Quick Answer
For 20 people, you need 40 hot dogs. This provides about 40 servings, assuming 2 servings per person.
Estimated cost: $40 - $100
How We Calculate
We use the industry-standard formula for hot dog calculations:
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Each person eats approximately 2 hot dogs
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Formula: 20 people × 2 servings ÷ 1 = 40 hot dogs
Adjusting for Your Event
Use our interactive calculator above to fine-tune your order:
- Light appetite: Reduce by 25% if guests had a recent meal or there are
many other food options
- Normal appetite: Standard calculation for typical party situations
- Hungry guests: Increase by 25% for active groups, late-night events,
or when hot dogs are the main attraction
Tips for Ordering Hot Dogs
- Buy buns and hot dogs in matching quantities
- Offer variety: beef, pork, turkey, veggie
- Set up a condiment station
- Keep warm in a slow cooker with water
- Include kid-friendly plain options
Planning Guide: Hot Dogs for Your Event
The hot dog to bun ratio problem has frustrated party planners for decades, and there's a mathematical reason behind it. Hot dogs typically come in packages of 10, while buns come in packages of 8 (or sometimes 12). For a party, the solution is simple: buy hot dogs and buns in quantities that reach a common multiple. For 40 people expecting 2 hot dogs each, you need 80 hot dogs and 80 buns - that's 8 packages of hot dogs and 10 packages of 8-count buns. Always buy buns slightly ahead of hot dogs because buns are more versatile for leftovers. The bigger planning consideration is variety - offering standard beef, all-beef, turkey, and plant-based options covers most dietary needs, but keep them visually distinguishable by using different bun types or toothpick flags.
Hot dog quality varies enormously and affects guest satisfaction more than you'd expect. All-beef franks from brands like Hebrew National or Nathan's cost 40-60% more than mixed-meat varieties but deliver noticeably better flavor and texture. For budget-conscious events, use a hybrid strategy: buy premium all-beef for 60% of your order and standard franks for the remainder. Most guests won't notice if they're loading up with toppings, but the beef-frank lovers will appreciate having the option. Avoid cheap bar-s style hot dogs for adult parties - they have a reputation that precedes them. For children's parties, the opposite is true: kids often prefer the milder, cheaper varieties. Pre-splitting or scoring hot dogs before grilling prevents them from curling and allows toppings to sit better in the bun.
Slow cooker hot dog service is the secret weapon for stress-free parties. After initial grilling for char marks (optional but recommended), transfer dogs to a slow cooker filled with water, beer, or even a mixture of beer and onions set on low. This keeps them at perfect serving temperature for 4-6 hours without overcooking. Use a 6-quart slow cooker for every 30-40 hot dogs. The classic mistake is cooking hot dogs entirely in the slow cooker from raw - they become bloated and split. Instead, grill or boil them first, then use the slow cooker as a holding station. For outdoor events, this eliminates the need for constant grill attendance. Set up the slow cooker at the condiment station with tongs, and guests can serve themselves. This method also solves the cold-hot-dog problem that plagues traditional serving where later guests get lukewarm food.