is the Benchmark Grade
W320 is produced in the largest volumes and is the easiest grade to source consistently, so it became the reference point for the whole market. When traders speak of “the cashew price,” they usually mean the W320 price, which North American and European buyers watch to gauge overall market direction. Its balance of good appearance and moderate cost makes it the default for most uses.
Typical Uses
W320’s uniform, whole kernels suit retail snacking (roasted and salted), nut mixes, confectionery and everyday cooking. It is the grade most consumers actually eat, because it delivers a clean whole cashew without the premium price of the larger grades.
W320 vs W240 and Other Grades
The step up from W320 to W240 buys larger, more impressive kernels at a premium — worth it for gifting and premium retail, less so for cooking. The step down to W450 saves money where size matters less. W320 is the sensible middle for most buyers.
Price Context
W320 pricing moves daily with the raw-nut crop, origin, currency and demand, and it anchors the rest of the grade ladder. For how grade drives price and what’s moving it now, see cashew kernels price per kg — and contact us for a current quote rather than relying on a dated figure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does W320 mean in cashews? W = white first-quality whole kernel; 320 = the approximate number of kernels per pound. So W320 is a mid-sized, unbroken white cashew — the benchmark trading grade.
How many cashews are in a pound of W320? About 300 to 320 kernels per pound. A lower count number means larger kernels, so W320 is smaller than W240 and larger than W450.
Is W320 better than W240? Not better, just smaller and cheaper. W240 is larger and premium-priced; W320 offers the best balance of quality and price and is the most widely traded grade.
What is W320 used for? Retail snacking, nut mixes, confectionery and cooking — it is the everyday whole cashew most consumers eat, valued for clean whole kernels at a moderate price.