BBQ Meat Calculator: How Much Meat Per Person?
The amount of meat you need depends on whether you're serving one type or a variety. Here's the breakdown:
- Burgers only: 2 quarter-pound patties per adult (1/2 lb raw)
- Hot dogs only: 2-3 hot dogs per adult
- Pulled pork: 1/3 lb cooked per person (buy 2/3 lb raw — it shrinks 50%)
- Mixed grill: 1 burger + 1 hot dog per person, or 1/3 lb total cooked meat
How Much Side Dish Per Person?
Sides round out your BBQ menu. Plan 4-6 ounces of each side dish per person, with 2-3 different sides on the menu:
- Coleslaw: 4 oz per person (about 5 lbs for 20 guests)
- Potato salad: 5 oz per person (about 6 lbs for 20 guests)
- Baked beans: 4 oz per person (about 5 lbs for 20 guests)
- Corn on the cob: 1 ear per person
BBQ Planning Tips
- Start the grill 30-45 minutes before you plan to cook
- Buy 10-15% extra meat for big eaters and seconds
- Prep sides the day before — coleslaw and potato salad taste better overnight
- Keep raw and cooked meats on separate platters
- Use a meat thermometer: burgers to 160°F, chicken to 165°F, pork to 145°F
- Set up a drink station away from the grill to manage traffic flow