How Much BBQ for 35 People? Exact Amounts by Meat
Planning a BBQ for 35 people? A mixed menu needs about 22 lbs (9.9 kg) of meat, about 0.63 lb per person. The table compares every common BBQ meat for 35 guests, with drinks, sides, charcoal and supplies included in the totals.
Prices checked Oct 2026, average US grocery prices. Portions follow common catering rules of thumb; safe temperatures follow USDA. How we calculate
Meat Comparison for 35 Guests
| Meat | Per person | Total | Count | Meat cost | Party total* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burgers | 0.5 lbs | 17.5 lbs (7.9 kg) | 70 quarter-pound patties | $123 | $341 |
| Grilled Chicken | 0.6 lbs | 21 lbs (9.5 kg) | about 53 pieces | $53 | $246 |
| BBQ Ribs | 1 lb | 35 lbs (16 kg) | 18 racks of baby back ribs | $175 | $384 |
| Sausages | 0.4 lbs | 14 lbs (6.4 kg) | 70 sausage links | $70 | $288 |
| Pulled Pork | 0.5 lbs | 17.5 lbs (7.9 kg) | 3 pork butts | $44 | $255 |
| Brisket | 0.6 lbs | 21 lbs (9.5 kg) | 2 whole packers | $116 | $315 |
| Hot Dogs | 0.2 lbs | 7 lbs (3.2 kg) | 9 packs of 8 | $35 | $253 |
| Chicken Wings | 1 lb | 35 lbs (16 kg) | about 350 pieces | $123 | $316 |
*Party total includes meat, charcoal, buns where needed, drinks (2.5 per person), two sides and supplies.
Plan for Exactly 35 Guests
| Mixed menu (¼ each of burgers, ribs, chicken, sausages) | 22 lbs (9.9 kg) of meat in total |
|---|---|
| Charcoal | 17.5 lbs, about 2 bags of 16 lbs (more if you smoke ribs or pork) |
| Drinks | 88 cans or bottles, 2 × 48-quart coolers |
| Ice | 6 bags of 10 lbs (1.5 lbs per guest) |
| Sides | 10.5 lbs each of potato salad and coleslaw, 35 ears of corn |
| BBQ sauce | 3.5 lbs, roughly 4 × 18-oz bottles |
| Plates and napkins | 40 plates, 80 napkins |
| Helpers | 2 cooking, 2 on serving and refills |
A BBQ for 35 people costs from $246 with chicken to $384 with ribs, including drinks, two sides and charcoal. Plan two cooks and set the food out buffet-style.
Pick your own mix of meats, drinks, sides and sauces, and get a PDF shopping list.
Open BBQ Calculator →Gear for a 35-Person BBQ
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FAQ
How much BBQ meat for 35 people?
For 35 people plan about 22 lbs (9.9 kg) of meat for a mixed menu, about 0.63 lb per person. For a single meat: 17.5 lbs of burgers, 21 lbs of chicken, 35 lbs of ribs, or 17.5 lbs of raw pork butt.