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How Much BBQ/Pulled Pork for a 150 Guests Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving • 150 guests
Your Total
25
lbs
of bbq/pulled pork
64
total servings
0.4
per person
15%
buffer
Note: This assumes bbq/pulled pork is your main food. Planning a buffet spread? See our Thanksgiving Party Planner for balanced quantities.
📐 Why This Amount Works
1
Estimate actual eaters
150 guests × 85% eating rate At large events, about 85% of guests will eat full servings. 128 eaters
2
Calculate servings (as main dish)
128 eaters × 1 pieces per person As a main dish, plan for 1 pieces per person (~0.3 lb). 128 base servings
3
Apply thanksgiving modifier
× 0.5 (-50% for bbq/pulled pork) Thanksgivings typically consume 50% less bbq/pulled pork than average. 64 pieces needed
4
Convert to lbs
64 pieces ÷ 3 per lb Each lb provides 3 pieces. 21.3 lbs (raw)
5
Add 15% buffer & round up
21.3 × 1.15 = 24.5, rounded up Always round up and add a buffer. Running out of food is worse than having leftovers! 25 lbs
✓
Caterer-Tested Formula
Our calculations are based on real event data from professional caterers and party planners.
📊 Quick Reference: BBQ/Pulled Pork by Guest Count
| Guests | BBQ/Pulled Pork Needed | Total Servings |
|---|---|---|
| 25 guests | 5 lbs | 11 servings |
| 50 guests | 9 lbs | 21 servings |
| 75 guests | 13 lbs | 32 servings |
| 100 guests | 17 lbs | 43 servings |
| 150 guests (you) | 25 lbs | 64 servings |
| 200 guests | 34 lbs | 85 servings |
* All calculations include a 15% buffer. Amounts for thanksgiving as main dish.
🛒 Your Complete Shopping List
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BBQ/Pulled Pork
25 lbs
Hamburger buns — For pulled pork sandwiches
75 buns
BBQ sauce — Extra for dipping
9 bottles
Buy →
Coleslaw — Classic BBQ side
38 lbs
Pickles
10 jars
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💡 Pro Tips for Thanksgiving Food
- ✓ Turkey is 1-1.5 lbs per person (includes bone weight).
- ✓ Appetizers before dinner should be light - 3-4 pieces per person max.
- ✓ Plan 3-4 side dishes total - not 3-4 per person.
- ✓ Dessert is non-negotiable - 1 pie per 6-8 guests.
- ✓ Leftovers are part of Thanksgiving - plan for turkey sandwiches.
Buying Guide
Thanksgiving is about the traditional spread: turkey (1-1.5 lbs per person), stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and pie. Light appetizers before dinner only. Plan for leftovers!
🍺 Complete Your Bar
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