Dinner Party Portion Planner
Tell us how many guests you're hosting and how hungry they'll be, and we'll estimate how much protein, sides, and appetizers to prepare.
About this calculator
Scale ingredient quantities for a home dinner party based on guest count, appetite level, and course type so you buy the right amount of food.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is appetite level factored in?
Appetite level scales all quantities up or down — a low setting assumes lighter eaters or a multi-course meal, while a high setting assumes hearty portions, like for a group of very hungry guests.
Does this account for dietary restrictions?
No, this gives a general baseline. Adjust protein and side quantities manually if you have vegetarian, vegan, or other dietary needs among your guests.
What if I'm serving buffet-style?
Buffet-style meals often lead to slightly larger portions being taken; consider bumping the appetite level up by 1-2 points to compensate.