Calculator Inputs
Enter guests and preferences. Then submit to see portions above.
Example Data Table
These sample inputs show how a garden BBQ plan looks.
| Scenario | Adults | Teens | Children | Style | Duration | Protein/AE | Plant % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Backyard lunch | 10 | 2 | 4 | Buffet plates | 3.0 h | 330 g | 10% |
| Evening feast | 18 | 6 | 8 | Big feast | 5.0 h | 380 g | 20% |
| Light grazing | 8 | 2 | 6 | Grazing snacks | 3.5 h | 260 g | 25% |
Formula Used
This calculator starts with an adult-equivalent guest count:
- Adult-equivalent = Adults×1.0 + Teens×0.9 + Children×0.6
Protein planning is based on a target grams-per-adult-equivalent and multipliers:
- Total protein (g) = Adult-equivalent × Protein-per-AE × Style × Appetite × Meal × Duration
- Plant-forward (g) = Total protein × Plant %
- Animal proteins (g) = Total protein − Plant-forward
- Beef/Chicken/Pork/Fish (g) = Animal proteins × Mix share
Piece counts use simple serving-size assumptions for planning.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter adults, teens, and children attending your garden BBQ.
- Choose style, appetite, meal plan, and event duration.
- Set protein grams per adult-equivalent and plant-forward percentage.
- Adjust your protein mix and cooking formats for piece estimates.
- Review results above the form and download CSV or PDF.
For very hot weather, increase water and ice inputs.
Guest Weighting and Portion Logic
Accurate planning begins with an adult‑equivalent (AE) headcount: adults count as 1.0, teens as 0.9, and children as 0.6. This reduces overbuying while still protecting against shortages. The calculator then applies multipliers for serving style (grazing 0.85, buffet 1.00, feast 1.15), appetite (light 0.90, normal 1.00, hearty 1.20), meal type (snacks 0.70), and duration (up to 1.20 for long events).
Protein Mix Planning for Mixed Diets
The protein target is AE × grams per AE. A practical default is 350 g per AE for a main meal, adjustable for your menu. Plant‑forward percentage separates vegetarian options before the remaining protein is split across beef, chicken, pork, and fish. If your mix shares do not total 100%, the tool normalizes them to keep the allocation consistent.
Piece Estimates You Can Shop With
To make purchasing easier, weights are translated into estimated pieces using clear serving assumptions: burger patties ≈150 g, steaks ≈260 g, wings ≈85 g, breasts ≈220 g, sausages ≈90 g, rib racks ≈450 g, and fish fillets ≈200 g. These estimates are meant for shopping lists; adjust upward if you expect seconds or larger cuts.
Sides, Desserts, and Buns
Sides and desserts scale from AE using grams per AE, so you can match your garden menu style. The defaults (260 g sides, 120 g salad, 90 g dessert per AE) suit a balanced spread. Buns are estimated from patties and sausages with a 10% buffer, which helps cover split buns, extra toppings, and late arrivals.
Drinks, Ice, and Fuel for Outdoor Comfort
Drinks are calculated per head to reflect heat and activity. Water and soft drinks use liters per person, while beer and wine scale from adults only. Ice is included as a planning allowance (0.25 kg per guest plus 0.5 kg per adult). Fuel is estimated from grill type, number of grills, and active grill hours to keep the cook line steady. Use the CSV export to share quantities with co-hosts and vendors.
FAQs
What does “adult-equivalent” mean in this calculator?
It converts mixed ages into a single planning number. Adults count as 1.0, teens as 0.9, and children as 0.6, which helps match portions to typical appetites.
Why do my protein mix shares normalize to 100%?
If the four protein shares do not total about 100, the calculator rescales them proportionally. This prevents accidental over-allocation and keeps your beef, chicken, pork, and fish totals consistent.
How should I choose protein grams per adult-equivalent?
For a main meal, 300–400 g per adult-equivalent works well. Use higher values for hearty crowds or premium cuts, and lower values when sides are heavy or the event is snack-focused.
Are piece counts exact?
No. Piece counts are estimates based on typical serving sizes (for example patties, wings, and fillets). They are designed for shopping convenience; adjust for your cut sizes, bone-in ratios, and whether guests will take seconds.
How do I plan drinks for hot garden weather?
Increase water per head and consider extra ice. Outdoor heat, sun exposure, and longer durations raise fluid needs. The calculator helps by scaling water, soft drinks, and ice by guest count and adult beverages by adults.
What is the best way to use the downloads?
Use the CSV export for spreadsheet editing and sharing with co-hosts. Use the PDF export for a clean, printable plan to keep near the grill and shopping list.