How much prime rib roast to buy?

1 (4 lb.) Boneless Heart of Prime Rib Roast $79.99 new - Omahasteaks.com
1 (6 lb.) Bone-In Prime Rib Roast $99.99 new - Omahasteaks.com

A full prime rib/standing rib roast is seven (7) ribs, close to 15 pounds, and enough to feed a crowd of 14 or more people (depending on how big of eaters they are). The term "standing" means the bones are included in the roast, thus the roast can stand by itself. A rib roast comprises of seven ribs starting from the shoulder (chuck) down the back to the loin.

For a generous serving of roast, figure on two people per rib. That means if you plan to serve:

six (6) people - three (3) rib roast

eight (8) people - four (4) rib roast

ten (10) people - five (5) rib roast

twelve (12) people - six (6) rib roast

fourteen (14) people - seven (7) rib roast

Don't even bother with less than a three-rib roast, any less than that is not a roast but rather a thick steak and would be better treated as such.

Most good butchers recommend that you request a roast from the small end (ribs 10 through 12) toward the back of the rib section, which is leaner and gives you more meat for your dollar.

Best place to go is a meat market/bucher and ask him what size you need for the number of people you are going to feed. The above is only a guide I have used