Catering Quantity Calculator Formula

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

Use the Catering Quantity Calculator

Formulas Used

Total Entree

total_entree = (guests * entree_weight_g) / 1000

Total Per Side Dish

total_per_side = (guests * side_weight_g) / 1000

Total All Sides

total_all_sides = (guests * side_weight_g * num_sides) / 1000

Total Food Weight

total_food = (guests * (entree_weight_g + side_weight_g * num_sides)) / 1000

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
guestsNumber of Guests(guests)50
entree_weight_gEntree Portion(g)225
num_sidesNumber of Side Dishes2
side_weight_gSide Dish Portion(g)150

How It Works

Professional Catering Quantities

Formula

Total = Guests x Portion Size

Professional Standards

  • Entree (boneless): 170-225 g (6-8 oz) per person
  • Entree (bone-in): 280-340 g (10-12 oz) per person
  • Side dish: 115-170 g (4-6 oz) per person per side
  • Salad: 85 g (3 oz) per person
  • Dessert: 1 piece or 115 g per person

    • Professional caterers add 5-10% to all quantities.

    Worked Example

    Cater a dinner for 50 guests with an entree and 2 sides.

    guests = 50entree_weight_g = 225num_sides = 2side_weight_g = 150
    1. 01Entree: 50 x 225 g = 11,250 g = 11.25 kg.
    2. 02Per side: 50 x 150 g = 7,500 g = 7.5 kg.
    3. 03Both sides: 7.5 x 2 = 15 kg.
    4. 04Total food: 11.25 + 15 = 26.25 kg.

    Ready to run the numbers?

    Open Catering Quantity Calculator