BBQ Meat Calculator
Raw Meat Needed
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Cooked Meat Yield
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Per Person (cooked)
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Tip
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How Much Meat for a BBQ
The golden rule of BBQ planning is to account for meat shrinkage during cooking. Brisket and pulled pork lose about 50% of their raw weight, ribs lose about 35%, and burgers and sausages lose 20-25%. This calculator factors in shrinkage so you buy enough raw meat to feed everyone adequately.
A standard serving of cooked meat is 4-6 ounces per person when accompanied by 3-4 side dishes. For a meat-heavy BBQ with few sides, plan for 6-8 ounces per person. For a kids party or event with many side dishes, 3-4 ounces per person is sufficient.
When serving multiple meats, reduce the per-person amount of each by 30-40% since guests will sample different options. It is always better to have some leftover BBQ than to run short. Leftover brisket and pulled pork freeze beautifully and make excellent sandwiches, tacos, and nachos.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much brisket per person?
Plan for 1/2 pound of raw brisket per person. A 12-pound whole packer brisket feeds about 20-24 people after accounting for 50% cooking loss and trimming.
How many ribs per person?
Plan 3-4 baby back ribs or 2-3 spare ribs per adult. A full rack of baby back ribs has 11-13 bones and feeds 3-4 people. Spare ribs are larger and feed 2-3 people per rack.
Should I buy more meat than the calculator suggests?
Having 10-15% extra is always wise. Appetites vary, and leftover BBQ stores well. Better to have too much than to run out during the party.
How long does it take to smoke BBQ meats?
Brisket takes 1-1.5 hours per pound at 225F. Pork shoulder takes about 1.5 hours per pound. Ribs take 5-6 hours. Chicken takes 3-4 hours. Always cook to internal temperature, not time.