# BBQ per person

> For BBQ per person, the usual plan is 1 lb of raw ribs or brisket per adult, 3/4 lb of pork shoulder, or one 1/3 lb burger. For 20 guests at regular appetite, that means 20 lb of ribs, 15 lb of pork shoulder, or 20 burgers. Pick the guest count and appetite to see the rest of the shopping list.

Source: https://www.calterix.com/en-us/calculator/bbq/bbq-per-person/ · Updated 11/06/2026 · en-US

## How much meat per person

These are common rules of thumb, not official numbers. A regular appetite means 1/3 lb of ground beef as a burger, 1 lb raw of ribs or brisket, or 3/4 lb raw pork shoulder per adult. Light is 25% less and hungry is 25% more. Kids eat about half. For kids and drinks together, use the [BBQ calculator](https://www.calterix.com/en-us/calculator/bbq/).

| Guests | Burgers (ground beef) | Ribs or brisket | Pulled pork (shoulder) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 10 | 3 lb 5 oz | 10 lb | 7 lb 8 oz |
| 15 | 5 lb | 15 lb | 11 lb 4 oz |
| 20 | 6 lb 11 oz | 20 lb | 15 lb |
| 30 | 10 lb | 30 lb | 22 lb 8 oz |
| 50 | 16 lb 11 oz | 50 lb | 37 lb 8 oz |

Regular appetite, adults only, raw weight.

## Light, regular, and hungry crowds

| Appetite | Ribs or brisket per adult | Pork shoulder per adult | Burgers per adult |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Light | 12 oz | 9 oz | About 3 for every 4 adults |
| Regular | 1 lb | 12 oz | 1 |
| Hungry | 1 lb 4 oz | 15 oz | About 5 for every 4 adults |

Raw weight. Adjusts every serving in the calculator.

Example: 20 guests with a hungry appetite and ribs. 20 × 1.25 lb = 25 lb of raw ribs. With a light appetite, the same party needs 15 lb.

## Tips for shopping without waste

- Ask for a final headcount a few days before. Maybes often turn into no-shows or extras.
- Bone-in cuts shrink a lot, which is why ribs and brisket are counted by raw weight.
- Buy ice last and keep it in a separate cooler from the drinks you open all day.
- Plan a backup: a few extra hot dogs cost little and cover surprise guests.

> The USDA recommends cooking ground beef to 160°F and chicken to 165°F. Keep perishable food out for no more than 2 hours, or 1 hour when the temperature is above 90°F.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much meat per person for a BBQ?

About 1 lb raw of ribs or brisket per adult, 3/4 lb of pork shoulder, or one 1/3 lb burger. Kids eat about half.

### How much BBQ for 20 people?

For 20 adults at regular appetite, buy 20 lb of raw ribs or brisket, 15 lb of pork shoulder, or 20 burgers (6 lb 11 oz of ground beef).

### How much meat for 30 people?

At regular appetite, 30 lb of ribs or brisket, 22 lb 8 oz of pork shoulder, or 10 lb of ground beef for burgers. A light crowd needs about a quarter less.

### How much BBQ for 15 people?

For 15 adults, 15 lb of raw ribs or brisket, 11 lb 4 oz of pork shoulder, or 15 burgers (5 lb of ground beef) at regular appetite.

### How much drink per person at a cookout?

About 1 drink per person per hour, plus 1 can of beer per hour for adults who drink. Over 4 hours, that is roughly 4 other drinks per guest.