Party & BBQ Food Calculator
Never run out of food (or buy too much). Calculate exactly how much meat, sides, and drinks you need for any gathering.
How Much Meat Per Person?
| Meat Type | Per Adult (raw) | Per Child | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burgers | 1/2 lb (225g) | 1/4 lb (115g) | 2 patties per adult |
| Hot dogs / sausages | 2 pieces | 1 piece | About 1/3 lb per adult |
| Chicken pieces | 2 pieces (~3/4 lb) | 1 piece | Thighs, drumsticks, or breasts |
| Steak | 8 oz (225g) | 4 oz (115g) | Boneless weight |
| Pulled pork (raw) | 1/2 lb (225g) | 1/4 lb (115g) | Yields ~60% after cooking |
| Ribs | 1 lb (450g) | 1/2 lb (225g) | Bone-in weight |
| Whole turkey | 1 lb (450g) | 1/2 lb (225g) | Per person, bone-in |
Sides, Drinks & Dessert Guide
| Item | Per Person | For 20 People |
|---|---|---|
| Side dishes (total) | 6-8 oz (170-225g) | 8-10 lbs (3.6-4.5 kg) |
| Salad (green) | 1.5 oz greens (45g) | 2 lbs (900g) |
| Bread / rolls | 1.5-2 pieces | 30-40 pieces |
| Drinks (non-alcoholic) | 2-3 per hour | 120-180 for 3 hrs |
| Beer / wine | 2 per hour | 120 for 3 hrs |
| Ice | 1 lb (450g) | 20 lbs (9 kg) |
| Dessert | 1 serving | 24 servings (20% buffer) |
How much food and drink for a party?
Catering for a crowd is where most people wildly over- or under-buy. This calculator estimates quantities from the number of guests, the length of the event, and how substantial the food is meant to be — nibbles versus a full meal. The estimates use standard catering rules of thumb, then you adjust for your crowd.
As a baseline: for a main meal, plan about 150–200 g of protein per adult, two or three sides, and a bread or starch. For drinks, assume roughly one drink per person for the first hour and one every hour after; a standard bottle of wine pours about five glasses. Appetite varies, so factor in whether it's a long evening event (people eat and drink more) or a short afternoon one.
Tips
Always cater slightly over for a mixed adult crowd — running out is worse than leftovers, and leftovers keep. If children are coming, count two kids as roughly one adult portion. Put out food in waves rather than all at once so it stays fresh, and provide clearly more non-alcoholic options than you think you'll need.
Frequently asked questions
How much meat per person for a BBQ or dinner?
About 150–200 g of cooked protein per adult as a main. Bump it up for a meat-focused BBQ, down if there are lots of sides and bread.
How many drinks should I plan per guest?
Roughly one per person in the first hour, then one per hour after. Always over-supply water and soft drinks — not everyone drinks alcohol, and people drink more when it's warm.
How do I count children?
Two children eat about as much as one adult, on average. Adjust for ages — teenagers can out-eat adults.
Written by Nicolas Martin. Last updated July 2026 · How we keep our tools accurate →