Drink Calculator

Stay hydrated! Plan for 2 drinks per person for a 2-3 hour event.

40 drinks

for 20 people

Estimated cost: $20 - $80

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How Many Drinks for Your Party?

About Our Drink Calculator

Planning to serve drinks 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 drinks you need.

How We Calculate Drink Quantities

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

  • Average servings per person: 2 drinks
  • Servings per drink: 1
  • Price range: $0.5 - $2 per drink

Tips for Ordering Drinks

  • Offer both caffeinated and caffeine-free options
  • Provide water as well as sodas
  • Have 1 lb of ice per person
  • Set up a self-serve drink station
  • Include cups, napkins, and straws

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Frequently Asked Questions About Drink

How many drinks per person for a party?

Plan for 2 drinks per person for every hour of your event. For a 3-hour party, that's 6 drinks per person. Include water in your count.

How much ice do I need?

Plan for about 1 pound of ice per person for chilling drinks. If you're using ice in drinks, add another half pound per person. Buy bags the day of.

What drink variety should I offer?

Offer at least one cola, one lemon-lime soda, one caffeine-free option, and water. For adults, add iced tea or lemonade. Always have more water than you think you need.