How much food do I need per person for a buffet?

For a standard 2-hour buffet, plan for approximately 250-350g of food per person in total, spread across 8-10 different items. This works out to roughly 30-40g per item per person. For longer events, increase to around 400g per person with 12 items.

How many dishes should I offer at a buffet?

A good rule of thumb is 6-8 different dishes for a standard buffet. This should include a mix of proteins, carbohydrates, salads, and vegetable dishes. For larger events (50+ guests), consider 8-10 dishes to offer more variety without increasing the total food quantity per person.

Should I increase quantities for a buffet with mostly men?

Professional caterers sometimes add 10-15% for predominantly male groups, as average consumption tends to be slightly higher. However, the standard quantities already account for a mixed group and are generally sufficient for most events.

How do I account for dietary requirements at a buffet?

A good approach is to make 1-2 of your dishes naturally vegetarian or vegan, and label all dishes clearly. You do not need to increase the total food quantity for dietary requirements — the same total amount per person applies, just spread across suitable alternatives.

How much less food do I need for a light nibbles event?

For a light nibbles or drinks reception, plan for about 150-200g per person with 5-6 items. This is roughly 60% of a standard buffet quantity. These events typically last 1-2 hours and feature lighter, bite-sized items.

BakeCalcs

Buffet Quantity Calculator

Calculate total food quantities for a buffet based on guest count, event duration, and number of dishes.

Number of Guests

Number of Dishes

Event Type

How We Calculate This

This calculator uses professional catering guidelines for UK buffet planning. The standard recommendation is 8-10 individual food items per person for a 2-hour buffet, with a total food weight of approximately 250-350g per person.

The Calculation

Total food weight = Guests x Food per person (g)
Total portions = Guests x Items per person
Portions per dish = Total portions / Number of dishes

Event Type Adjustments

Standard (2 hours): ~300g per person, 9 items each
Extended (3-4 hours): ~400g per person, 12 items each
Light nibbles: ~180g per person, 6 items each

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are based on standard ratios and conversions. Results may vary with specific ingredients, equipment, and conditions.