When planning a barbecue event, knowing how much BBQ to order per person is crucial. Whether it’s a corporate lunch, wedding reception, family reunion, or casual gathering, serving the right amount of food ensures your guests leave satisfied without unnecessary leftovers or shortages. This guide breaks down every detail to help you confidently place your BBQ order with accuracy.
The golden rule for BBQ is one-third to one-half pound of cooked meat per adult. But this number changes based on several factors:
Type of event (formal vs. casual)
Time of day
Type of meat being served
Number of side dishes
Presence of children or seniors
Whether alcohol is being served
To make things easier, follow this breakdown:
| Guest Type | Meat Quantity per Person |
|---|---|
| Adult | 1/2 pound |
| Teenager | 3/4 pound |
| Child | 1/4 – 1/3 pound |
It’s vital to remember that BBQ meat loses weight during cooking. For example:
Brisket can shrink by 40-50%
Pulled pork may lose 30-40%
Chicken loses around 25-30%
Ribs shrink about 30%
Rule of thumb: Buy raw meat 1.5x the desired cooked weight.
So, if you need 20 pounds of cooked pulled pork, buy around 30 pounds raw.
Cooked brisket yields about 50% of its raw weight.
Recommended serving: 1/2 pound per person.
For 20 guests: order 20 lbs cooked or 40 lbs raw.
Cooked yield is around 60-65%.
Serving size: 1/3 to 1/2 pound per person.
For 30 people: you’ll need about 12 to 15 lbs cooked, or 20 to 25 lbs raw.
Standard baby back rib rack = 10-13 ribs.
Adults eat 4–5 ribs, big eaters may consume more.
Estimate 1/2 rack per person.
Pro tip: If ribs are the only protein, go with 1 rack per person.
Serve 1 leg quarter or 2 drumsticks per adult.
Chicken breast: 1 per person, 1.5 for bigger appetites.
For bone-in chicken: assume 25-30% weight loss when cooked.
One link is roughly 1/4 pound.
Guests typically eat 1 to 2 links, depending on size and if it’s the only meat.
Order 1/2 pound per person if served with other meats.
The number and richness of sides affect how much meat is consumed. If you’re offering 3+ hearty sides, meat portions can be scaled down a bit.
| Side Dish | Serving Size per Person |
|---|---|
| Baked Beans | 1/2 cup |
| Coleslaw | 1/2 cup |
| Potato Salad | 3/4 cup |
| Mac & Cheese | 1 cup |
| Cornbread/Bread | 1 slice or piece |
While not directly tied to BBQ meat portions, dessert and drink offerings impact total food consumption. A sugary dessert or alcoholic beverages might reduce overall appetite.
Soft Drinks: 2 per guest
Beer: 2-3 bottles/cans per adult
Water: Always have at least 1 bottle per person
People are typically restrained during business meals.
Order 1/3 to 1/2 pound of meat per person, with light sides.
Offer individual boxed meals for easy distribution.
Guests often eat more and stay longer.
Go with 1/2 pound or more per person.
Include extra side options and consider late-night snacks.
Depends on vibe and time of day.
Afternoon = lighter meals.
Evening = larger portions and higher alcohol consumption.
Plan for 1/2 pound per person minimum, more for buffet-style meals.
Here’s a simple menu plan:
Pulled Pork (main protein): 25 lbs cooked (≈ 40 lbs raw)
Brisket (secondary): 15 lbs cooked (≈ 30 lbs raw)
Ribs: 25 racks (half rack per person)
Mac & Cheese: 50 cups (≈ 3 gallons)
Coleslaw: 25 cups (≈ 2 gallons)
Potato Salad: 37 cups (≈ 3.5 gallons)
Cornbread: 60 pieces
Drinks: 100 soft drinks, 100 bottles of water, 125 beers
Dessert: 50 slices of pie or cake
If you’re stuck between ordering for 25 or 30 guests, go higher. Better to have leftovers than run out of food.
Reputable BBQ caterers know shrinkage ratios and portion sizes. Use their expertise when finalizing your order.
If it’s a festive event, many people will return for more. Build a 10-15% buffer in your meat quantity.
Guests can better portion when they know what they’re choosing. Prevent waste by letting them decide.
Ordering BBQ doesn’t need to be a guessing game. With the right data and a bit of foresight, you’ll hit the sweet spot between generous and wasteful. Tailor your portions based on your guest count, event type, and side dishes offered. When in doubt, err on the side of abundance—because in BBQ, running out is the only sin.
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