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How much meat per person calculator

Bone-in cuts and shrinkage both mean you buy more than you serve. This works backwards from the cooked portion you want on the plate.

%
%
Buy this much
3750.00kg
= Exact Meat per person
Per person
375
Cooked meat on the plates
2250
Boneless raw weight needed
3000
To buy, in pounds
8.27
Show the working
  1. Guests = 10
  2. Cooked meat per person = 225
  3. Cooking loss = 25
  4. Bone and trim = 20
  5. Cooked meat on the plates = 10 * 225 = 2250
  6. Boneless raw weight needed = 2250 / (1 - 25/100) = 3000
  7. Buy this much = 3000 / (1 - 20/100) = 3750
  8. Per person = 3750 / 10 = 375
  9. kg = 3750 / 1000 = 3.75
  10. To buy, in pounds = 3750 / 453.59237 = 8.267 33

Values are shown to six significant figures here; the arithmetic itself runs on exact fractions and is only rounded where a number is printed.

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    The formula

    • raw = cooked / (1 - cooking loss)
    • to buy = raw / (1 - bone and trim)

    Brisket and pork shoulder lose 40 to 50% in a long cook; a quick-roasted loin loses nearer 15%.

    These are main-course portions. Halve them if the meat is one of several dishes.

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