How Many Sausages for 20 People (Links, Pounds & Packs)
Prices checked Oct 2026, average US grocery prices. Portions follow common catering rules of thumb; safe temperatures follow USDA. How we calculate
At 20 guests, you're crossing into party territory where efficiency matters. Grill all 40 links in batches of 20 and keep finished ones warm in a foil-covered tray. Consider offering two condiment stations (mustard/ketchup at each end of the table) to avoid bottlenecks at serving time.
Brats vs Hot Dogs for 20 People
| Type | Links per lb | For 20 guests | Packs to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bratwurst / Italian | about 5 | 40 links, 8 lbs | 8 packs of 5 |
| Standard hot dogs | about 8–10 | 40 hot dogs, 4 lbs | 5 packs of 8 |
| Mix: 1 brat + 1 hot dog | — | 20 brats + 20 hot dogs | 4 brat packs, 3 hot dog packs |
Brats are heavier and more filling than hot dogs, so a mix of one of each per person works well for mixed ages.
Plan for Exactly 20 Guests
| Grill loads | 2 loads of about 25 links on a 22-inch kettle, 15 minutes each |
|---|---|
| Grills to serve in ~45 min | 1 kettle-size grill |
| Optional beer bath | 2 foil pans of beer and onions to hold cooked links warm |
| Holding pans | 2 half-size foil pans with lids for about 7 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Sausages (bratwurst or Italian links, about 5 per lb) | 8 lbs (3.6 kg) | $40 |
| Charcoal | 10 lbs (1 bag of 16 lbs) | $15 |
| Buns, one per link | 40 (5 packs of 8) | $14 |
| 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 | $8.20 per guest | $164 |
Links: 40 brats or Italian sausages. Most come 5 to a 19-oz pack, about 5 links per pound.
Gear for This Cook
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Adjust for Your Crowd
The numbers above assume adults with sausages as the main dish and two sides. Scale them for your event:
| Situation | Multiplier | Sausages for 20 |
|---|---|---|
| Main dish, no other meats | ×1 | 8 lbs (3.6 kg) |
| Served with one other meat | ×0.6 | 4.8 lbs (2.2 kg) |
| About half the guests are kids under 12 | ×0.75 | 6 lbs (2.7 kg) |
| Big eaters or an all-day event | ×1.25 | 10 lbs (4.5 kg) |
Cooking Details
Target temperature: 160°F internal for fresh pork or beef links
Cook time: 12–15 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 sausages for 20 people?
Plan 40 sausage links for 20 people, 2 per person. For brats that is about 8 lbs (3.6 kg), or 8 packs of 5.
How many links are in a pound of sausage?
Bratwurst and Italian sausage run about 5 links per pound. Standard hot dogs are 8–10 per pound.
What does sausages for 20 people cost?
The meat costs about $40 at average US grocery prices ($5.00/lb). With charcoal, drinks, two sides and supplies, budget about $164 in total, or $8.20 per guest.