BBQ Grill Size Calculator
Plan grill space and menu quantities for stress-free backyard barbecues and tailgates.
Menu assumptions per adult
Adjust serving counts to match your menu (kids eat ~60–80% of adult portions).
Grill surface needed
1008 sq in
Recommend grill ≥ 1050 sq in
Total meat
18.5 lb
Includes burgers, hotdogs, chicken
Vegetables
11.4 lb
Peppers, zucchini, corn, etc.
Menu quantities
- Burgers: 21 patties (~6.9 lb raw)
- Hotdogs: 16 links (~4.0 lb)
- Chicken: 7.6 lb (thighs, drumsticks, or breasts)
- Vegetables: 11.4 lb assorted for grilling baskets or skewers
Gas grill tips
- Gas grills heat consistently—aim for at least 3 burners for multi-zone cooking.
- Consider adding 100 sq in extra for vegetables or indirect heat roasting.
How to Use This Calculator
Enter guest counts
Adults and kids are weighted differently to reflect appetite.
Select grill type
The calculator adjusts surface area needs based on heat distribution and multi-zone cooking.
Customize menu assumptions
Adjust burgers, hotdogs, chicken, and veggie portions per adult to match your menu—kids scale automatically.
Review grill size & shopping list
Use the recommended surface area to confirm your grill setup and prep meats, buns, and produce before guests arrive.
Formula
Grill area = (Adults + Kids × 0.6) × style sq in per person
Meat weight = (Burgers × 0.33) + (Hotdogs × 0.25) + Chicken (lb)
Example: 15 adults, 6 kids on charcoal → (15 + 6×0.6) × 80 ≈ 1,488 sq in. Plan two grills totaling ~1,500 sq in or cook in two rounds.
Tip: Add 10–15% more grill area if you sear steaks or reverse-sear large cuts alongside burgers.
Full Description
This calculator helps you prevent bottlenecks at the grill by estimating the total surface area you need for a cookout. Enter headcount, grill style, and per-person servings to receive a recommended grill size plus a shopping prep list. The tool also totals meats and vegetables so you can shop once and prep efficiently.
Whether you use a gas grill, charcoal kettle, or pellet smoker, the heat distribution and usable grate space vary. By accounting for crust style and menu, you can plan for multi-zone cooking, avoid crowding, and keep everything hot and safe for guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many buns should I buy?
Match buns to the higher count of burgers or hotdogs plus a 10% buffer for dropped or burnt pieces.
What about side dishes?
Plan 1.5 cups of sides per adult and 1 cup per kid. Offer balanced options (salads, chips, fruit) to offset grilled meats.
Can I cook in batches instead of increasing grill size?
Yes, but stagger courses and keep cooked items warm in a low oven or covered pans. The calculator shows how much space you need to cook everything simultaneously.
How do I handle vegetarian guests?
Increase vegetable servings or add plant-based proteins. Treat a veggie burger as roughly 0.8 of a regular burger when estimating grill space.
Should I count warming racks?
Warming racks add 10–20% usable area for buns and vegetables. Include them if you plan to cook in multiple tiers.