Food portions estimator
Work out roughly how much food to prepare or order for an event, from your guest count and a per-person portion size.
Result
Total food needed
How to use this tool
- Enter the number of guests.
- Set the portion size per guest — this varies by meal type and how hungry your guests are likely to be.
- Read the total food weight needed.
Assumptions
- Applies one user-selected portion weight to every guest. The default of 300g and suggested alternatives are editable planning examples, not a dietary or catering standard. Result is total food weight only; it does not add a buffer or separate courses.
Technical details: what the fields mean
- Number of guests
guests - Total number of guests expected.
- Portion size per guest
gramsPerGuest - Your chosen food weight per guest. The 200g/300g/400g quick picks are adjustable examples only; choose an amount for the particular dish, meal occasion, guest mix and any other courses.
Methodology
Total food = guests × portion size per guest.
Worked example
Illustration: 50 guests at an entered 300g each
Inputs: Number of guests: 50, Portion size per guest: 300 g
Result: 15.0 kg total; change the example portion to match the menu.
Practical guidance
- Choose a portion weight for the particular dish and event; adjust it yourself for second helpings or unexpected guests rather than relying on a fixed buffer.
Common mistakes
- Using the same portion size for every course when catering a multi-course meal — see the catering portions estimator for a course-aware approach.
FAQs
How much food should I prepare per guest for a party?
Choose a portion weight that fits your menu and event, then enter it with your guest count. The estimate is one aggregate food weight, not a full menu or course-by-course list.
Does the result cover a full multi-course meal?
No. It multiplies one portion weight by the guest count. Estimate each course separately or use course-specific weights before combining quantities.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-11
A simple average-portion estimate — doesn't account for dietary variation, multiple courses or serving style.
This tool provides an indicative estimate, based on the assumptions stated above.
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