Event Catering & Banquet Food Quantity Calculator
Calculate exact food and drink quantities for weddings, corporate events, and parties. Prevent waste with algorithms for guest demographics and event duration.
About
Accurate catering estimation is the backbone of a successful event. Underordering results in embarrassed hosts and hungry guests, while overordering leads to significant financial loss and food waste. Professional caterers do not rely on guesswork; they utilize specific consumption coefficients based on event duration, time of day, and guest demographics. For instance, a cocktail hour requires a completely different volume of hors d'oeuvres compared to a sit-down gala dinner.
This tool serves as a planning assistant for organizers, bridging the gap between guest lists and grocery lists. By accounting for variables such as the male-to-female ratio and the presence of children, it adjusts the caloric density and alcohol requirements accordingly. A standard adult might consume approximately 1.2 kg of food during a 6-hour wedding, but this figure fluctuates wildly based on the service style (buffet vs. plated) and the inclusion of alcohol.
Formulas
The core calculation relies on a base consumption rate modified by demographic factors. Total food weight W is estimated as:
Where N is the guest count, Rbase is the hourly intake rate (e.g., 200 g/hr), T is duration, and Cdemo is a composite coefficient derived from the gender/age split. Alcohol estimation typically follows a ratio:
Reference Data
| Event Type | Avg. Food (per person) | Avg. Drink (per hour) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cocktail Hour | 8 − 12 pieces | 2 drinks | Finger foods only. High turnover. |
| Wedding Reception | 1.2 − 1.5 kg | 1 drink | Includes appetizers, main, dessert. |
| Corporate Lunch | 500 − 700 g | 300 ml (Soft) | Heavier on proteins/carbs, less sugar. |
| Kids Party | 400 − 600 g | 400 ml | High sugar/snack consumption. |
| Dinner Party | 800 − 1000 g | 1.5 drinks | Plated service reduces waste. |
| Afternoon Tea | 300 − 400 g | 500 ml (Tea) | Scones, sandwiches, pastries. |
| Buffet (General) | 1.0 kg | 1 drink | People tend to take 20% more at buffets. |