Soup Portions Calculator

For a soup starter, allow around 200ml per person (roughly one cup, which catering guides put at 120-240ml for a first course). This is a typical small bowl portion that leaves room for the courses to follow. Serve in pre-warmed bowls for the best presentation and temperature.

This calculator uses 350ml per person for a main course served WITH bread. As a standalone main, soup portions are typically larger, around 1.5-2 cups (360-480ml). Because this calc bundles a bread roll per person, 350ml of a hearty soup with beans, meat, or pulses makes a satisfying meal. If you are serving soup alone with no bread, increase the per-person volume towards 400-480ml using the Extra for Seconds option.

For a casual meal, adding 15-20% extra is wise as people often want a second small helping of a good soup. For formal dinners and events, the standard portion should be sufficient as there are usually other courses.

Most homemade soups keep for 3-4 days in the fridge in a sealed container. Soup also freezes well for 2-3 months. Allow it to cool completely before refrigerating or freezing. Cream-based soups may separate when frozen but can be re-blended when reheated.

Allow 1-2 bread rolls per person, or 2-3 slices of crusty bread. For a bread basket at a dinner party, allow about 80g of bread per person. Warm the bread just before serving for the best experience.