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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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 servings are self-poured.
These are planning estimates, not a contract. 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
A full dinner runs about those amounts plus a few appetizers; buffets need a little more since servings are self-poured, and portions step 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 buffet need roughly 40 lb of protein before the longer-event uplift.
Sources & methodology
Last updated .
Frequently asked questions
How much food do I need per guest?
A full dinner runs about 6 oz protein, 8 oz sides and 3 oz salad per guest, plus a few appetizers; buffets need a little more because servings are self-poured.
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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