Catering Per Person Calculator
Estimate the total food weight per person for a catered event, including protein, sides, salad, and dessert.
oz
oz
Total Protein (raw)
24.4 lbs
Total Sides (all dishes)37.5 lbs
Salad (mixed greens)6.3 lbs
Total Food per Person20 oz
Grand Total Food68 lbs
How to Estimate Catering Quantities
Per Person Guidelines
Formula
Total Protein (raw lbs) = Guests x Cooked oz x 1.3 / 16
Total Sides (lbs) = Guests x Sides x oz per Side / 16
Buffet vs. Plated
Buffets typically need 15-20% more food than plated service because guests serve themselves and portions are less controlled.
Example Calculation
50 guests, 6 oz protein, 3 sides at 4 oz each, with salad.
- 01Protein (raw) = 50 x 6 x 1.3 / 16 = 24.4 lbs
- 02Sides = 50 x 3 x 4 / 16 = 37.5 lbs total
- 03Salad = 50 x 2 / 16 = 6.25 lbs
- 04Per person = 6 + 12 + 2 = 20 oz of food
- 05Grand total = 50 x (7.8 + 12 + 2) / 16 = 68 lbs
Frequently Asked Questions
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