How Many Coleslaw Servings Do I Need?

Quick answer: Plan on 0.5 cups per person. For 20 guests you need 10 cups, and for 50 guests you need 25 cups. Use our free calculator below for exact amounts.

Classic BBQ side dish. Plan for 1/2 cup per person as a side.

10 cups

for 20 people

Estimated cost: $5 - $15

How Many Coleslaw Servings for Your Party?

5 people 8 people 10 people 15 people 20 people 25 people 30 people 40 people 50 people 75 people 100 people

About Our Coleslaw Calculator

Planning to serve coleslaw servings at your next party? Our free calculator takes the guesswork out of party planning. Simply enter the number of guests and we'll tell you exactly how many cups you need.

How We Calculate Coleslaw Quantities

Our calculations are based on industry-standard serving sizes used by professional caterers:

  • Average servings per person: 0.5 cups
  • Servings per cup: 1
  • Price range: $0.5 - $1.5 per cup

Tips for Ordering Coleslaw Servings

  • Make dressing ahead but toss just before serving
  • Offer both creamy and vinegar-based versions
  • Keep refrigerated until serving
  • Pre-shredded cabbage saves prep time
  • Can be made up to 4 hours ahead

Frequently Asked Questions About Coleslaw

How much coleslaw per person?

As a side dish, plan for 1/2 cup per person. One large head of cabbage makes about 12 cups of shredded slaw, serving roughly 24 people.

Should I dress coleslaw ahead of time?

For creamy slaw, toss with dressing 30 minutes to 2 hours before serving—this lets flavors meld but keeps it crunchy. For vinegar-based slaw, you can dress it 4+ hours ahead.

How do I keep coleslaw from getting watery?

Salt the shredded cabbage and let it drain for 30 minutes before dressing. This removes excess moisture and keeps your slaw crisp.