Charcuterie Board Calculator
Shopping amounts for a charcuterie or grazing board, by number of guests.
Updated · How we check our maths
- Meat + cheese total
- 3 lb
- Cured meats
- 1.5 lb (2 oz each)
- Cheese
- 1.5 lb — 3–5 kinds
- Crackers & bread
- 1.5 lb
- Fruit & vegetables
- 1.5 lb
- Nuts, olives, dips, jams
- 12 oz
- Board size
- Large board (~18 × 24 in)
Quick answer
For an appetizer board, plan about 2 oz of meat and 2 oz of cheese per person (about 55 g each). For a charcuterie board served as the main meal, double it to 4 oz of each per person. Add roughly 2–3 oz of crackers and bread and the same of fruit per guest.
What the Charcuterie Board Calculator does
Enter the number of guests and whether the board is a starter or the meal. The calculator gives shopping quantities for cured meats, cheeses, crackers, fruit and extras such as nuts, olives and jams, plus a sensible board size.
Choose 3–5 cheeses with different textures (soft, semi-hard, hard, blue) and 2–4 meats (salami, prosciutto, chorizo) so the board looks generous without overbuying.
The formula
Amount = guests × amount per person. Appetizer: 2 oz meat, 2 oz cheese, 2 oz crackers, 2 oz fruit, 1 oz extras. Meal: 4, 4, 3, 4, 2 oz.
Worked example
Appetizer board for 12: 24 oz (1.5 lb) meat, 1.5 lb cheese, 1.5 lb crackers, 1.5 lb fruit and 12 oz of extras.
How to use the Charcuterie Board Calculator
- Enter how many people are coming.
- Choose appetizer or main meal.
- Use the amounts as your shopping list.
Frequently asked questions
How much cheese per person for a charcuterie board?
About 2 oz as an appetizer and 3–4 oz if the board is the meal.
How many types of meat and cheese?
Usually 2–4 meats and 3–5 cheeses.
How far ahead can I make a charcuterie board?
Assemble it up to 2 hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge; add crackers just before serving so they stay crisp.
Results are estimates for planning and learning. Check important figures with a qualified professional. How we build and check our calculators.