How much food to order for 40 people
For 40 people, order about 17–22 lb of main dish (6–8 oz each), 20 lb of sides (two sides, 80 servings), 40–80 rolls, 44 desserts and 120 drinks.
Assumes a buffet-style party for adults lasting about 2 hours, with one main course and two sides. Mains include about 10% extra for seconds.
| Item | For 40 people | Rule of thumb |
|---|---|---|
| Main dish (meat, fish or main) | 17–22 lb | 6–8 oz per person |
| Sides (2 kinds) | 20 lb (80 servings) | about 4 oz of each side |
| Bread or rolls | 40–80 | 1–2 per person |
| Dessert | 44 | 1 per person + 10% |
| Drinks | 120 | 2 in the first hour, 1 per hour after |
- Lots of kids under 10? Count each child as about half an adult.
- Longer than 2 hours or a big-appetite crowd? Add 20–25% to mains and drinks.
- Ordering pizza instead? See the pizza and shared-table calculator.
Snap the menu and get the order
These counts are rules of thumb. Portion sizes vary by caterer; ask them if their trays are small or large.