A standard 22 in kettle grill (about 363 in²) cooks for about 5 people at once; a 3-burner gas grill (about 450 in²) for about 6. For larger parties, cook in batches or use a second grill. Leave about a quarter of the grill free as a cooler zone.
How to use the BBQ Grill Size Calculator
- Number of guests
- Grill shape
- Grill length or diameter
- Grill width (rectangular)
Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.
How it works
Enter the number of guests, your grill shape and its size.
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Number of guests | A number |
| Grill shape | Choose one: Round, Rectangular |
| Grill length or diameter | Units: in, cm |
| Grill width (rectangular) | Units: in, cm |
What each result means
- Grill area needed = [Number of guests]×464.5
- Guests your grill can cook for at once = floor([Your grill area]÷464.5)
- Batches needed = ceil([Grill area needed]÷[Your grill area])
- Meat to buy = [Number of guests]×0.5×453.59237
Example values
How the main result changes when Number of guests changes and everything else stays at the example values above:
| Number of guests | Grill area needed (in²) |
|---|---|
| 6 | 432 |
| 9 | 648 |
| 12 | 864 |
| 15 | 1,080 |
| 18 | 1,296 |
| 24 | 1,728 |
Formula
Needed area = guests × 72 in² (464.5 cm²)
Round grill area = π × (d ÷ 2)²; rectangular = length × width
Guests per batch = grill area ÷ 72 in²
Meat = guests × 0.5 lb (8 oz, 225 g)
Worked example
Inputs — Number of guests: 12; Grill shape: Rectangular; Grill length or diameter: 24 in; Grill width (rectangular): 18 in.
Results — Grill area needed = 864 in²; Your grill area = 432 in²; Guests your grill can cook for at once = 6; Batches needed = 2; Meat to buy = 6 lb.
Frequently asked questions
What size grill do I need?
About 72 square inches of cooking area per person.
How many people does a 22-inch grill feed?
About 5 at once – more in batches.
How much meat per person at a barbecue?
About ½ lb (225 g) of boneless meat per adult.