Serving Size Calculator
Calculate perfect portion sizes for different numbers of people and meal types. Plan meals without waste or shortages. Perfect for dinner parties, meal prep, and everyday cooking.
Serving Size Calculator
Plan portions without stress
1 How many people are you serving?
2 What type of food are you serving?
Meat & Poultry
Chicken, beef, pork
Fish & Seafood
Salmon, shrimp, tuna
Vegetables
Broccoli, carrots, salad
Rice & Grains
Rice, quinoa, couscous
Pasta
Spaghetti, noodles, macaroni
Side Dishes
Bread, potatoes, beans
Desserts
Cake, cookies, pie
Other
Custom food type
3 Meal Context & Preferences
Portion Planning Tips
- Consider leftovers when planning - most people prefer having a little extra
- Kids typically eat ½ to ¾ of adult portions, depending on age
- At parties, plan for 1.5x normal portions since people often take smaller initial servings
- Raw meats and vegetables cook down, so plan for more than the final cooked amount
Serving Size Calculator
One of the hardest parts of cooking isn't the recipe—it's knowing how much food to make. Too little can leave people hungry, and too much often ends up wasted. This becomes even trickier when you're cooking for a group.
This Serving Size Calculator is designed to make portion planning simple. You enter how many people you're serving, choose the type of food, and select the kind of meal you're planning. The calculator then gives you a clear, realistic estimate of how much to prepare.
What makes this tool useful is its flexibility. It adjusts portions based on appetite, meal type, and whether you're cooking a regular dinner or hosting a gathering. The layout is clean and easy to read, so you can get answers quickly without digging through charts.
The calculator works well for everyday meals, meal prep, and events. It helps you plan confidently and avoid unnecessary waste.
With clear guidance and practical results, this Serving Size Calculator makes cooking for any number of people easier and more predictable.
How to Use the Serving Size Calculator
Set Number of People
Use the slider or enter the number of people you're serving
Choose Food Type
Select the type of food you're planning to serve
Set Context
Choose meal type, age group, and appetite preferences
Common Serving Size Examples
Here are typical serving sizes for common foods in different meal contexts. These examples show how portion sizes vary based on meal type, age group, and appetite level.
| Food Type | Context | Per Person | For 4 People | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken Breast | Daily meal, adults | 6.0 oz | 24.0 oz | Standard dinner portion |
| Chicken Breast | Party, mixed ages | 7.8 oz | 31.2 oz | Larger for gatherings |
| Salmon Fillet | Daily meal, adults | 6.0 oz | 24.0 oz | Similar to meat portions |
| Broccoli | Daily meal, adults | 4.0 oz | 16.0 oz | Side dish portion |
| Broccoli | Kids, light eaters | 1.9 oz | 7.6 oz | Smaller for children |
| White Rice | Daily meal, adults | 4.0 oz | 16.0 oz | Cooked weight |
| Spaghetti | Daily meal, adults | 4.0 oz | 16.0 oz | Cooked pasta weight |
| Spaghetti | Hearty eaters, party | 8.3 oz | 33.2 oz | Larger for big appetites |
| Mashed Potatoes | Daily meal, adults | 4.0 oz | 16.0 oz | Side dish serving |
| Chocolate Cake | Daily meal, adults | 3.0 oz | 12.0 oz | Dessert portion |
| Chocolate Cake | Kids, party | 2.3 oz | 9.2 oz | Smaller dessert for kids |
| Ground Beef | Daily meal, adults | 6.0 oz | 24.0 oz | Similar to other meats |
| Ground Beef | Buffet, hearty eaters | 12.6 oz | 50.4 oz | Much larger for self-serve |
| Mixed Vegetables | Daily meal, adults | 4.0 oz | 16.0 oz | Vegetable side dish |
| Baked Beans | Party, mixed ages | 5.2 oz | 20.8 oz | Side dish for gatherings |
* Portions are estimates and can vary based on specific recipes and preferences. All weights shown are cooked portions.
Meal Type Impact
Daily meals use standard portions, while parties and buffets require 30-50% more food to account for serving styles and seconds.
Age & Appetite Factors
Kids typically need 60% of adult portions, while hearty eaters may need 40% more. Mixed groups average these factors.