Party Portions Calculator — how much food for guests

Standard Polish party portions: dinner 200 g/person, BBQ 300 g/person (including bones and losses), buffet 180 g/person, supper 150 g/person, breakfast 100 g/person. For weddings or christenings plan 10–15% extra. Children eat about 50–60% of an adult portion, so the calculator applies a 0.85 factor when children are among the guests.

For a BBQ for 20 adults: meat 300 g × 20 = 6 kg, salads 150 g × 20 = 3 kg, bread 60 g × 20 ÷ 50 g = 24 rolls. Add 10% buffer. Also prepare sauces, grilled vegetables and drinks. The calculator automatically adjusts quantities for the selected meal type.

For a wedding for 100 people (dinner): meat 200 g × 100 = 20 kg, salads 200 g × 100 = 20 kg, bread 100 × 250 g ÷ 50 g = 500 rolls or equivalent. Plan two main courses and 4–5 salad varieties. Wedding catering typically costs PLN 150–250 per person for full service.

Buffet portions per person: meat/cold cuts 180 g, salads 180 g, bread 80 g. At a buffet guests take smaller portions but try many items, so serve at least 5–6 dishes. Mix hot and cold options. The calculator uses buffet-sized portions — smaller than dinner portions.

Yes — children aged 3–12 eat about 50–70% of an adult portion. The calculator applies a 0.85 factor to the whole group, corresponding to a party where some guests are children. For a children-only event, reduce portions to 60%. For equal numbers of children and adults, use a 0.75 factor.

The calculator treats 1 roll = 50 g. Standard bread portions: dinner 250 g (5 rolls), breakfast 100 g (2 rolls), supper 100 g (2 rolls), buffet 80 g (1–2 rolls), BBQ 60 g (1 roll). For large events, order bread the day before or arrange fresh delivery on the morning of the party.

Salad portions: dinner 200 g/person, BBQ 150 g/person, buffet 180 g/person, supper 150 g/person, breakfast 150 g/person. Prepare at least 3 varieties. For large events, serve salads in communal bowls. Green salad, coleslaw and carrot salad are Polish party classics.

Step by step: 1) Confirm guest count and date, 2) Decide on the menu, 3) Use the calculator, 4) Add 10–15% buffer, 5) Check prices at wholesaler or supermarket, 6) Order in advance. For events of 50+ people, consider catering or ordering meat from a butcher a few days ahead.

The calculator uses 300 g meat/person for BBQ. Recommended assortment: pork neck 30–40%, sausage 30%, wings/ribs 20%, grilled vegetables 10%. Buy meat the day before and marinate for at least 12 hours. For 20 people: about 6 kg total of various types.

Catering is worthwhile for 30+ guests or when you lack a large kitchen. Prices: occasional events PLN 80–150/person, lunch box PLN 25–60/person, served BBQ PLN 60–100/person. Self-catering for 30 people costs PLN 25–50/person in ingredients but requires a lot of work. The portions calculator helps estimate shopping regardless of your choice.