Party Food Calculator
Estimate how much food to make for a party by guest count and type of event.
About the Party Food Calculator
Enter the number of adults and children, whether it's a meal or snacks, and how long the party lasts. The calculator converts guests to adult-equivalent servings and lists amounts for mains, sides and drinks.
Caterers commonly plan about ½ lb (225 g) of boneless main protein per adult at a meal, 4 oz (115 g) of each side, and for appetiser-only events 8 pieces per person for the first two hours plus 4 per extra hour. Count children as about half portions.
The formula
Amount = adult-equivalents × per-person portion
Worked example
20 adults and 5 children at a meal
- Children count as half: 22.5 servings
- Main protein at ½ lb each: about 11¼ lb (5.1 kg)
Questions people ask
How much extra should I make?
About 10%; leftovers are better than running out.
Buffet or plated?
Buffets need a bit more because people take samples of everything.
How many drinks per person?
A common guide is 2 in the first hour and 1 each hour after.