What this calculator does
Buying meat for a barbecue is really just guest count multiplied by however much meat each person is likely to eat, but that second figure is the part people guess badly. A light lunch crowd eats differently to a long evening event with drinking, and a group heavy on teenagers eats differently to a mixed-age family gathering, so there is no single correct number to plug in.
This calculator does the multiplication for you once you have picked a sensible per-person figure. A commonly cited starting point for a BBQ with sides is somewhere around 200 to 300 grams of meat per person, but treat that as a starting range to adjust, not a rule, since appetite, meat type and how many other dishes are on the table all change it.
The formula
Total meat needed is guest numbers multiplied by the amount of meat per person, converted to kilograms and pounds so it lines up with however your butcher or supermarket sells it. Adjust the meat-per-person figure up or down for the specific event rather than trusting a fixed default.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guests | The number of people you are catering meat for. |
| Meat per person | How much meat, in grams, you are budgeting for each guest to eat. |
The inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Number of guests | Total number of people expected to eat, not including anyone who is not eating meat. |
| Meat per person (g) | Grams of meat per person. Adjust for meat type, whether there are heavy sides, and the length and style of the event. |
When to use it
Planning a backyard BBQ
A straightforward guest-count times per-person figure gives a shopping-list total before you split it across sausages, steak, chicken or whatever mix you are grilling.
Catering a bigger event
For a large gathering, a small change in the per-person figure moves the total by a lot, so it is worth testing a couple of different assumptions before placing a bulk order.
Comparing meat-heavy versus side-heavy events
An event with substantial sides such as salads, bread and grilled vegetables can run on a lower per-person meat figure than one where meat is most of what is on the plate.
Worked examples
Every figure in the tables below is produced by this page’s own calculator at build time, so the numbers and the tool always agree. Select any row to load that scenario.
How much meat for different guest numbers, at 250 g per person?
Total meat needed as the guest list grows, holding the per-person amount fixed.
| Guests | Total meat needed | In pounds |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 2.50 kg | 5.51 lb |
| 15 | 3.75 kg | 8.27 lb |
| 20 | 5.00 kg | 11.02 lb |
| 30 | 7.50 kg | 16.53 lb |
| 50 | 12.50 kg | 27.56 lb |
| 100 | 25.00 kg | 55.12 lb |
How the total changes with the per-person amount, for 30 guests?
The same 30 guests, at a range of meat-per-person assumptions.
| Meat per person | Total meat needed | In grams |
|---|---|---|
| 150 g | 4.50 kg | 4,500 g |
| 200 g | 6.00 kg | 6,000 g |
| 250 g | 7.50 kg | 7,500 g |
| 300 g | 9.00 kg | 9,000 g |
| 350 g | 10.50 kg | 10,500 g |
| 400 g | 12.00 kg | 12,000 g |
Questions
How much meat per person is normal for a BBQ?
There is no fixed rule, but figures in the rough range of 200 to 300 grams per person are commonly used as a starting point for a BBQ with sides. Adjust up for a meat-focused event or a hungrier crowd, and down if there are substantial sides.
Should I count children as full guests?
Not usually. Many people halve the per-person figure for young children, or simply reduce the guest count used in this calculator to reflect a more realistic total appetite.
Does this account for bones or waste?
No, this is a straightforward guests times per-person total. If you are buying bone-in cuts, add some allowance on top, since bone weight does not translate to servable meat.
How do I split the total across different meats?
Decide the proportion of each meat type first (for example, some sausages and some steak), then apply that split to the total figure this calculator gives you, or run the calculator separately for each meat with its own guest share.
Planning drinks for the same event too? See the Alcohol For Party calculator or the Party drink planner.