PartyPrepList

Meat Per Person Calculator

Enter your guest count and meat type to calculate how many pounds of meat per person and how much to buy for the whole crowd. It works for BBQs, buffets, tacos, sandwiches and family gatherings.

Cooked meat ready to serve at a party

Quick answer: how much meat per person?

For a main meal, start with 1/2 lb of raw boneless meat per adult and 1/4 lb per child. Use about 3/4 lb per adult for bone-in cuts. If you are buying cooked pulled pork or brisket, start around 0.4 lb per adult. The calculator adjusts these amounts for sides, serving style and extra portions.

Calculate pounds of meat for your crowd

15.5 lb
Total meat to buy
0.55 lb
Average per guest
4
Approx. 5 lb packs

Meat quantity chart for a crowd

These totals assume adults, a main meal and raw boneless meat before adding extra portions.

GuestsRaw boneless meatRaw bone-in meatCooked BBQ meat
10 people5 lb7.5 lb4 lb
25 people12.5 lb18.75 lb10 lb
50 people25 lb37.5 lb20 lb
100 people50 lb75 lb40 lb

Planning a cookout? Add quantities for coleslaw, beans and corn with the BBQ sides calculator.

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Meat Per Person Calculator questions

How much meat per person should I buy?

For a main meal, start with about 1/2 pound of raw boneless meat per adult or 1/4 pound per child. Use more for bone-in cuts and less when several filling sides are served.

How many pounds of meat per person for a BBQ?

Plan about 1/2 pound of raw boneless meat per adult for a BBQ, or about 3/4 pound for bone-in meat. For cooked pulled pork or brisket, start around 0.4 pound per adult.

How much meat do I need for 50 people?

For 50 adults, start with about 25 pounds of raw boneless meat, 37.5 pounds of bone-in meat, or 20 pounds of cooked pulled pork or brisket. Add 5% to 15% for seconds.

Should I calculate meat by raw or cooked weight?

Buy raw meat by raw weight because cooking causes moisture and fat loss. If you are buying already-cooked pulled pork or brisket, use the cooked option above.