How this calculator works
The amounts follow common cook-for-a-crowd rules from The Old Farmer’s Almanac party planner: about ½ lb of boneless meat, ⅓–½ lb of potatoes and ¼–⅓ lb of vegetables per adult, two rolls each and a slice of dessert. Children are counted as half an adult. A buffet gets 15% more because people serve themselves, and with two or three main dishes the meat is spread across them instead of multiplied.
Assumptions and tips
- Weights are as purchased (raw).
- Big eaters, teenagers or a long party need more; a lunch needs a little less.
Worked example
Using the default values in the calculator above:
| Input | Value |
|---|---|
| Adults | 16 |
| Children (count as half) | 4 |
| Type of event | Sit-down dinner |
| Number of main dishes | One |
| Result | Value |
|---|---|
| Adult servings | 18 servings |
| Main dish, boneless meat (total) | 9 lb |
| Per main dish (boneless) | 9 lb |
| Potatoes | 7.25 lb |
| Vegetables | 5.5 lb |
| Rolls | 36 rolls |
| Salad greens | 2 lb |
| Pies or cakes (8 slices each) | 3 |
| Ice cream | 0.75 gallons |
| Ice | 18 lb |
Step by step:
- Servings = 16 adults + 4 children × 0.5 = 18
- Boneless meat = 18 × ½ lb
- Potatoes 18 × 0.4 lb · vegetables × 0.3 lb · rolls × 2
Food for a sit-down dinner (one main)
All adults — calculated with this tool.
| Guests | Main dish, boneless meat | Potatoes | Rolls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 4 lb | 3.25 lb | 16 rolls |
| 10 | 5 lb | 4 lb | 20 rolls |
| 12 | 6 lb | 5 lb | 24 rolls |
| 16 | 8 lb | 6.5 lb | 32 rolls |
| 20 | 10 lb | 8 lb | 40 rolls |
| 25 | 12.5 lb | 10 lb | 50 rolls |
| 30 | 15 lb | 12 lb | 60 rolls |
| 40 | 20 lb | 16 lb | 80 rolls |
| 50 | 25 lb | 20 lb | 100 rolls |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Multiplying a full portion of every main dish by the guest count — with several mains, people take less of each.
- Forgetting ice and drinks, which run out first at most parties.
Frequently asked questions
How much food do I need for 20 people?
For 16 adults and 4 children (18 servings): about 9 lb of boneless meat, 7¼ lb of potatoes, 5½ lb of vegetables, 36 rolls and 3 pies.
How much meat per person for a party?
About ½ lb of boneless meat per adult, or ¾ lb bone-in.
How many appetizers per person?
About 6 pieces per person for the first two hours when a meal follows, or 10–15 if appetizers are the meal.
Sources
Built and reviewed by Anirban Kundu, Creator & Editor · M.Sc Physics, 20 years teaching science