How Much Food Do I Need for a Dinner Party?
Running out of food is every host's nightmare, and making three times too much is a close second. These rules of thumb get you close every time.
Key takeaways
- Plan 6–8 oz of protein per adult and about 1 cup of sides total.
- Count kids as roughly half an adult.
- Add 10% if the party runs long or the crowd is hungry.
Per-person rules of thumb (per adult)
Use these for a main meal. Reduce by a third if it's appetizers or a lighter lunch.
- Protein: 6–8 oz cooked (about 1/2 lb raw)
- Starch sides (potatoes, pasta, rice): 1/2–3/4 cup
- Vegetables or salad: 1/2–1 cup
- Bread: 1–2 rolls
- Dessert: 1 slice or 2 small pieces
- Drinks: 2 in the first hour, 1 per hour after
- Ice: about 1 lb per person
The headcount math
Kids typically eat about half of an adult portion. Twenty adults and eight kids is about 24 adult portions. WhosBringing does this math for you automatically.
Quick totals by party size
Approximate amounts for adult guests at a full dinner:
- 10 guests: 5 lb protein, 2 large sides, 1 salad, 2 dozen rolls is plenty, 1 dessert
- 20 guests: 10 lb protein, 4 sides, 2 salads, 2–3 dozen rolls, 2–3 desserts
- 30 guests: 15 lb protein, 5–6 sides, 3 salads, 4 dozen rolls, 4 desserts
- 50 guests: 25 lb protein, 8–10 sides, 4–5 salads, 6–7 dozen rolls, 6–7 desserts
Potluck adjustments
At a potluck, each dish feeds about 8–10 people. Divide your adult-equivalent headcount by 8 to get the number of dishes you need.
Common questions
How much meat per person for a party?
About half a pound of raw meat per adult, or 6–8 oz cooked.
How do I count children?
Count each child as about half an adult portion.
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