BBQ Quantity Calculator

About this calculator

Catering guidelines for a barbecue typically budget around 1/3 to 1/2 pound (150-225g) of raw meat per adult guest as a main, scaled up or down for appetite level, plus proportional amounts of sides, buns, and drinks — with adjustments for bone-in cuts (which lose more weight and yield less edible meat than boneless) and for mixed groups with lighter eaters or big appetites.

This calculator takes your guest count and chosen appetite level and scales meat, side dish, bun, and drink quantities accordingly so you can shop with a clear list. Hosts planning a backyard cookout use it to avoid running short mid-party or over-buying perishables, and caterers and event planners use it as a quick starting estimate before fine-tuning a menu for a specific headcount.