Quick Answer
Generally, 1 rack of ribs will feed 2-3 people. A full rack contains between 11-13 ribs depending on the size. Since most people can eat 3-5 ribs for a meal, a full rack is enough for 2 hungry adults or 3 average eaters. For larger gatherings, plan for 1 rack per 2-3 people. Ribs are often served as a shared appetizer or entree.
How Many Ribs Are in a Rack?
A rack of ribs refers to a full set of ribs from one side of a pig or cow. Pork and beef ribs each have a different rib count:
Pork Ribs
– Baby back ribs: 11-13 ribs
– St. Louis style: 11-13 ribs
– Spareribs: 11-13 ribs
Beef Ribs
– Short ribs: 5-6 ribs
– Back ribs: 11-13 ribs
– Dino ribs (beef plate ribs): 7 ribs
So on average, a full rack contains 11-13 ribs depending on the cut and animal. The most common styles like baby back, St. Louis, and beef back ribs all have 11-13 bones per rack.
How Many Ribs Does Each Person Eat?
The number of ribs each person will eat depends on:
Appetizer vs. Entree
If ribs are served as an appetizer before a main course, people will eat fewer ribs, around 2-4 each. If the ribs are the main dish, most people will eat 3-5 ribs for dinner.
Rib Portions
Larger ribs with more meat like beef back ribs and pork spare ribs will be more filling, so people may eat slightly fewer ribs, like 3-4 each. Smaller ribs like pork baby backs have less meat per bone, so diners may eat 4-5 each.
Hunger Level
Very hungry teenagers or men often consume 5+ ribs. Children and seniors tend to eat 2-3 ribs. Average healthy adults eat around 3-4 ribs for a main course.
Other Foods Served
If you serve ribs alongside hearty side dishes like baked beans, coleslaw, corn, and bread, people will likely fill up with fewer ribs, eating 2-3 each. If ribs are the primary food, diners will consume more ribs.
Individual Preferences
Some people have bigger appetites and love ribs, so they may eat 5-6 ribs, while smaller eaters may stop at 2. Vegetarians and those who don’t like ribs will skip them altogether.
Serving Size Recommendations
Here are suggested serving sizes for ribs:
As an Appetizer
– 2-4 ribs per person
As a Main Course
– 3-5 ribs per person
For Large Gatherings
To ensure enough ribs at a party, use this guide:
| Number of People | Racks of Ribs Needed |
|---|---|
| 2 | 1 rack |
| 3 | 1 rack |
| 4 | 2 racks |
| 5 | 2 racks |
| 6 | 2-3 racks |
| 7 | 3 racks |
| 8 | 3 racks |
| 9 | 3-4 racks |
| 10 | 4 racks |
| 12 | 4-5 racks |
| 15 | 5-6 racks |
| 20 | 7-8 racks |
Factors That Affect How Much Ribs to Buy
Here are some factors to consider when determining how many racks of ribs to purchase:
Type of Ribs
– Meatier ribs like beef and spare ribs have more edible rib meat per rack compared to back ribs or loin back ribs. You may need fewer racks for the same number of people.
Number of Sides
– If serving multiple hearty side dishes, appetizers, and desserts, you can get away with fewer racks since people fill up on other foods.
Age and Gender of Guests
– More ribs are needed if the crowd is mostly hungry teenagers or adult men. Buy less for gatherings with more women, children and seniors.
Ribs as Appetizer vs. Entree
– Guests will consume far fewer ribs if they are a starter before a main course. Buy extra racks if ribs are the main meal.
Event Duration
– For long gatherings over several hours, you may need additional racks as guests nibble over time. Buy less for quick backyard barbecues.
Leftovers
– It’s easy to reheat extra ribs, so purchase 1-2 extra racks to ensure ample leftovers. Better to have too much than too little.
Conclusion
One rack of ribs generally feeds 2-3 people. Adults will eat around 3-5 ribs each for dinner or 2-4 ribs as a starter. For parties, plan for 1 rack per 2-3 guests, depending on appetite levels and other menu items. Beef and meaty spare ribs may stretch further than baby back or loin racks. Provide extra ribs for long events, teenagers, and hearty eaters. Leftover ribs reheat beautifully, so buying an extra rack or two is recommended. With the right amount of ribs, you can ensure everyone gets their fill of succulent smoked barbecue.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ribs come in a rack typically?
Most racks of pork or beef ribs contain 11-13 bones. Spareribs, baby backs, St. Louis, and beef back ribs all have around 11-13 ribs per full rack.
How much does a rack of ribs weigh?
A rack of pork spare ribs weighs 4-5 pounds. Baby back ribs weigh 2.5-3.5 lbs per rack. Beef ribs are 5-7 lbs per rack depending on the cut.
How many pounds of ribs per person?
For a full meal, plan on 0.75 – 1 lb of rib meat per person. As an appetizer, 0.5 lbs per person is sufficient.
How do you calculate how many racks of ribs to buy?
Estimate 3-5 ribs per person for a main course, and 2-4 ribs as an appetizer. Then divide the total ribs needed by the average ribs per rack (11-13) to get the racks required. Add 1-2 extra racks for good measure.
How much rib meat is on a rack of back ribs?
Baby back and loin back ribs have the least meat per rack at around 2.5-3.5 lbs of edible meat. Spare, St. Louis, and beef ribs have more meat at 4-7 lbs per rack.