How much food do you need for your guests? Enter the number of people and the type of gathering to get a practical shopping and cooking guide. It runs in your browser and nothing is saved or sent.
Planning the whole event? The Holiday Planner 2026 Printable (my own product, made with AI assistance) has a menu planner, guest list, shopping list and timeline. Code LAUNCH30 gives 30% off while it lasts. Hosting for Ramadan? See the Ramadan 2027 Planner. Or start free with the Holiday Countdown Checklist.
How it works
The calculator uses common catering rules of thumb per adult, counts a child as about half a portion, and multiplies by your appetite setting. Buffets and potlucks are scaled up a little because guests sample several dishes; appetizer-only parties assume about 10 to 12 pieces per person for a two-hour event.
Tips to avoid running out (or drowning in leftovers)
Add 10% extra for gatherings over 20 people, and 1 to 2 extra portions of the main dish for surprise guests.
Plan more variety rather than more of one dish: guests take small amounts of many things.
Ask about dietary needs when you invite: halaal, vegetarian, allergies. Label dishes clearly.
Have containers ready so guests can take leftovers home and nothing is wasted.
Cook what you can the day before. See our Ramadan preparation checklist for a make-ahead approach that works for any big meal.