How this calculator works
The starting point is raw meat per adult. A 200 g raw portion is about 150 g cooked, roughly two servings of 75 g of cooked meat as Canada's Food Guide counts a protein serving. Children are counted at half. The hunger choice scales that total, and the five preference choices decide how it is split: each food on offer is weighted by how strongly it is wanted, and the total meat is divided in proportion, so choosing only beef puts all the meat there. Vegetables are planned separately because they are not a substitute for meat in the same weight; they are added at about 150 g per adult. Buns, salads, snacks and drinks are outside this calculator and should be added on top.
Formula
base meat = (adults x 200 g + children x 100 g) x hunger factor. each meat = base meat x its weight / sum of all meat weights, where the weights are 0 for not really, 0.5 for maybe a bit, 1 for yes and 1.5 for as much as possible. vegetables = (adults x 150 g + children x 75 g) x hunger factor x vegetable weight / 1.5. The hunger factors are 0.6, 1, 1.3 and 1.6.
Worked example
Eight adults and two children at normal hunger need (8 x 200 + 2 x 100) x 1 = 1800 g of base meat. With beef and chicken both chosen as yes please and the other meats as not really, each gets half: 900 g of beef and 900 g of chicken. Vegetables at yes please come to (8 x 150 + 2 x 75) x 1 x 1 = 1350 g. At the heartiest hunger setting the same crowd needs 1800 x 1.6 = 2880 g of meat.
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Frequently asked questions
How accurate is 200 g of raw meat per adult?
It is a generous main course when there are sides. A smaller event with plenty of salads and bread can work at 150 g, while a barbecue where meat is the whole meal can need 250 g or more. The hunger setting covers some of that range; adjust with the guest counts if you know your crowd.
Why are children counted at half?
Young children eat much less than adults, and a single factor keeps the plan simple. Older children and teenagers often eat like adults, so count them as adults if that is closer to your family.
Should I count vegetarians?
Yes. Use the adult and child counts for meat eaters only, and plan the vegetable option for everyone. Each vegetarian needs a protein dish of their own, such as grilled halloumi, bean burgers or skewers, which this meat plan does not include.
What about food safety at a barbecue?
Keep raw meat away from cooked food and salads, use separate tongs and boards, and cook poultry to 74 C (165 F), ground meat to 71 C (160 F) and whole cuts of beef and pork to at least 63 C (145 F). Do not leave food in the danger zone between 4 C and 60 C for more than two hours.