Catering Portions Calculator
Estimate how much food to order for an event (appetizers, protein, sides and salad) by guest count and service style, scaled up for longer events. Calculates in your browser.
Appetizer pieces
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Illustrative per-guest portions, assumptions rather than a standard.
Show the math
Each guest gets a per-person portion for the chosen style; weights are summed and converted to pounds:
pounds = guests × ounces per guest ÷ 16
Appetizer pieces and portions scale up by 10% for every hour beyond four, since people graze more at longer events. Buffets need a little extra because guests serve themselves.
These are planning estimates, not a contract: the per-guest portions are illustrative assumptions, not an industry standard. Everything is calculated in your browser.
What this does
A catering portions calculator estimates how much food to order for an event — appetizers, protein, sides, and salad — by guest count and service style, scaled up for longer events.
How to use it
- Enter your guest count.
- Choose plated or buffet.
- Set the event length.
- Read the quantities to order.
How it works
The tool assumes those amounts for a full dinner plus a few appetizers (illustrative planning figures, not an industry standard); buffets get a little more since guests serve themselves, and everything steps up 10% per hour beyond four.
per guest ≈ 6 oz protein + 8 oz sides + 3 oz salad
Understanding your result
These are planning estimates, and it is better to be slightly over than to run short in front of guests. Buffets need more than plated service because people serve themselves generously, and portions step up for longer events. Add a margin for big appetites and always account separately for dietary restrictions, which the per-guest averages do not capture.
Example
100 guests at a four-hour buffet need about 44 lb of protein.
Last updated .
Frequently asked questions
How much food do I need per guest?
The tool assumes about 6 oz protein, 8 oz sides and 3 oz salad per guest for a full dinner, plus a few appetizers, as illustrative planning figures; buffets get a little more because guests serve themselves.
Does event length change the amount?
Yes, portions step up by about 10% for each hour beyond four, since guests graze more at longer events.
Are these figures exact?
No, they are planning estimates. Your caterer's portion sizes and menu will fine-tune the final order.
Is my data kept?
No. Everything is computed locally in your browser.
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