Ham for 30 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 | 10 lb (1/3 lb each) | 8 lb (1/4 lb each) |
| High end: ham is the main dish | 15 lb (1/2 lb each) | 10 lb (1/3 lb each) |
| Generous: with leftovers | 23 lb | 15 lb |
Adding children
Children count as half a portion at the high USDA serving.
| Guests | Bone-in | Boneless |
|---|---|---|
| 30 adults | 15 lb | 10 lb |
| 30 adults and 2 children | 16 lb | 11 lb |
| 30 adults and 4 children | 16 lb | 11 lb |
| 30 adults and 6 children | 17 lb | 11 lb |
Reheating a ham for 30
Fully cooked hams at 325°F to 140°F. The USDA timetable lists each kind for a range of weights; for 30 guests the plan is two 8 lb spiral-cut hams.
| Kind of ham | For 30 | USDA chart weights | Time at 325°F |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooked, whole, bone-in | 15 lb | 10 to 14 lb (outside: check the label) | 3 h 45 min to 4 h 30 min |
| Cooked, half, bone-in | 15 lb | 5 to 7 lb (outside: check the label) | 4 h 30 min to 6 h |
| Cooked, spiral-cut (whole or half) | 15 lb | 7 to 9 lb (outside: check the label) | 2 h 30 min to 4 h 30 min |
| Cooked, boneless (vacuum packed) | 10 lb | 6 to 12 lb | 1 h 40 min to 2 h 30 min |
Thirty guests: two hams
At the high end thirty guests need 15 lb, above the 14 lb top of the USDA whole ham chart, so buy two hams sized for 15 guests each, about 8 lb apiece. Two 8 lb spiral-cut hams reheat side by side in 1 h 20 min to 2 h 24 min, if the oven takes both.
Two hams also mean two carving boards and a faster line. Keep the second one in the refrigerator until it goes in, and refrigerate what is left within 2 hours.
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 30 people?
15 lb of bone-in ham at 1/2 lb a person, the high end of the USDA range, or 10 lb at the low end of 1/3 lb if there are plenty of other dishes.
How much boneless ham for 30 people?
8 to 10 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 30 people?
For two 8 lb spiral-cut hams, 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.