{
  "slug": "party-food-quantity",
  "title": "Party Food & Drink Quantity Calculator",
  "heading": "Party Food Quantity Calculator",
  "category": "other",
  "url": "https://www.revenuelab.fyi/toolbox/party-food-quantity",
  "summary": "How much food, ice, and drink to buy for your guest count.",
  "description": "Estimate catering quantities from guest count and event length using standard per-person serving rates, so you stop buying three times the hummus.",
  "formula": "Appetizers ≈ 6 pieces/guest first hour + 3/hour after; 1 drink/guest/hour; 1.5 lb ice/guest.",
  "dateModified": "2026-09-30",
  "run_url": "https://www.revenuelab.fyi/api/public/calc?tool=party-food-quantity",
  "inputs": [
    {
      "id": "guests",
      "label": "Guests",
      "kind": "number",
      "hint": null,
      "default": 30,
      "unit": null,
      "min": 1,
      "max": null
    },
    {
      "id": "hours",
      "label": "Event length",
      "kind": "number",
      "hint": null,
      "default": 4,
      "unit": "hr",
      "min": 1,
      "max": null
    },
    {
      "id": "mainOz",
      "label": "Main protein per guest",
      "kind": "number",
      "hint": null,
      "default": 6,
      "unit": "oz",
      "min": 0,
      "max": null
    }
  ],
  "outputs": [
    {
      "id": "apps",
      "label": "Appetizer pieces",
      "format": "number",
      "hint": null,
      "primary": true
    },
    {
      "id": "drinks",
      "label": "Total drinks",
      "format": "number",
      "hint": null,
      "primary": false
    },
    {
      "id": "protein",
      "label": "Main protein",
      "format": "decimal",
      "hint": null,
      "primary": false
    },
    {
      "id": "ice",
      "label": "Ice (lb)",
      "format": "decimal",
      "hint": null,
      "primary": false
    },
    {
      "id": "sides",
      "label": "Sides (lb)",
      "format": "decimal",
      "hint": null,
      "primary": false
    }
  ],
  "worked_example": {
    "inputs": [
      "Guests: 30",
      "Event length: 4 hr",
      "Main protein per guest: 6 oz"
    ],
    "outputs": [
      "Appetizer pieces: 450",
      "Total drinks: 120",
      "Main protein: 11.3",
      "Ice (lb): 45",
      "Sides (lb): 15"
    ]
  },
  "how_to": {
    "title": "How to use this",
    "steps": [
      "Enter guests.",
      "Enter event length (hr).",
      "Enter main protein per guest (oz).",
      "Read your appetizer pieces on the right — it updates as you type.",
      "Hit Share to keep the scenario or send it to someone."
    ]
  },
  "scenarios": [
    {
      "name": "Conservative",
      "description": "Lower-end numbers — what if things land soft?",
      "values": {
        "guests": 18,
        "hours": 2,
        "mainOz": 4
      }
    },
    {
      "name": "Typical",
      "description": "Defaults — the most common real-world setup.",
      "values": {
        "guests": 30,
        "hours": 4,
        "mainOz": 6
      }
    },
    {
      "name": "Ambitious",
      "description": "Higher-end numbers — what if things really pop?",
      "values": {
        "guests": 48,
        "hours": 6,
        "mainOz": 10
      }
    }
  ],
  "limitations": [
    "Estimates assume standard, average conditions — local rules, pricing, and materials vary.",
    "Results are rounded for readability; add a buffer before ordering, booking, or committing.",
    "Double-check anything with a real cost attached against a local quote."
  ],
  "faq": [
    {
      "q": "Is this for a full meal?",
      "a": "The appetizer number assumes heavy passed food. If you're serving a seated meal, cut the appetizer count roughly in half."
    },
    {
      "q": "Should I round up?",
      "a": "Round up on ice and drinks, round to the nearest package on food. Leftover ice costs pennies; running out mid-party doesn't."
    }
  ],
  "related": [],
  "license": "CC-BY-4.0",
  "citation": "RevenueLab — Party Food & Drink Quantity Calculator (https://www.revenuelab.fyi/toolbox/party-food-quantity)"
}