BBQ Food Calculator — How Much Food for a Party

A standard portion is about 450 g of meat per adult with a medium appetite. For smaller appetites about 300 g is enough, and for large ones about 600 g. Children usually eat about half an adult portion. For 8 adults with a medium appetite and 2 kids that is about 4.1 kg of meat.

A good split is a mix: about 40% sausages, about 40% whole cuts (pork neck, skewers, steaks) and about 20% poultry. This satisfies different tastes. The calculator gives total meat weight — you choose the proportions to match your guests.

For vegetarians and vegans prepare grilled vegetables, halloumi cheese, plant-based burgers, tofu and vegetable skewers. About 200–300 g per person is usually enough. Reduce the meat portions in the calculator by their number.

Roughly 0.5–1 kg of charcoal per hour of grilling. For a party of a dozen-plus people lasting 3–4 hours, plan about 3–5 kg of charcoal or briquettes. Briquettes burn longer and more evenly, so they work well for longer grilling sessions.

The calculator estimates sides at about 40% of the meat weight. For 4.1 kg of meat that is about 1.6 kg of sides. In practice 2–3 types of salad, bread and sauces work well. The more sides, the less meat disappears from the grill.

Plan about 1.5 litres of drinks per adult and about 0.8 litres per child. This covers water, soft drinks and juices; alcohol is counted separately. For 8 adults and 2 kids that is about 13.6 litres. Keep a large supply of water and ice.

Children usually eat about half an adult portion, so the calculator counts 50% of the meat weight for them and about 0.8 litres of drinks. Teenagers can eat like adults — if you have older kids, count them as adults instead.

The calculator assumes about 2 pieces of bread per adult and 1 per child. For 8 adults and 2 kids that is 18 pieces. Pick a variety: burger and hot-dog buns, bread for spreading and garlic bread for the grill.

Yes, a sensible buffer of about 10–15% protects against running out, especially with hungry guests or good weather. Raw meat can be frozen and leftovers grilled later. Better to have a little too much than to face an empty grill.

The calculator gives indicative values based on typical BBQ portions. Appetite depends on the time of day, the weather, the number of sides and alcohol. Treat the result as a starting point for your shopping list and adjust it to your specific party.