How Many Spareribs Per Person? The Complete Guide

Spareribs are one of the most popular BBQ dishes — but how much do you actually need? A rack of spareribs looks big, but after 6 hours of low & slow cooking, there's less left than you'd think. On this page, we explain exactly how much you should buy, how much rub you need, and how to calculate quantities for any group size.

The rule of thumb

  • As a main course: count on 400–500 grams raw weight per person — that's approximately half a rack per person
  • As part of a larger BBQ menu: count on 250–300 grams raw weight per person
  • For big eaters or as the only dish: count on 500–600 grams raw weight per person — that's almost a whole rack

What is a rack of spareribs?

A rack of spareribs is a continuous section of 10–13 ribs. The weight varies by type:

Type Weight per rack Servings per rack Cooking time
Spare ribs (St. Louis) 1.2–1.8 kg 2–3 persons 5–6 hours (3-2-1)
Baby back ribs 0.8–1.2 kg 1–2 persons 4–5 hours
Ribs (supermarket) 0.6–1 kg 1–2 persons 3–4 hours

How many spareribs per person — overview table

Number of persons Main course (raw) Number of racks (St. Louis) BBQ menu (raw) Number of racks
2 persons 800 g – 1 kg 1 rack 500–600 g half rack
4 persons 1.6–2 kg 1–2 racks 1–1.2 kg 1 rack
6 persons 2.4–3 kg 2 racks 1.5–1.8 kg 1–2 racks
8 persons 3.2–4 kg 2–3 racks 2–2.4 kg 2 racks
10 persons 4–5 kg 3–4 racks 2.5–3 kg 2 racks
15 persons 6–7.5 kg 4–5 racks 3.75–4.5 kg 3 racks
20 persons 8–10 kg 6–7 racks 5–6 kg 4 racks

Tip: Always make a bit more than you think you'll need. Spareribs are always eaten too quickly — and leftovers are even tastier the next day.

How much dry rub do you need for spareribs?

Spareribs have a lot of surface area per kilo — use 20–25 grams of rub per kilo raw weight, which is about 3–4 tablespoons per kilo.

Number of racks Raw weight Rub needed Recommended bag size
1 rack approx. 1.5 kg 30–40 g 50g bag
2 racks approx. 3 kg 60–75 g 100g bag
3–4 racks approx. 4.5–6 kg 90–150 g 2x 100g bag
5+ racks 7.5 kg+ 150 g+ 500g bag recommended

→ More about how much rub to use per kilo of meat

Which rub do you use for spareribs?

  • Memphis BBQ Rub — Sweet and smoky, the classic American BBQ choice for spareribs. Creates a deep, dark bark. The definitive standard.
  • Jamaican Jerk — Spicy and Caribbean — for those who want something more adventurous. Gives spareribs an intense, smoky flavor with a kick.
  • Carolina Gold — Mustard-based, slightly acidic. The acidity cuts through the rich fat of the ribs. Gives a golden-yellow bark.

→ Full overview: which rub goes with which meat?

Calculating cooking time for multiple racks

Spareribs cook based on time, not weight. The cooking time per rack is virtually the same — whether you're making 1 or 4 racks. The only difference is that your BBQ will need more heat for multiple racks.

Number of racks Cooking time (3-2-1 method) Note
1–2 racks 5–6 hours Standard 3-2-1 method
3–4 racks 5.5–6.5 hours Slightly longer due to more mass
5+ racks 6–7 hours Use a rib rack for vertical placement

→ The 3-2-1 method for spareribs: explained step by step
→ Measuring core temperature: when are spareribs done?
→ Complete temperature guide

Tips for large quantities of spareribs

  • Use a rib rack — this allows you to place 4–6 racks vertically on a regular BBQ. Indispensable for large groups.
  • Rub all racks evenly — prepare the rub in advance and weigh it out for consistent flavor.
  • Make ahead — spareribs are excellent for preparing in advance. Make them a day earlier and reheat in the oven at 150°C with a splash of apple juice.
  • Freeze — cooked spareribs freeze well. Portion by rack for easy thawing.
  • Start early — for 10+ people, it's best to start 7–8 hours before dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many spareribs for 4 people?

As a main course: 2 racks (approx. 3 kg raw). As part of a larger BBQ menu: 1 rack is enough.

How many spareribs for 10 people?

As a main course: 3–4 racks (approx. 4.5–6 kg raw). For a BBQ menu: 2 racks.

How many spareribs for 20 people?

As a main course: 6–7 racks (approx. 9–10 kg raw). Use a rib rack for vertical placement on the BBQ.

Can I make spareribs in advance?

Yes — spareribs are ideal for preparing in advance. Make them a day earlier, store in the refrigerator, and reheat in the oven at 150°C with a splash of apple juice. The last 10 minutes on the BBQ for a crispy exterior.

Spareribs recipes

Ready to order?

Choose the right amount of rub for your group: