How Much Pork Butt Per Person
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One of the most common questions before a cookout is simple:
How much pork butt do I need?
Planning correctly prevents running out of food or wasting money.
Here is a clear breakdown you can rely on.
If you are still learning the cooking process itself, start with my complete guide on how to smoke a pork butt from start to finish.
The Simple Rule for Pulled Pork
Plan for:
One half pound of cooked pulled pork per person.
That covers hearty appetites and ensures no one leaves hungry.
For lighter eaters or events with many side dishes:
One third pound per person may be enough.
How Much Raw Pork Butt to Buy
Pork butt loses weight during cooking due to:
- Fat rendering
- Moisture loss
- Bone removal
On average, expect about 50 to 60 percent yield.
That means:
- 10 pounds raw becomes about 5 to 6 pounds cooked
- 8 pounds raw becomes about 4 to 5 pounds cooked
- 6 pounds raw becomes about 3 to 4 pounds cooked
Always round up slightly. Leftovers are never a bad thing.
Quick Reference Table
10 guests
Buy 8 to 10 pounds raw
20 guests
Buy 16 to 20 pounds raw
30 guests
Buy 24 to 30 pounds raw
Adjust up if serving large sandwiches or if pulled pork is the main attraction.
Bone In vs Boneless Yield
Bone in pork butt will lose slightly more weight due to bone removal.
Boneless may yield slightly more usable meat.
If you are unsure which to buy, read my guide on how to choose the best pork butt at the store.
What If You Run Out?
If you are cutting it close:
- Serve smaller portions
- Increase side dishes
- Use slider sized buns instead of large rolls
- Add sauce generously
If you are unsure how to pull and portion properly, read my guide on how to pull pork the right way.
Planning for Leftovers
Pulled pork freezes well.
Store leftovers in:
- Vacuum sealed bags
- Airtight containers
- Freezer safe zipper bags
Add a little reserved juice before freezing for better moisture later.
If you want to make sure your pork turns out tender before worrying about portions, review my guide on how to know when pork butt is done.
Final Thoughts
For most gatherings:
Plan on one half pound of finished pulled pork per person.
Buy more than you think you need.
Leftovers are easy to repurpose. Running out is much harder to fix.
With proper planning and a good cook, your pork butt will feed the crowd confidently.
