Kitchen Prep List Time Calculator
Enter your prep list size and staffing to estimate how long prep will take and whether you have enough cooks before service.
Total Prep Hours Needed
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Total Prep Hours (All Items)—
Hours Needed Per Cook—
Surplus/Deficit Hours Before Service—
About this calculator
Estimate total kitchen prep time needed before service based on number of prep items, average prep time per item, and number of available cooks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use the surplus/deficit number?
A positive number means you have enough time before service; a negative number means you need more cooks or need to start prep earlier.
Does this account for cook skill level?
No, it uses an average time per item. Adjust the average minutes per item up or down based on your team's experience.
Should mise en place setup time be included?
Yes, include basic setup and cleanup time in your average minutes per item for a more realistic estimate.