Ham for 15 people by serving size
The USDA allows 1/3 to 1/2 lb of bone-in ham a person, or 1/4 to 1/3 lb of boneless, because the bone is weight you buy but do not eat. Pounds are rounded up.
| Serving | Bone-in ham | Boneless ham |
|---|---|---|
| Low end: with several other dishes | 5 lb (1/3 lb each) | 4 lb (1/4 lb each) |
| High end: ham is the main dish | 8 lb (1/2 lb each) | 5 lb (1/3 lb each) |
| Generous: with leftovers | 12 lb | 8 lb |
Adding children
Children count as half a portion at the high USDA serving.
| Guests | Bone-in | Boneless |
|---|---|---|
| 15 adults | 8 lb | 5 lb |
| 15 adults and 2 children | 8 lb | 6 lb |
| 15 adults and 4 children | 9 lb | 6 lb |
| 15 adults and 6 children | 9 lb | 6 lb |
Reheating a ham for 15
Fully cooked hams at 325°F to 140°F. The USDA timetable lists each kind for a range of weights; for 15 guests the plan is an 8 lb spiral-cut ham.
| Kind of ham | For 15 | USDA chart weights | Time at 325°F |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooked, whole, bone-in | 8 lb | 10 to 14 lb (outside: check the label) | 2 h to 2 h 24 min |
| Cooked, half, bone-in | 8 lb | 5 to 7 lb (outside: check the label) | 2 h 24 min to 3 h 12 min |
| Cooked, spiral-cut (whole or half) | 8 lb | 7 to 9 lb | 1 h 20 min to 2 h 24 min |
| Cooked, boneless (vacuum packed) | 5 lb | 6 to 12 lb (outside: check the label) | 50 min to 1 h 15 min |
Fifteen guests: between a half and a whole ham
Fifteen at 1/2 lb a person need 8 lb, more than the 7 lb top of the USDA half ham chart and less than the 10 lb start of the whole ham chart. A spiral-cut ham, charted at 7 to 9 lb, fills the gap and reheats in 1 h 20 min to 2 h 24 min.
With plenty of sides the low serving is 5 lb, back inside the half ham chart. For boneless ham, fifteen need 4 to 5 lb.
Use the ham size calculator for your own guest list, and read how much ham per person and how long to cook a ham. How long to cook an 8 lb ham has the times for every kind.
Want to change anything else? The calculator above is the full Ham Size Calculator: How Big a Ham, Bone-In or Boneless: edit any number and the results update instantly.
Tools & materials for this project
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Frequently asked questions
How much ham for 15 people?
8 lb of bone-in ham at 1/2 lb a person, the high end of the USDA range, or 5 lb at the low end of 1/3 lb if there are plenty of other dishes.
How much boneless ham for 15 people?
4 to 5 lb, at 1/4 to 1/3 lb a person. Boneless ham needs less weight because there is no bone.
How long does it take to reheat a ham for 15 people?
For an 8 lb spiral-cut ham, 1 h 20 min to 2 h 24 min at 325°F, until it reaches 140°F. A fully cooked ham is also safe to serve cold.
Related sizes and guides
Estimates only. Results assume standard materials and simple shapes. Supplier products vary, and the final call on quantity, structure and safety is yours. Check your local code and your supplier's guidance before ordering.