Are you planning a special dinner or event and want to treat your guests to a succulent and flavorful prime rib? Prime rib is a quintessential American dish that is perfect for special occasions and holidays. However, one of the biggest challenges in preparing prime rib is determining how much to serve per person. This can be a nerve-wracking task, even for seasoned home cooks. In this ultimate guide, we’ll give you helpful tips and guidelines to ensure that How Much Prime Rib Per Person and make your next event a success.
Contents
- 1 Understanding the Cuts
- 2 How to Calculate How Much Prime Rib Per Person?
- 3 Factors That Affect Serving Size
- 4 Other Tips for Serving a Crowd
- 5 Leftovers Prime Rib
- 6 More Watching Video: Cooking A Perfect Standing Rib Roast
- 7 Conclusion: How Much Prime Rib Per Person
- 8 FAQ: Prime Rib
- 8.1 How many people will a 10 pound prime rib serve?
- 8.2 How much prime rib for 6 adults?
- 8.3 What is the best way to serve prime rib?
- 8.4 Is prime rib expensive?
- 8.5 How much prime rib to buy for 15 people?
- 8.6 How much prime rib do I need for 20 people?
- 8.7 How much does a 7 bone prime rib weigh?
- 8.8 Why do people like prime rib?
- 8.9 What is the average serving size of prime rib per person?
- 8.10 Should I buy bone-in or boneless prime rib per person?
- 8.11 How long should a 10 lb prime rib sit out before cooking?
- 8.12 Is it better to cook prime rib slow or fast?
Understanding the Cuts
To determine the amount of prime rib per person, it’s crucial to understand what a prime rib is and how it’s cut. Prime rib is a beef roast that is cut from the upper rib section of the cow. A full prime rib contains seven bones and weighs between 12 to 16 pounds. On average, each bone weighs about 2 pounds, and it’s recommended to allocate one bone per person.
However, bone weight is not the only factor to consider when deciding how much to serve. The thickness of the slices also affects how much prime rib per person, so it’s important to cut the meat to your desired thickness.

How to Calculate How Much Prime Rib Per Person?
The standard rule of thumb when serving prime rib is to allocate one bone per person. However, this varies depending on the size of the bone and the weight of the meat.
As a general guideline, a bone-in prime rib roast, which is approximately 12 inches long, should serve 2 to 3 people per rib, while a boneless roast should serve 2 people per pound.
For an average-sized bone-in prime rib roast weighing roughly 14 pounds, you can expect to serve about 10 to 12 people. With a boneless prime rib roast, that same amount of meat should serve 7 to 8.
Also, take into account whether you are serving appetizers or side dishes that will contribute to the overall meal.

Factors That Affect Serving Size
Several factors can potentially affect how much prime rib per person, beyond bone-in or boneless roasts. These factors can include the type of guests you are serving, the time of day, and other items included in the meal. For example, if you are serving a late-night dinner, you may want to reduce the serving size since your guests would have eaten throughout the day. Similarly, if your guests include a lot of children or people with smaller appetites, you could subtract from the overall serving size. Always take other serving items into consideration before ordering your prime rib.
Other Tips for Serving a Crowd
When serving prime rib to a large group, there are several tips that can help to make sure everyone is happy with what they get.
Consider making two roasts to accommodate those who prefer their meat to be cooked to varying degrees of doneness. This is especially significant when ordering or preparing your meat.
Additionally, consider offering several types of sauce or seasoning to suit various tastes.
Finally, serve alongside some great side dishes like roasted vegetables, potatoes or Yorkshire pudding.

Leftovers Prime Rib
Even if you follow our guide on how much prime rib per person to prepare, you may still end up with leftovers. Prime rib is an expensive cut of meat, so you’ll want to use all your leftovers efficiently. Prime rib leftovers can be used in soups, stews, sandwiches, or tacos. You could also use the bones to make a flavorful beef stock.
More Watching Video: Cooking A Perfect Standing Rib Roast
Conclusion: How Much Prime Rib Per Person
To summarize, when preparing to cook prime rib for guests, consider how many people will be attending, whether it’s an adult-only meal or not, and factor in the available side dishes. Remember that a standard rule of thumb is to allocate one rib per person, but cut between the ribs instead of only including one bone if you are serving larger eaters. Beef up your dinner party’s excitement by learning how much prime rib per person is going to make your evening a success. With these helpful tips, you can be confident that you’ll serve the perfect amount of prime rib and ensure that everyone leaves happy and satisfied.
Read on to learn more: recipe for standing rib roast
FAQ: Prime Rib
How many people will a 10 pound prime rib serve?
When planning a meal with prime rib, plan one pound of bone-in meat per person or one rib for every two diners. To order from a butcher, request a cut by either pound (e.g., 8-pound prime rib for 8 people or 10-pound cut for 10 people) or number of ribs.
How much prime rib for 6 adults?
For 6 adults, a bone-in prime rib roast that is approximately 12 inches long should serve 2 to 3 people per rib. Therefore, a 10 pound bone-in prime rib roast would be sufficient for this group. If you are serving a boneless roast, plan on 1 pound of meat per person and use a 6-pound roast in this scenario.
What is the best way to serve prime rib?
The best way to serve prime rib is to cook it according to your desired doneness, let it rest for several minutes, then carve thin slices against the grain. Serve with a variety of sauces and seasonings, as well as side dishes such as roasted vegetables or potatoes. Finally, make sure to have plenty of warm dinner rolls or crusty bread on the side for dipping.
Is prime rib expensive?
Prime rib is comparatively expensive due to its high demand and limited supply. Prime rib is highly desirable for its juicy, flavorful, and tender qualities. Prime rib’s price is influenced by the supply vs. demand of prime rib roasts vs. ribeye steaks.
How much prime rib to buy for 15 people?
Purchase one pound of prime rib per person for 15 people. A bone-in standing rib roast should accommodate two people. Consider side dishes when calculating the amount of meat to purchase.
How much prime rib do I need for 20 people?
For a prime rib dinner for 20 people, purchase approximately 20 pounds of prime rib. A bone-in standing rib roast serves 2 people per bone. When planning side dishes, reduce the amount of prime rib to ½ – ¾ pound per person.
How much does a 7 bone prime rib weigh?
7-bone prime rib typically weighs between 14-22 pounds. Butchers often split the roast into two cuts for smaller servings: first cut and second cut. Each cut typically serves one person, weighing about one pound per person.
Why do people like prime rib?
People enjoy prime rib for its tender, juicy, and flavorful qualities. Each cut of prime rib comes with a generous marbling that adds to the flavor. Keeping the bone in the cut increases moisture and adds an intense, rich beef flavor.
What is the average serving size of prime rib per person?
The average serving size of prime rib per person is approximately 8 ounces. Depending on the size of the roast and number of people, you may need to adjust the serving size accordingly. Be sure to factor in side dishes and other items when planning your meal.
Should I buy bone-in or boneless prime rib per person?
When buying prime rib, plan for 1 lb of bone-in per person (or 1 rib per 2 people). To order from a butcher, request cut by either pounds or number of ribs. For example, for 8 people, ask for an 8-lb prime rib; for 10 people, ask for a 10-lb cut.
How long should a 10 lb prime rib sit out before cooking?
The optimal time for a 10 lb prime rib to sit out before roasting is 3 hours. Letting the prime rib sit at room temperature before cooking will help ensure it is cooked optimally.
Is it better to cook prime rib slow or fast?
The best way to cook prime rib is to use a low and slow cooking method in the oven. This method allows the meat to lose less juice and cook evenly throughout. At the end of cooking, increase the oven heat for a crisp outer layer.

Winifred Bond is the CEO of Choyhona, an Uzbeki restaurant located in the heart of New York City. Winifred has always loved food and cooking, and decided to open her own restaurant after spending time traveling in Uzbekistan. The decor of Choyhona is based on Winifred’s memories of her time in Uzbekistan, and she works hard to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for her guests. The food at Choyhona is authentic Uzbeki cuisine, and it is unlike anything else in New York City.