How much soup per person for a starter?

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.

How much soup per person as a main course?

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.

Should I make extra soup for seconds?

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.

How long can I keep homemade soup?

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.

How much bread should I serve with soup?

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.

BakeCalcs

Soup Portions Calculator

Calculate soup volumes and accompaniments for starters, mains, and events by number of servings.

Number of Servings

How many people you are serving soup to

Serving TypeStarter ~200ml, main course ~350ml with bread, mug serving ~250ml

How We Calculate This

This calculator uses typical UK catering portion guidance rather than a regulated standard. Volumes are based on common bowl and mug capacities used in home and professional kitchens. As a quick reference, a standard ladle holds about 120ml (half a cup), so a starter is roughly one and a half to two ladles and a main course about three ladles.

Portion Sizes (typical guidance)

Starter: 200ml per person (first-course range 120-240ml / ~1 cup)
Main course: 350ml per person, served with bread (a standalone main is nearer 360-480ml / 1.5-2 cups)
Mug serving: 250ml per person (a comfortable fill level for a standard 300ml mug)

These are typical catering heuristics, not a fixed standard. Adjust the per-person volume for heartier or lighter soups, and use the Extra for Seconds option to add a buffer for refills.

Accompaniments

1 bread roll per person
15ml cream per person for garnish

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.