Smoked Meat Calculator
Estimate cook time, shrinkage, and serving sizes
Estimation Results
Estimated Cook Time: hours
Estimated Finished Weight: lbs
Total Time (incl. Rest): hours
Servings (approx): people
*Disclaimer: Cooking times vary based on humidity, meat thickness, and the "stall." Always cook to internal temperature, not just time.
The Science of Smoking Meat: Time and Temperature
Mastering low-and-slow barbecue requires understanding three main variables: the type of meat, the weight, and the inevitable "stall." This calculator helps you plan your day so your brisket isn't finishing three hours after your guests arrive.
1. Understanding Weight Loss (Shrinkage)
When smoking meat, you will lose significant weight due to moisture evaporation and fat rendering. Most meats, particularly high-fat cuts like brisket and pork shoulder, will lose between 35% and 45% of their raw weight. If you start with a 10lb brisket, you can expect roughly 6lbs of finished product. Our calculator uses a standard 35% shrinkage factor to estimate your final yield.
2. The Resting Period
Resting is perhaps the most underrated step in BBQ. For large cuts like brisket or pork butt, a minimum rest of 60 minutes is required. This allows the muscle fibers to relax and reabsorb the rendered juices. If you slice into a brisket immediately after removing it from the smoker, the moisture will purge onto the cutting board, leaving you with dry meat.
3. Common Smoking Temperatures
| Meat Cut | Ideal Smoker Temp | Target Internal Temp |
|---|---|---|
| Brisket | 225°F – 250°F | 203°F |
| Pork Shoulder | 225°F – 275°F | 205°F |
| Pork Ribs | 225°F – 250°F | 195°F – 200°F |
| Poultry | 275°F – 325°F | 165°F |
4. Realistic Example Calculation
If you have an 8lb Pork Shoulder:
- Cook Time: 8 lbs x 1.75 hours = 14 hours.
- Yield: 8 lbs x 0.65 = 5.2 lbs of pulled pork.
- Servings: At 1/2 lb per person (raw weight), it feeds about 16 people.
Always plan for "The Stall"—the point where evaporation cools the meat and stops the internal temperature from rising. This usually happens around 160°F and can last for several hours!