How much food per person at a party?

For a sit-down meal, plan 450-550g total per adult across all courses. For a buffet, plan 200-250g of savoury food plus 100g sweet items (300-350g total). For finger food, about 250-300g (8-12 pieces). Children eat roughly 60% of adult portions.

How do I calculate for children?

Children aged 5-12 eat about 60% of an adult portion. Under 5s eat about 40%. This calculator uses the 60% rule for simplicity. For very young children at a party, reduce further.

Should I make extra food for a buffet?

Yes — buffets need about 10-15% more food than sit-down meals because guests tend to take more when serving themselves. This calculator already accounts for buffet portions being slightly lower per course but higher overall.

How many different dishes for a buffet?

A good buffet should have 5-7 different dishes for variety. Include at least 2 main protein options, 2-3 salads or sides, bread, and 1-2 desserts. Having variety prevents any single dish running out.

PartyCalcs

Party Food Calculator — Portions Per Guest

Calculate total food quantities per guest for any type of party meal.

Adult Guests

Children

Meal Type

Cost per Head (optional)

How We Calculate This

This calculator uses UK catering industry portion standards to estimate total food by course and meal type.

Portion sizes by meal type

Sit-down: 100g starter + 200g main + 150g sides + 100g dessert = 550g per adult
Buffet: 50g starter + 120g main + 80g sides + 100g dessert = 350g per adult (200-250g savoury + 100g sweet)
Finger food: 250g total (~8-12 pieces) + 50g dessert
BBQ: 50g starter + 250g meat + 150g sides + 80g dessert = 530g per adult

Children's portions are calculated at 60% of adult sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Calculators

Pizza Party Calculator

Work out how many pizzas to order for your party based on guest numbers, appetites and topping variety. Never over or under-order again. Free tool.

BBQ Calculator

Estimate how much meat, burgers, sausages, buns and sides you need for your barbecue based on guest numbers. Plan the perfect BBQ. Free calculator.

Buffet Calculator

Plan a balanced buffet spread with the right portions of hot food, cold platters and sides per guest for your event. Free online calculator.

Finger Food Calculator

Calculate how many canapes and finger food pieces to prepare per guest for your party or drinks reception. Free online planning tool.

Dessert Calculator

Work out dessert portions and quantities for your party or event, covering cakes, tarts, fruit and sweet treats per guest. Free calculator.

Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Adjust quantities based on your guests and event type.