How Many Pizzas Do I Need?

Quick answer: Plan on 3 large pizzas per person. For 20 guests you need 8 large pizzas, and for 50 guests you need 19 large pizzas. Use our free calculator below for exact amounts.

The classic party food. Large pizzas typically have 8 slices and feed about 3 people.

8 large pizzas

for 20 people

Estimated cost: $96 - $160

How Many Pizzas for Your Party?

About Our Pizza Calculator

Planning to serve pizzas 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 large pizzas you need.

How We Calculate Pizza Quantities

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

  • Average servings per person: 3 large pizzas
  • Servings per large pizza: 8
  • Price range: $12 - $20 per large pizza

Tips for Ordering Pizzas

  • Order a variety of toppings to please everyone
  • Call ahead for large orders (50+ people)
  • Keep pizzas warm in oven at 200ยฐF
  • Plan for 1 cheese pizza per 10 people for picky eaters
  • Order extra if serving as the main dish

Frequently Asked Questions About Pizza

How many slices of pizza per person?

Adults typically eat 2-4 slices, with 3 being the average. Children usually eat 1-2 slices. The 3/8 rule (3 slices per person, 8 slices per pizza) is the industry standard for party planning.

Should I order more pizza for hungry guests?

Yes! If your guests are coming from activities (sports, hiking) or if pizza is the main meal, add 20-25% more. It's always better to have leftovers than hungry guests.

How do I keep pizza warm for a party?

Keep pizzas in a 200ยฐF (93ยฐC) oven. Stack boxes and rotate every 15-20 minutes. For best results, remove pizzas from boxes and place on baking sheets.

What's the best pizza topping ratio for a party?

A safe ratio is 40% cheese/plain, 30% pepperoni or meat lovers, 20% supreme/veggie, and 10% specialty. Adjust based on your crowd's preferences.

Should I order large or medium pizzas?

Large pizzas are more cost-effectiveโ€”you get more pizza per dollar. A large (14") has about 75% more area than a medium (12"). For parties of 10+, always go with large pizzas.