How Much Ham Do You Need to Feed 50 People?

One serving of ham is 2 to 3 ounces, so you need a minimum of 100 to 150 ounces of ham to feed 50 people. A whole 16-18 pound ham will yield generous portions for a party of 50.

Ham is sold bone-in, with the leg and hipbone included, or boneless. Whole hams are suggested for buffets and large parties, while half-hams are smaller portions that usually include either the butt end or shank end of the hog. Ham is sold either fresh, cured, or cured and smoked. The preparation method and water weight can affect the overall weight of the ham. Whether the ham contains bones also affects its overall weight.