Calculators
BBQ Food Calculator
Cookouts need more protein per guest and a beer-forward bar. This layout uses 80 guests, four hours, 0.5 lb cooked protein per guest, and a 70/20/10 drink split.
Controls below expose the shrink factor so raw purchase weight is honest. Sides and dessert follow the same buffet defaults.
Estimates only. Raw weight is what you take to the store.
80 guests · 4 hours · Beer forward · 60 drinking · 20 not drinking
| Category | Needed | Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Beer | 210 drinks | 9 cases |
| Wine | 60 drinks | 12 × 750 ml |
| Spirits | 30 drinks | 2 × 750 ml |
| Main protein (cooked serve) | 40.0 lb cooked | 40.0 lb on the plate |
| Main protein (raw purchase) | 40.0 lb cooked | 58 lb raw at the store |
| Sides | 40.0 lb total | 40 lb |
| Appetizers | 1200 pieces | 1200 pieces |
| Dessert | 88.0 servings | 88 servings |
Assumptions
- Drinking share: 75% of headcount (60 drinking guests)
- Duration: 4 hours → 5 drinks per drinking guest
- Bar split: 70% beer, 20% wine, 10% spirits
- Pour sizes: 5 oz wine, 1.5 oz spirits, 4 oz sparkling
- Ice: 1.5 lb per guest (60% chilling, 40% serving)
- Mixers: 2 L per 750 ml spirits bottle
- Main protein: 0.5 lb cooked per guest
- Raw purchase weight: cooked ÷ 0.7 shrink factor
- Sides: 2 × 0.25 lb per guest
- Appetizers: 6 pieces first hour, 3 per hour after
- Dessert: 1.1 servings per guest
Supplies checklist
- Ice — 6 bags (20 lb each)
- Cups — 160 (2 per guest)
- Napkins — 240 (3 per guest)
- Mixers — 4 L
- Garnish (citrus, olives, cherries)
- Serving utensils and bar tools
- Coolers and ice tubs
Estimates only. Adjust the per-guest rates for your crowd.
The Handy Pages · thehandypages.com
What you need at the buffet table
- Disposable plates and cutlery sets for self-serve lines (opens in new tab)
- Insulated beverage dispensers for punch, water, or iced tea (opens in new tab)
- Aluminum catering pans with lids for oven-to-table service (opens in new tab)
Find these on Amazon (opens in new tab)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Full affiliate disclosure