Calculate perfect portions for turkey, chicken, beef, pork, and ham
Calculate exactly how much meat you need for your meal
Planning a meal for a crowd? Our meat portion calculator helps you determine exactly how much meat to buy based on the number of guests, type of meat, and whether it's a main course or appetizer. Stop overbuying or running short—get precise measurements in seconds.
Whether you're planning Thanksgiving dinner, a backyard BBQ, or a dinner party, this calculator takes the guesswork out of meal planning.
🦃 Turkey:
🍗 Chicken:
🥩 Beef:
🐖 Pork:
🍖 Ham:
Note: For appetizers or side dishes, reduce portions by 50%
| Meat Type | Best For | Cost | Cook Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turkey | Thanksgiving, large gatherings | $$ | 3-4 hours |
| Chicken | BBQs, weeknight dinners | $ | 1-2 hours |
| Beef | Fine dining, steakhouses | $$$ | Varies by cut |
| Pork | BBQs, slow cooking | $$ | 2-8 hours |
| Ham | Holidays, brunch | $$ | 1-2 hours (reheating) |
Need detailed guidance for a specific meat? Check out our comprehensive guides:
Yes, 200g (7 oz) of boneless meat per person is a standard serving size for most main dishes. This is ideal for beef steaks, pork chops, boneless chicken breast, or fish fillets. For bone-in cuts like ribs, T-bone steaks, or chicken thighs, you'll need 280-340g (10-12 oz) per person since 30-40% of the weight is bone. 200g works perfectly for restaurant-style portions, but add 25% more (250g) if feeding big eaters or serving minimal sides.
Use this formula: Number of guests × portion size per person = total meat needed. Standard portions: Boneless meat: 170-225g (6-8 oz) per person. Bone-in meat: 340-450g (12-16 oz) per person. Ground meat: 115-170g (4-6 oz) per person. Examples: 8 people eating steak = 8 × 225g = 1.8kg (4 lbs). 12 people eating BBQ ribs = 12 × 450g = 5.4kg (12 lbs). Add 20-30% extra if you want leftovers or are serving big eaters.
Yes, 500g (1.1 lbs) of steak is enough for 2 people—it provides 250g (8.8 oz) per person, which is a generous restaurant-sized portion. This works perfectly for boneless steaks like ribeye, sirloin, New York strip, or filet mignon. However, for bone-in steaks like T-bone or porterhouse, 500g only serves 1-2 people because 30-40% is bone weight. For hearty eaters or steakhouse-style servings, consider 600-700g (1.3-1.5 lbs) for 2 people.
No, 100g (3.5 oz) of meat is considered a small portion—it's appropriate for children, appetizers, or dishes where meat is mixed with other ingredients (like stir-fries, tacos, or pasta). For adults eating meat as the main protein, 100g is insufficient. Standard adult portions are 170-225g (6-8 oz) for boneless meat. 100g works for: Kids' meals (ages 5-10), Appetizer plates (charcuterie boards), Mixed dishes (fajitas, fried rice, salads), Dieting portions (controlled calorie intake). For proper main course servings, double or triple this amount.