Backyard barbecue quantities, simplified
This calculator uses common party-planning rules of thumb: about half a pound of main-course meat per guest, 1.5 buns per guest (to allow for seconds and a few extra), one drink per guest per hour, 1.5 pounds of ice per guest for keeping drinks and food cold, and roughly a quarter pound of charcoal per guest for the grill.
These are general estimates for planning purposes – actual needs vary with your specific menu, how many sides you’re serving, the weather, and your guests’ appetites, so treat the numbers as a solid starting shopping list rather than an exact requirement.
Last reviewed August 2026