What the estimate includes
The model counts guests aged 18+ and 11–17 as one adult-equivalent, ages 3–10 as 0.6 and ages 1–2 as 0.35. You then choose a light, average or hungry appetite and an explicit 0–30% shopping buffer.
Menu format matters more than one universal weight. Canapés before a meal begin at four pieces per equivalent. A canapé-only event begins at six for the first hour plus three per additional hour, split four savoury to one sweet. A sandwich buffet begins at one sandwich round, two savoury bites and one sweet or fruit portion. Fork-buffet weights are shown by component.
How to turn the result into a menu
Choose dishes before buying packs. A filling pie, curry or traybake contributes differently from crisps or small canapés. Use the exact-menu buffet quantity planner to give every dish its own selector count and unit, then round the target against an identical pack on the same basis.
Version and test status
Version 0.2, 19 August 2026. Age bands, all four menu branches, buffers and boundary cases are covered by automated checks. The appetite factors and plant-based main weight are disclosed planning assumptions, not evidence about what your particular guests will eat; adjust the result against a real menu.
Questions people ask
How much buffet food should I allow per person?
There is no single amount that works for every menu. Use pieces for canapés, rounds and side portions for a sandwich buffet, or component weights for a fork buffet. The calculator exposes each starting assumption instead of hiding it inside one kilogram total.
Can I use this as a buffet catering calculator?
Use it as a transparent starting point, then replace every estimate with your caterer’s current dish yield, portion description, service method, product information and quote. It does not set a commercial order, confirm dietary suitability, storage, staffing, venue capacity or food-safety controls.
Should I count children as full portions?
The default counts ages 11–17 as one adult-equivalent, ages 3–10 as 0.6 and ages 1–2 as 0.35. Adjust the appetite setting when you know the children, preferences and whether familiar food is served separately.
Sources and assumptions
- Food Standards Agency — providing food at community events — current buffet chilling, ingredient and hygiene guidance
- Safefood — Christmas shopping planner — directional dish quantities; our general buffet formula is separate
- Good Food — how to plan and organise an event — directional fork-buffet component weights