BBQ and Party Food Quantity Calculator
How much food do you need for your guests?
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BBQ and Party Food Quantity Calculator by TheCalcTools
How the BBQ and Party Food Quantity Calculator works
Enter the number of adults and children, and how much raw meat you plan per adult.
Children count as half an adult.
Sides, buns and drinks use common catering rules of thumb.
The formula
Worked example
Using the default values shown in the calculator:
| Adults | 12 |
|---|---|
| Children | 4 |
| Meat per adult (g, raw weight) | 225 |
| Event length (hours) | 3 |
- Adult equivalents = 12 + 0.5 × 4 = 14.
- Meat = 14 × 225 g = 3.15 kg.
- Buy about 21 buns and 48 drinks.
Result:
| Adult equivalents | 14.0 |
|---|---|
| Meat (kg, raw) | 3.15 |
| Side dishes (kg, total) | 2.80 |
| Buns or rolls | 21 |
| Drinks (about 1 per hour per guest) | 48 |
Frequently asked questions
How much meat per person is usual?
Caterers often plan 200–250 g (about half a pound) of raw meat per adult when there are several sides, and more if meat is the main dish.
Should I add extra?
A 10% buffer helps if there will be second helpings. Leftovers of cooked food should be refrigerated promptly.
Sources and further reading
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This calculator gives general estimates for information and education. It is not medical advice and does not diagnose anything. Talk to a qualified health professional about your own situation. See our disclaimer.