Calculators
Catering Portion Calculator
Calculate how much food to order for an event from guest count, portion sizes per item and a buffer for appetite.
- Runs in your browser
- Nothing uploaded
The tool
Enter your numbers below. Results update as you type, and nothing leaves your browser.
Everything you enter stays on your own machine. Nothing is sent to us or to anyone else, which you can confirm in your browser network tab.
What people use it for
- Planning wedding or party catering
- Ordering for corporate events
- Reducing food waste
- Quoting catering jobs
About this tool
What the Catering Portion Calculator does
Catering quantities depend on the number of guests, how many options are offered and the portion of each that people take. When several mains or sides are offered, each guest takes smaller portions of each. This calculator totals quantities by item with a buffer.
Formula
- Quantity = guests × portion × share who take it × (1 + buffer)
Worked example
Using the starting values in the calculator above:
| Input | Value |
|---|---|
| Guests | 120 |
| Menu items | 5 entries |
| Buffer for appetite and seconds | 10% |
| Result | Value |
|---|---|
| Total food | 59.4 |
| Per guest | 495 |
How to read the result
Buffets need more food than plated service because guests serve themselves and choose favourites.
Time of day matters: a full dinner needs larger portions than a lunch or evening reception.
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Browse every calculator in Restaurant and Hospitality Calculators, or talk to us about restaurant websites and online ordering.
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Questions
Questions about this tool
The things clients actually want to know — costs, timelines, ownership and what happens after launch.
A full meal is often around 450 to 700 g of food per person across all courses.
Commonly 150 to 225 g of cooked protein per person when it is the only main.
Add a 10% to 15% buffer and offer filling sides.
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