Catering Quantity Calculator
How much food to order for a given number of guests, by service style and event length.
Catering quantities follow from three things: how many people, how long they are there, and whether it is a seated meal or standing canapés.
How the catering quantity calculator works
Catering quantities follow from three things: how many people, how long they are there, and whether it is a seated meal or standing canapés.
The conventions are well established. A seated main is about 200 g of protein and 150 g of sides per adult. Standing events work in pieces: five to six canapés per person for the first hour and three to four for each hour after, because appetite falls sharply once the edge is off.
Two adjustments matter more than people expect. Children eat roughly half an adult portion, and a long event needs more per head than a short one — an event running four hours needs meaningfully more than one running two, even with the same guest count.
Ordering 10% over is normal practice, not waste: it covers appetite variation and the guests who arrive hungry.
Formula: quantity = guests × portion × style factor × duration factor
Worked examples
| Inputs | Main protein | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 80 adults and 12 children, seated | 20.43 kg | about 21 kg of protein |
| Standing canapés | not applicable for canapé service | pieces rather than weight |
| A short event | 16.08 kg | less per head |
FAQFrequently asked questions
How much food per person for a party?
Roughly 200 g of protein and 150 g of sides for a seated main. Standing events work in canapés — five or six in the first hour, three or four after.
How much do children eat?
About half an adult portion, which is what this assumes.
Should I order extra?
Yes, around 10%. It is standard practice and covers appetite variation rather than being waste.
Does event length change the quantity?
Substantially. A four-hour event needs meaningfully more per head than a two-hour one with the same guests.
How many canapés for a two-hour event?
About nine per person — six in the first hour and three or four in the second.
Where these figures come from
- US FDA Food Code — food service guidance — holding and service context behind catering quantities
- UK Food Standards Agency — the UK food regulator
Last checked: September 2026. Portion and spacing figures are standard catering and event-industry conventions, stated on each page.