How Much Prime Rib Per Person?
Prime rib is the most expensive thing you'll cook all year. So let's get the number right.
The butcher's rule: one rib bone for every two people. In pounds, that's about 3/4 to 1 pound of bone in prime rib per person. Go with 1 pound if prime rib is the only main.
Boneless? Plan 1/2 to 3/4 pound per person.
Want it done for you? Run your headcount in the calculator.
Prime rib size chart
| Guests | Rib bones | Bone in weight | Boneless weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 2 bones | 3 to 4 lb | 2 to 3 lb |
| 6 | 3 bones | 4.5 to 6 lb | 3 to 4.5 lb |
| 8 | 4 bones | 6 to 8 lb | 4 to 6 lb |
| 10 | 5 bones | 7.5 to 10 lb | 5 to 7.5 lb |
| 12 | 6 bones | 9 to 12 lb | 6 to 9 lb |
| 14 | 7 bones (whole roast) | 10.5 to 14 lb | 7 to 10.5 lb |
A whole rib roast has 7 bones. Feeding more than 14? Buy two roasts.
Bone in or boneless?
Bone in looks better on the table and the bones act like a rack, so the meat cooks a little more gently. You pay for that bone weight though, so you buy more pounds.
Boneless is easier to carve and you're paying for meat, not bone. Price per pound runs higher.
Either one tastes great. Pick based on how you want it to look when it hits the table.
Ask for the "first cut"
Tell your butcher you want the first cut, also called the small end or loin end. It's ribs 10 through 12. Leaner, more tender, and a bigger center eye of meat. It costs a little more and it's worth it.
When to pull your prime rib
Prime rib keeps cooking after you pull it. Usually 5 to 10 degrees. So pull it early.
| Doneness | Pull it at | After resting |
|---|---|---|
| Rare | 115°F to 120°F | about 125°F |
| Medium rare | 120°F to 125°F | 130°F to 135°F |
| Medium | 130°F to 135°F | about 140°F |
Rest it 20 to 30 minutes before you slice.
Adjust for your crowd
- Prime rib is the only main: Go with the high end. 1 pound bone in per person.
- Serving a ham or turkey too: Drop to about 1/2 pound bone in per person.
- Lots of kids: Count each kid as half.
- Want leftovers? Add about 20%. Prime rib sandwiches the next day are elite.
Order early for Christmas
Butchers and grocery stores get slammed the week before Christmas. Order your roast at least a week ahead and tell them the number of bones you want. Good meat counters sell out of the first cut early.
FAQ
How much prime rib do I need for 8 people?
For 8 people, get a 4 bone roast that weighs about 6 to 8 pounds bone in, or 4 to 6 pounds boneless.
How many people does a rib bone feed?
One rib bone feeds about two people.
How much boneless prime rib per person?
Plan 1/2 to 3/4 pound of boneless prime rib per person.
What temperature should I pull prime rib for medium rare?
Pull prime rib at 120°F to 125°F for medium rare. It will climb to about 130°F to 135°F while it rests.
What is the first cut of prime rib?
The first cut is the small or loin end of the rib roast, ribs 10 through 12. It's leaner and more tender with a larger eye of meat.