BBQ Meat Per Person Calculator
Written by Mustapha B. · Updated August 13, 2026
Don’t run out at the cookout. Pick your meat and guest count for the raw weight to buy, adjusted for cooking loss.
You’ll need
BBQ Meat Per Person Calculator, reference
| Meat | Per guest |
|---|---|
| Brisket | 1 lb raw to buy |
| Pulled pork | 0.75 lb raw to buy |
| Pork ribs | 1 lb raw to buy |
| Chicken | 0.75 lb raw to buy |
| Burgers | 0.5 lb ground beef |
| Sausages | 0.5 lb sausages |
Tips
- These are raw weights to buy, smoked meats lose 30–50% during cooking.
- Brisket yields only about half its raw weight, so buy roughly double the cooked amount you want.
- Add sides and appetizers and you can scale the meat down a little.
Frequently asked questions
How much brisket per person?
Buy about 1 lb of raw brisket per person, it loses roughly half its weight when smoked, leaving ~½ lb cooked per guest.