Catering Calculator: How Much Food Per Person for Any Event

As a general rule, plan 6-8 oz of protein, 4-6 oz of sides, and 1 dessert per person. This free calculator does the math for you.

Enter your guest count and select menu items to get accurate per-person quantities and cost estimates instantly.

Select your menu items

Main Dishes

Side Dishes

Desserts

Select menu items above to see quantities needed

How the Catering Calculator Works

Planning food for a catered event requires balancing portion sizes with menu variety. This calculator uses standard catering portions: approximately 6-8 ounces of protein per person for main dishes, 4-6 ounces for side dishes, and one dessert serving per guest. When serving multiple items, portions are automatically adjusted to account for variety.

Professional caterers recommend ordering 10-15% extra for unexpected guests or hearty appetites. For formal sit-down dinners, stick closer to calculated amounts. For casual buffet-style service, add extra to account for varied eating patterns. The estimated cost range helps you compare options and stay within your catering budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much food per person for catering?

Plan 6-8 oz of protein and 4-6 oz of sides per person. This is the standard catering portion that professional caterers recommend.

How do you calculate food for a catered event?

Multiply the number of guests by the per-person serving size for each menu item. For a full meal, budget 1 lb of total food per person (protein plus sides). Use our free catering calculator above for exact quantities.

How many sandwiches for 100 people catering?

For 100 people catered event, order 75-100 full sandwiches (about 1 per person), or 100-150 if serving as main dish.

How much fried chicken per person for catering?

Plan 1/2 to 2/3 pound of fried chicken per person, or about 3-4 pieces per adult. A standard 8-piece bucket feeds 3-4 people.

How much does it cost to cater food per person?

Budget catering runs $10-15 per person for simple menus like BBQ or sandwiches. Mid-range catering costs $20-40 per person. Use our calculator to estimate costs based on specific menu items.

How much food for a buffet catering per person?

For a buffet, plan slightly more than plated service: 8-10 oz of protein, 6-8 oz of sides, and 1 dessert per person. Guests tend to take larger portions at buffets, so add a 10-15% buffer.

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