How Much Brisket for 20 People (Raw & Cooked)
Prices checked Oct 2026, average US grocery prices. Portions follow common catering rules of thumb; safe temperatures follow USDA. How we calculate
For 20 people you need 12 lbs (5.4 kg) of raw packer brisket (1 whole packer · about 6 lbs cooked), about $198 for the whole party with drinks, sides and charcoal. Plan a second set of hands at the grill and set the food out buffet-style.
Raw vs Cooked Brisket for 20 People
| Per person | For 20 guests | Metric | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raw whole packer to buy | 0.6 lb | 12 lbs | 5.4 kg |
| Cooked, sliced brisket | about 4.8 oz | 6 lbs | 2.7 kg |
| Whole packers (about 13 lb) | — | 1 × about 12 lbs | 5.4 kg each |
| Flat only (if you buy flats) | — | about 10 lbs raw flat | flats yield about 60% |
Buy by raw weight. If brisket is one of two meats, 0.4 lb raw per person is enough; trimmed flats cook faster but dry out more easily than whole packers.
Plan for Exactly 20 Guests
| Cooker space | 1 packer: one large pellet grill or offset |
|---|---|
| Cook time | about 12 hours at 250°F per brisket (time depends on each brisket, not on how many), plus a 1–2 hour rest |
| Start time | start about 14 hours before serving, usually the night before |
| Butcher paper | about 4 ft to wrap each brisket once |
| Thawing if frozen | 3 days in the fridge (USDA: about 1 day per 4–5 lbs) |
| Holding pans | 2 half-size foil pans with lids for about 6 lbs of cooked meat |
| Drinks cooler | 2 × 48-quart coolers for 50 cans, plus 3 × 10-lb bags of ice |
| Serving help | 1 person cooking, 1 on the table |
Complete Shopping List for 20
| Item | Quantity | Est. cost |
|---|---|---|
| Brisket (whole packer brisket, raw weight) | 12 lbs (5.4 kg) | $66 |
| Charcoal for a long smoke | 24.5 lbs (2 bags of 16 lbs) | $37 |
| Drinks, mixed (2.5 per person) | 50 | $55 |
| Potato salad (0.3 lb per person) | 6 lbs (2.7 kg) | $15 |
| Coleslaw (0.3 lb per person) | 6 lbs (2.7 kg) | $15 |
| Plates, napkins, cutlery, condiments | 25 plates, 50 napkins | $10 |
| Estimated total | $9.90 per guest | $198 |
Cooked yield: about 6 lbs (2.7 kg) of sliced brisket. A packer loses about half its raw weight to trimming, fat and moisture.
Gear for This Cook
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Adjust for Your Crowd
The numbers above assume adults with brisket as the main dish and two sides. Scale them for your event:
| Situation | Multiplier | Brisket for 20 |
|---|---|---|
| Main dish, no other meats | ×1 | 12 lbs (5.4 kg) |
| Served with one other meat | ×0.6 | 7.2 lbs (3.3 kg) |
| About half the guests are kids under 12 | ×0.75 | 9 lbs (4.1 kg) |
| Big eaters or an all-day event | ×1.25 | 15 lbs (6.8 kg) |
Cooking Details
Target temperature: about 203°F and probe-tender (safe from 145°F for whole cuts, after a 3-minute rest)
Cook time: about 1 hour per pound at 250°F, plus a 1–2 hour rest
Food safety: don't leave cooked meat out more than 2 hours, or 1 hour above 90°F (USDA). Keep hot food above 140°F.
Want to change drinks, sides and sauces, or download a PDF shopping list?
Open Full BBQ Calculator →FAQ
How much brisket for 20 people?
Buy about 12 lbs (5.4 kg) of raw packer brisket for 20 people, which cooks down to about 6 lbs of sliced meat, roughly 4.8 oz per person.
How many briskets for 20 people?
1 whole packer brisket of about 12 lbs each. One 13 lb packer feeds about 20 people as the only meat.
What does brisket for 20 people cost?
The meat costs about $66 at average US grocery prices ($5.50/lb). With charcoal, drinks, two sides and supplies, budget about $198 in total, or $9.90 per guest.