How Many Shrimp Do I Need?

Quick answer: Plan on 6 shrimp per person. For 20 guests you need 120 shrimp, and for 50 guests you need 300 shrimp. Use our free calculator below for exact amounts.

Elegant appetizer for parties. Plan for 6-8 shrimp per person for cocktail shrimp.

120 shrimp

for 20 people

Estimated cost: $48 - $96

How Many Shrimp 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 Shrimp Calculator

Planning to serve shrimp 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 shrimp you need.

How We Calculate Shrimp Quantities

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

  • Average servings per person: 6 shrimp
  • Servings per shrimp: 1
  • Price range: $0.4 - $0.8 per shrimp

Tips for Ordering Shrimp

  • Buy 21-25 count shrimp (per pound) for appetizers
  • Keep on ice until serving
  • Thaw frozen shrimp in cold water 20-30 minutes
  • Offer cocktail sauce and lemon wedges
  • Pre-peeled and deveined saves time

Frequently Asked Questions About Shrimp

How many shrimp per person?

For cocktail shrimp appetizers, plan for 5-7 large shrimp per person. As a main dish, plan for 8-12 shrimp per person depending on size.

What size shrimp should I buy?

Shrimp are sized by count per pound. For appetizers, 21-25 count (large) or 16-20 count (extra large) are ideal. Bigger shrimp are easier to eat and look impressive.

How do I keep shrimp cold at a party?

Serve on a bed of crushed ice in a large bowl or platter. Place a smaller bowl inside a larger bowl of ice for an elegant presentation. Replenish ice as needed.