How Many Hot Dogs for 50 People
Prices checked Oct 2026, average US grocery prices. Portions follow common catering rules of thumb; safe temperatures follow USDA. How we calculate
For 50 people you need 100 hot dogs (13 packs of 8 · 2 per person), about $363 for the whole party with drinks, sides and charcoal. Treat it like a catering job: two cooks, a holding plan for cooked food and a written timeline.
Hot Dogs Only vs Hot Dogs and Burgers for 50 People
| Menu | Per person | For 50 guests | Packs of 8 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hot dogs only | 2 | 100 hot dogs | 13 franks + 13 buns |
| Hot dogs + burgers | 0.8 hot dogs + 1.2 burgers | 40 hot dogs, 60 burgers | 5 franks + 5 buns |
| Kids party (under 12) | 1.5 | 75 hot dogs | 10 franks + 10 buns |
Plan two per adult when hot dogs are the only main, and fewer when there are burgers too. Toppings: about 1 lb of chopped onion and a 16-oz jar of relish per 25 hot dogs.
Plan for Exactly 50 Guests
| Grill loads | 3 loads of about 40 franks on a 22-inch kettle, 8 minutes each |
|---|---|
| Grills to serve in ~45 min | 1 kettle-size grill, or one large gas grill or griddle |
| Toppings | about 4 lb of chopped onion, 4 jars of relish, ketchup and mustard |
| Holding pans | 2 half-size foil pans with lids for about 10 lbs of cooked meat |
| Drinks cooler | 3 × 48-quart coolers for 125 cans, plus 8 × 10-lb bags of ice |
| Serving help | 2 cooking, 2 on serving and refills |
Complete Shopping List for 50
| Item | Quantity | Est. cost |
|---|---|---|
| Hot Dogs (beef franks, about 8 per pack) | 10 lbs (4.5 kg) | $50 |
| Charcoal | 25 lbs (2 bags of 16 lbs) | $38 |
| Buns, one per link | 100 (13 packs of 8) | $36 |
| Drinks, mixed (2.5 per person) | 125 | $138 |
| Potato salad (0.3 lb per person) | 15 lbs (6.8 kg) | $38 |
| Coleslaw (0.3 lb per person) | 15 lbs (6.8 kg) | $38 |
| Plates, napkins, cutlery, condiments | 55 plates, 110 napkins | $25 |
| Estimated total | $7.26 per guest | $363 |
Hot dogs and buns: 100 franks in 13 packs of 8, and 100 buns in 13 packs of 8. Most brands now sell franks and buns in matching 8-packs.
Gear for This Cook
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Adjust for Your Crowd
The numbers above assume adults with hot dogs as the main dish and two sides. Scale them for your event:
| Situation | Multiplier | Hot Dogs for 50 |
|---|---|---|
| Main dish, no other meats | ×1 | 10 lbs (4.5 kg) |
| Served with one other meat | ×0.6 | 6 lbs (2.7 kg) |
| Served with two other meats | ×0.4 | 4 lbs (1.8 kg) |
| Self-serve buffet | ×1.2 | 12 lbs (5.4 kg) |
Cooking Details
Target temperature: heated through to 165°F (USDA advice for hot dogs)
Cook time: 6–8 minutes over medium heat, turning often
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 many hot dogs for 50 people?
Plan 100 hot dogs for 50 people when they are the only main, which is 13 packs of 8 and the same number of bun packs.
How many hot dogs and burgers for 50 people?
About 40 hot dogs and 60 burgers. Most guests take one of each.
What does hot dogs for 50 people cost?
The meat costs about $50 at average US grocery prices ($5.00/lb). With charcoal, drinks, two sides and supplies, budget about $363 in total, or $7.26 per guest.