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.

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Amounts for a number of guests

Everyone counts as an adult. For kids, use the full BBQ calculator.

Guests
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Main meatcalterix
20 lb of ribs
20 people for 4 hours, raw weight, bone-in
  • Ribs (raw)20 lb
  • Side dishes (3 sides)30 cups (7.5 quarts) in all
  • Beer or other alcohol80 cans (12 oz)
  • Water, soda, and other drinks80 drinks (12 oz)
  • Ice for the coolers20 lb
The amounts are common rules of thumb, not an official standard. Adjust for your crowd, menu, and the weather.

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.

GuestsBurgers (ground beef)Ribs or brisketPulled pork (shoulder)
103 lb 5 oz10 lb7 lb 8 oz
155 lb15 lb11 lb 4 oz
206 lb 11 oz20 lb15 lb
3010 lb30 lb22 lb 8 oz
5016 lb 11 oz50 lb37 lb 8 oz
Regular appetite, adults only, raw weight.

Light, regular, and hungry crowds

AppetiteRibs or brisket per adultPork shoulder per adultBurgers per adult
Light12 oz9 ozAbout 3 for every 4 adults
Regular1 lb12 oz1
Hungry1 lb 4 oz15 ozAbout 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.

Back to the calculator

Main calculatorBBQ calculatorBurgers, ribs, brisket, sides, drinks, and ice, in pounds and ounces

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.

Sources and method

Standard public-domain formulas. Every calculation is checked against independent numeric tests before it goes live.