How Many Burgers Do I Need?

Quick answer: Plan on 1.5 burgers per person. For 20 guests you need 30 burgers, and for 50 guests you need 75 burgers. Use our free calculator below for exact amounts.

Classic cookout staple. Plan for 1-2 burgers per person depending on appetite.

30 burgers

for 20 people

Estimated cost: $90 - $180

How Many Burgers for Your Party?

5 people 8 people 10 people 15 people 20 people 25 people 30 people 40 people 50 people 75 people 100 people

About Our Burger Calculator

Planning to serve burgers at your next party? Our free calculator takes the guesswork out of party planning. Simply enter the number of guests and we'll tell you exactly how many burgers you need.

How We Calculate Burger Quantities

Our calculations are based on industry-standard serving sizes used by professional caterers:

  • Average servings per person: 1.5 burgers
  • Servings per burger: 1
  • Price range: $3 - $6 per burger

Tips for Ordering Burgers

  • Buy 20% more patties than guests for seconds
  • Offer both beef and veggie options
  • Pre-form patties the day before
  • Set up a toppings station with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles
  • Toast buns on the grill for extra flavor

Frequently Asked Questions About Burger

How many burgers should I make per person?

Plan for 1.5 burgers per adult and 1 per child. Some guests will want seconds, so this accounts for varied appetites while minimizing waste.

What size burger patties should I use?

For parties, 4-6 oz patties are ideal—substantial enough to be satisfying but not so large they take forever to cook. Quarter pounders (4 oz) are the standard.

How much ground beef do I need per person?

Plan for 6-8 oz of ground beef per person (accounting for 1.5 burgers). For 20 people, buy about 8-10 lbs of ground beef.

What burger toppings should I have?

Essential toppings include lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, ketchup, mustard, and mayo. Offer cheese slices (American, cheddar, Swiss), bacon, and specialty sauces for variety.

How do I keep burgers warm for a party?

Keep cooked burgers in a 200°F oven on a wire rack for up to 30 minutes. Alternatively, use a chafing dish or slow cooker on warm setting. Don't stack them or they'll get soggy.