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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

Don't forget the drinks! See our drink calculators for this event:

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