How Many Pulled Pork Servings Do I Need?

Quick answer: Plan on 0.33 pounds per person. For 20 guests you need 3 pounds, and for 50 guests you need 6 pounds. Use our free calculator below for exact amounts.

BBQ crowd favorite. Plan for 1/3 pound of cooked pulled pork per person for sandwiches.

3 pounds

for 20 people

Estimated cost: $24 - $45

How Many Pulled Pork Servings 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 Pulled Pork Calculator

Planning to serve pulled pork servings 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 pounds you need.

How We Calculate Pulled Pork Quantities

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

  • Average servings per person: 0.33 pounds
  • Servings per pound: 3
  • Price range: $8 - $15 per pound

Tips for Ordering Pulled Pork Servings

  • Buy 1.5x raw weight to account for cooking shrinkage
  • Keep warm in slow cooker with a splash of apple juice
  • Offer both sweet and vinegar-based sauces
  • Provide slider buns for smaller portions
  • Can be made 2 days ahead and reheated

Frequently Asked Questions About Pulled Pork

How much pulled pork per person?

Plan for 1/3 pound (5-6 oz) of cooked pulled pork per person for sandwiches. If it's the only protein, increase to 1/2 pound per person.

How much raw pork do I need?

Raw pork shoulder loses about 40-50% of its weight when cooked. For 10 people, buy 5-6 lbs raw to get about 3 lbs cooked pulled pork.

Can I make pulled pork ahead of time?

Yes! Pulled pork is perfect for making ahead. Cook 1-2 days before, refrigerate in its juices, and reheat in a slow cooker with a splash of apple juice or broth.