Beef Serving Size Calculator
Figure out how much raw beef to buy for any number of guests. Accounts for cooking shrinkage, appetite levels, and meal type to give you a precise shopping weight.
Frequently asked questions
How much beef per person for dinner?
A standard dinner portion is about 6 oz (170g) of cooked beef per person. Since beef shrinks during cooking, you need to buy more raw weight — typically 8 oz (227g) raw for a 6 oz cooked serving.
How much beef do I need for 10 people?
For 10 people at a standard dinner, plan about 5 pounds (2.3 kg) of raw beef. For a hearty BBQ or feast, increase to 7.5 pounds (3.4 kg). This calculator factors in cooking shrinkage for precise estimates.
How much does beef shrink when cooked?
Most beef cuts lose 20–35% of their weight during cooking due to moisture and fat loss. The exact shrinkage depends on the cut, cooking method, and doneness level. Leaner cuts tend to shrink more.
Should I buy boneless or bone-in beef for a party?
Bone-in cuts require about 30% more raw weight per person since the bone is not edible. This calculator focuses on boneless weight — add roughly a third more if buying bone-in cuts.
Data source
Shrinkage and nutrition estimates are from the shared per 100g raw reference system maintained from USDA FoodData Central source records. Actual shrinkage varies with cooking method, temperature, and doneness.
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