Food Quantity Calculator
Enter your guests and menu. You get a printable list of how much to order or cook, from common catering rules of thumb.
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Rules of thumb, not guarantees: active, outdoor and late-night crowds eat more. Raw meat weight assumes about 25% cooking loss (brisket loses about half).
How Much Food Do You Need per Person?
A common rule of thumb is about 1 pound of food per adult for a main meal: about 6 ounces of cooked protein (4–5 ounces each with two mains), 4 ounces of each side, and 1–2 rolls. For appetizers only, plan 6–8 pieces per guest per hour for the first two hours. Buffets need about 10% more.
Portion Questions
How much meat per person for a party?
Plan about 6 ounces of cooked meat per adult when there is one main dish, or 4–5 ounces of each when there are two. Raw weight is higher: boneless meat loses about 25% in cooking and brisket about half. For barbecue as the main dish, many caterers plan 1/3 to 1/2 pound of cooked meat per adult.
How many appetizers per person?
Before a meal, 3–5 pieces per guest. For an appetizer-only party, 6–8 pieces per guest per hour for the first two hours and about 4 per hour after that.
How much food for kids?
Children under about 10 eat roughly half an adult portion. Teenagers often eat as much as adults or more.
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