How much bbq/pulled pork do I need for 50 guests?

You need 9 lbs of bbq/pulled pork for 50 guests at a thanksgiving. This provides 23 total servings with a 15% buffer.

How much bbq/pulled pork per person for a thanksgiving?

Plan for 0.5 servings of bbq/pulled pork per person at a thanksgiving. This assumes bbq/pulled pork is your main food; reduce by 30-40% if serving multiple dishes.

How many servings in 9 lbs of bbq/pulled pork?

9 lbs of bbq/pulled pork provides 23 total servings, enough for 50 guests with a 15% buffer to ensure you don't run out.

Is 9 lbs of bbq/pulled pork enough for 50 people?

Yes, 9 lbs is the recommended amount for 50 guests at a thanksgiving. This includes a 15% buffer (1 extra lbs) so you won't run short.

Should I order more bbq/pulled pork than calculated?

Our calculation of 9 lbs already includes a 15% buffer. However, if your guests are big eaters or bbq/pulled pork is the only food, consider adding 10-20% more. It's always better to have leftovers!

What if I'm serving bbq/pulled pork with other foods?

If serving bbq/pulled pork as part of a buffet spread with other options, reduce this amount by 30-40%. Instead of 9 lbs, you'd need approximately 6 lbs.

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How Much BBQ/Pulled Pork for a 50 Guests Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving • 50 guests

Your Total

lbs

of bbq/pulled pork

total servings

0.5

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.

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📐 Why This Amount Works

Estimate actual eaters

50 guests × 90% eating rate

At medium events, about 90% of guests will eat full servings. 45 eaters

Calculate servings (as main dish)

45 eaters × 1 pieces per person

As a main dish, plan for 1 pieces per person (~0.3 lb). 45 base servings

Apply thanksgiving modifier

× 0.5 (-50% for bbq/pulled pork)

Thanksgivings typically consume 50% less bbq/pulled pork than average. 23 pieces needed

Convert to lbs

23 pieces ÷ 3 per lb

Each lb provides 3 pieces. 7.7 lbs (raw)

Add 15% buffer & round up

7.7 × 1.15 = 8.9, rounded up

Always round up and add a buffer. Running out of food is worse than having leftovers! 9 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	12 servings
50 guests (you)	9 lbs	23 servings
75 guests	14 lbs	35 servings
100 guests	18 lbs	46 servings
150 guests	27 lbs	69 servings
200 guests	36 lbs	92 servings

* All calculations include a 15% buffer. Amounts for thanksgiving as main dish.

🛒 Your Complete Shopping List

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BBQ/Pulled Pork

9 lbs

Hamburger buns — For pulled pork sandwiches

27 buns

BBQ sauce — Extra for dipping

3 bottles Buy →

Coleslaw — Classic BBQ side

13 lbs

Pickles

4 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!