Everyday Life
Party Food Quantity Calculator
Allow about 400 g of food per guest for a main meal, plus a 10% buffer so the table never looks empty.
The result shows the food needed in kilograms, plus the larger amount to buy once the 10% buffer is added.
Formula
Food = guests x food per guest, plus 10% buffer.
How it works
The per-guest figure depends on the meal: a light buffet needs less than a sit-down dinner, and teenagers at a party eat more than mixed-age guests.
Variety matters as much as quantity — several dishes in smaller amounts feel more generous than one huge dish.
Worked example
For example, 20 guests x 400 g per guest = 8,000 g, or 8.0 kg, and adding the 10% buffer gives 8.8 kg to buy.
FAQs
How much food per person for a buffet?
Around 300–400 g of main food per adult is a common planning figure, plus snacks and dessert.
Do children eat as much as adults?
No — children typically eat about half an adult portion, so adjust the guest count for young guests.
Is the 10% buffer enough?
For most parties, yes. If guests are big eaters or the party runs long, raise it to 20%.
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