Napkin, Plate and Cup Calculator (BBQ and Party)
Enter guests and hours to get plates, napkins, cups and cutlery to buy.
Your numbers
One for the main meal, one for dessert or seconds.
%
$
$
$
Your results
Plates
Plates
—
Napkins
—
Cups
—
Cutlery sets (fork, knife, spoon)
—
Trash bags (1 per 25 guests, minimum 2)
—
Estimated cost
—
Napkin, Plate and Cup Calculator (BBQ and Party) by TheCalcTools
How the Napkin, Plate and Cup Calculator (BBQ and Party) works
Enter guests and event length. Plates are per guest, napkins and cups per guest per hour.
A buffer covers extra guests and spills.
Costs use your price per item.
The formula
Plates = guests × plates per guest × (1 + buffer)Napkins = guests × napkins per hour × hours × (1 + buffer)
Worked example
Using the default values shown in the calculator:
| Guests | 40 |
|---|---|
| Event length (hours) | 4 |
| Plates per guest | 2 |
| Napkins per guest per hour | 2 |
| Cups per guest per hour | 1 |
| Safety buffer | 15 % |
| Cost per plate | $0.12 |
| Cost per napkin | $0.02 |
| Cost per cup | $0.08 |
- 40 guests × 2 plates × 1.15 = 92 plates.
- Napkins: 40 × 2 × 4 hours × 1.15 = 368. Cups: 184. Estimated cost $33.12.
Result:
| Plates | 92 |
|---|---|
| Napkins | 368 |
| Cups | 184 |
| Cutlery sets (fork, knife, spoon) | 92 |
| Trash bags (1 per 25 guests, minimum 2) | 2 |
| Estimated cost | $33.12 |
Frequently asked questions
How many napkins per person?
Plan 2 per hour for a BBQ with messy food, and 3 per guest per hour for ribs or corn.
How many cups do I need?
About one cup per guest per hour, more if guests start a new cup with every drink.
Sources and further reading
Related calculators
More in Event & Party Planning · All calculators
This calculator gives estimates for information only. Check important results independently before you rely on them. See our disclaimer.