Ham for 6 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 | 2 lb (1/3 lb each) | 2 lb (1/4 lb each) |
| High end: ham is the main dish | 3 lb (1/2 lb each) | 2 lb (1/3 lb each) |
| Generous: with leftovers | 5 lb | 3 lb |
Adding children
Children count as half a portion at the high USDA serving.
| Guests | Bone-in | Boneless |
|---|---|---|
| 6 adults | 3 lb | 2 lb |
| 6 adults and 2 children | 4 lb | 3 lb |
| 6 adults and 4 children | 4 lb | 3 lb |
| 6 adults and 6 children | 5 lb | 3 lb |
Reheating a ham for 6
Fully cooked hams at 325°F to 140°F. The USDA timetable lists each kind for a range of weights; for 6 guests the plan is a 5 lb half ham, the smallest the USDA chart times.
| Kind of ham | For 6 | USDA chart weights | Time at 325°F |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooked, whole, bone-in | 3 lb | 10 to 14 lb (outside: check the label) | 45 min to 54 min |
| Cooked, half, bone-in | 3 lb | 5 to 7 lb (outside: check the label) | 54 min to 1 h 12 min |
| Cooked, spiral-cut (whole or half) | 3 lb | 7 to 9 lb (outside: check the label) | 30 min to 54 min |
| Cooked, boneless (vacuum packed) | 2 lb | 6 to 12 lb (outside: check the label) | 20 min to 30 min |
Six guests: less than the smallest half ham
At the high USDA serving of 1/2 lb a person, six guests eat 3 lb of bone-in ham, and even the generous setting is 5 lb. The smallest half ham in the USDA reheating chart is 5 lb, so a half ham gives everyone a full plate and the other 2 lb goes to sandwiches and a soup bone.
Want no leftovers? 2 lb of boneless ham covers six at the high end, but boneless hams that small are below the 6 to 12 lb the chart covers, so follow the time on the label and check for 140°F.
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 a 5 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 6 people?
3 lb of bone-in ham at 1/2 lb a person, the high end of the USDA range, or 2 lb at the low end of 1/3 lb if there are plenty of other dishes.
How much boneless ham for 6 people?
2 to 2 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 6 people?
For a 5 lb half ham, the smallest the USDA chart times, 1 h 30 min to 2 h 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.