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BBQ Calculator

Calculate the amount of meat, drinks, charcoal and sides for your barbecue. By number of guests. 100% free.

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BBQ Calculator — How Much to Buy

The BBQ Calculator is a free online tool that helps you plan the perfect barbecue by calculating exactly how much meat, sides, drinks, and charcoal you need based on the number of guests, duration of the event, and eating profile of your group. No more guessing or running out of food — the calculator uses practical estimates refined by years of barbecue culture to deliver accurate shopping lists for events of any size.Enter the number of adults and children, the expected duration (in hours), the appetite level (light, moderate, or hearty eaters), and select the types of meat you plan to serve (beef, pork, chicken, sausage). The calculator generates a detailed breakdown showing kilograms of each protein, quantities of bread, side dishes, beverages (beer, soft drinks, water), ice, charcoal, and disposable items. You can adjust for mixed groups that include vegetarians or children who eat less.This tool is popular with event planners organizing corporate barbecues, families planning weekend gatherings, party hosts budgeting supplies, and caterers estimating portions for large groups. The Brazilian barbecue (churrasco) tradition typically estimates 400-500g of meat per adult for a standard event, but the calculator adjusts this based on your specific parameters including duration and appetite level.BBQ Calculator is part of the facilita.tools collection of free planning utilities. Available in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, it works on any modern browser and adapts to mobile devices for on-the-go planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much meat per person for a BBQ?
The standard recommendation is 400g of meat per adult and 200g per child for a barbecue lasting 4-5 hours. This includes different cuts.
How many drinks to buy for a BBQ?
Plan approximately 3-5 beers or 600ml of soda per adult and 400ml of soda per child. Always have extra water and ice on hand.
How much charcoal do I need for the barbecue?
A good rule of thumb is about 1 kg of charcoal per kg of meat. For a typical BBQ with 5 kg of meat total, plan for approximately 5 kg of charcoal. Lump charcoal may require slightly less than briquettes.