How many pizzas for a kids' party? Food & headcount calculator
Tell us who's coming and how long the party runs. We'll work out pizzas, drinks, cake and snacks, with a shopping list you can copy.
Food for 12 kids + 4 adults, 2 hours
Estimates from the rules of thumb below. Round up if your crowd is hungry or the party runs through a mealtime.
Shopping list
- 5 pizzas (36 slices). Make about a third plain cheese.
- 24 kid drinks (juice boxes, pouches or cups) plus water
- 8 adult drinks (coffee, sparkling water, soda)
- Cake for 18: a 9x13 or quarter sheet (about 20-24 slices), or 24 cupcakes
- 2 quarts of ice cream (optional)
- About 14 cups of salty snacks (popcorn, pretzels, crackers)
- About 8 cups of fruit and 8 cups of veggies with dip
- 32 plates, 48 napkins, 32 cups (dinner and cake)
- Candles, a lighter, a cake knife and a serving spatula
How many pizzas for 10, 15, 20 or 30 kids?
For a two-hour party at lunch or dinner time, ages 6-8, with large pizzas (about 8 slices) and one adult for every four kids:
| Kids | Adults | Large pizzas | Cake servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 2 | 3 | 11 |
| 10 | 3 | 4 | 15 |
| 12 | 3 | 5 | 17 |
| 15 | 4 | 6 | 21 |
| 20 | 5 | 7 | 28 |
| 25 | 7 | 9 | 36 |
| 30 | 8 | 11 | 42 |
Teens eat more and preschoolers less: change the age range in the calculator above.
The rules of thumb we use
These are planning estimates from common party-hosting rules of thumb, not nutrition advice. Adjust for your crowd.
- Pizza: about 1 slice per toddler, 1½ for preschoolers, 2 for ages 6-8, 2½ for tweens and 3 for teens; 2 per adult who's eating. Add half a slice per kid for parties of 3 hours or more, then a 10% cushion.
- Drinks: about one per kid per hour (at least two each), plus water for everyone.
- Cake: one serving per person plus 10%. Cupcakes round up to the dozen.
- Snacks: about a cup per kid; double it for a snacks-only party.
- Fruit and veggies: about half a cup of each per person.
Healthy options kids actually eat
- Fruit skewers or a rainbow fruit tray (cut grapes lengthwise for little ones)
- Veggie cups with hummus or ranch already in the bottom
- Cheese cubes, crackers and turkey roll-ups
- Popcorn for kids over 4, instead of chips
- Water with sliced oranges or berries in a big dispenser
- Mini muffins or banana bread instead of a second sweet
Allergy notes
Ask about allergies on the RSVP, and plan the shared food so it's safe for everyone rather than serving one child a separate plate. Keep packaging until the party's over so parents can check ingredients, label dishes, and ask a bakery about allergens and shared equipment. Read the full allergy guide.
Frequently asked questions
How many pizzas do I need for 20 kids?
About 7 large pizzas (8 slices each) for 20 kids aged 6-8 and 5 adults at a two-hour mealtime party, including a 10% cushion. Teens eat more, so plan about 10 for a teen crowd.
How many pizzas for 10 kids?
About 4 large pizzas (8 slices each) for 10 kids aged 6-8 and 3 adults at a two-hour mealtime party, including a 10% cushion. Teens eat more, so plan about 5 for a teen crowd.
How much cake do I need for a kids' party?
One serving per guest plus about 10%. An 8-inch round cake gives roughly 12-16 party slices; a quarter sheet about 20-24.
How many drinks per child at a party?
Plan about one per kid per hour, with at least two each, and have water available for everyone.