Meat Per Person Calculator Formula

Understand the math behind the meat per person calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.

Use the Meat Per Person Calculator

Formulas Used

Raw Meat Per Person

raw_per_person_g = cooked_serving_g / (1 - shrinkage_pct / 100)

Total Raw Meat

total_raw_g = (cooked_serving_g / (1 - shrinkage_pct / 100)) * people

Total Raw Meat

total_raw_lbs = ((cooked_serving_g / (1 - shrinkage_pct / 100)) * people) / 453.592

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
peopleNumber of People(people)6
cooked_serving_gCooked Serving Per Person(g)200
shrinkage_pctCooking Shrinkage25

How It Works

How Much Meat Per Person

Formula

Raw Weight = Cooked Serving / (1 - Shrinkage %)

Meat loses weight during cooking due to water and fat loss.

Typical Shrinkage

  • Lean poultry breast: 15%
  • Roasts, steaks: 25%
  • Burgers, fatty cuts: 35%
  • Ribs, bone-in: 40%

    • General Guidelines

  • Boneless: 170-225 g raw per person
  • Bone-in: 280-340 g raw per person

    • Worked Example

    Buy roast beef for 6 people, targeting 200 g cooked per person.

    people = 6cooked_serving_g = 200shrinkage_pct = 25
    1. 01Cooked serving: 200 g per person.
    2. 02Shrinkage: 25% (medium).
    3. 03Raw per person: 200 / (1 - 0.25) = 200 / 0.75 = 267 g.
    4. 04Total raw: 267 x 6 = 1600 g = 3.5 lbs.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How much does meat shrink when cooked?

    Typically 15-40% depending on fat content, cut, and cooking method. High-heat grilling causes more shrinkage than slow roasting.

    Should I buy extra?

    Yes, buy 10-15% extra as a buffer, especially for events. Leftover meat is easy to use, but running short is difficult to fix.

    Does bone-in meat need more per person?

    Yes. Bones add weight but are not edible. Buy about 50% more raw weight per person for bone-in cuts compared to boneless.

    Learn More

    Guide

    Understanding Food Portions - How Much to Serve Per Person

    Learn how to estimate the right amount of food per person for meals, parties, and events. Covers meat, grains, vegetables, and buffet planning.

    Ready to run the numbers?

    Open Meat Per Person Calculator