BBQ Calculator: how much meat and sides to buy
Smoked brisket, ribs, pulled pork and chicken, plus classic sides like mac & cheese, coleslaw and baked beans. Tell us your guests and we build the full shopping list.
Quick Answer
A common BBQ planning range is about 1/2 to 3/4 lb of cooked meat per adult (roughly double that in raw weight for brisket and ribs), plus 2–3 sides. Quantities change with party length and appetite. For exact amounts for your own guest list, use the calculator on this page.
Type of party
Number of guests
Men
Adults 18+
Women
Adults 18+
Teens
Ages 13–17
Kids
Ages 3–12
Babies
Ages 0–2
Mounjaro users
Adults eating about half
25 guests in total
Alcoholic drinks
How many adults will drink alcohol? We never calculate alcohol for teens, kids or babies.
Adults drinking alcohol
Up to 20 adults.
How long is the party?
Guests' appetite
We add a 10% safety margin so you don't run out of food.
FAQ
How much brisket per person?
Brisket loses a lot of weight while smoking, so plan on raw weight well above the cooked portion. The calculator adjusts it automatically.
Can I remove a meat?
Yes. Remove any item on the results page and the other meats are increased to keep everyone fed.