Catering Per Person Calculator Formula

Understand the math behind the catering per person calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.

Use the Catering Per Person Calculator

Formulas Used

Total Protein (raw)

total_protein_lbs = guests * protein_oz * 1.3 / 16

Total Sides (all dishes)

total_sides_lbs = guests * num_sides * side_oz / 16

Salad (mixed greens)

salad_lbs = salad * guests * 2 / 16

Total Food per Person

per_person_total_oz = protein_oz + num_sides * side_oz + salad * 2

Grand Total Food

food_total_lbs = guests * (protein_oz * 1.3 + num_sides * side_oz + salad * 2) / 16

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
guestsNumber of Guests50
protein_ozProtein per Person (cooked)(oz)6
num_sidesNumber of Side Dishes3
side_ozEach Side per Person(oz)4
saladInclude Salad?1

How It Works

How to Estimate Catering Quantities

Per Person Guidelines

  • Protein (cooked): 5-7 oz for adults (buy raw weight x 1.3 to account for shrinkage)
  • Side dishes: 3-5 oz per side per person
  • Salad: 1.5-2 oz of mixed greens per person
  • Bread: 1-2 pieces per person

    • 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.

    Worked Example

    50 guests, 6 oz protein, 3 sides at 4 oz each, with salad.

    guests = 50protein_oz = 6num_sides = 3side_oz = 4salad = 1
    1. 01Protein (raw) = 50 x 6 x 1.3 / 16 = 24.4 lbs
    2. 02Sides = 50 x 3 x 4 / 16 = 37.5 lbs total
    3. 03Salad = 50 x 2 / 16 = 6.25 lbs
    4. 04Per person = 6 + 12 + 2 = 20 oz of food
    5. 05Grand total = 50 x (7.8 + 12 + 2) / 16 = 68 lbs

    Ready to run the numbers?

    Open Catering Per Person Calculator