How Much Pizza to Order for a Party (With a Planning Table)
A simple formula and a planning table to work out how much pizza to order for your next party, without running out or over-ordering.
Order too little pizza and the last guests get crusts. Order too much and you are eating leftovers for a week. The good news is that working out how much pizza a party needs is mostly simple maths, plus a little common sense about who is coming and what else you are serving.
This guide gives you a formula, a slices-per-person guide and a planning table you can use for anything from a small birthday to a team party.
Plan on about three slices per adult, and always round up.
The Simple Formula
Every pizza order comes down to three numbers:
Pizzas needed = (number of guests × slices per person) ÷ slices per pizza
Always round up. If the maths says 5.4 pizzas, order 6. A spare pizza is much easier to deal with than a hungry crowd.
The tricky part is choosing the right number of slices per person and knowing how many slices each pizza size gives you. The next two sections cover both.
How Many Slices Per Person?
Appetites vary a lot, so plan by the kind of crowd you are expecting. These are typical starting points for a meal where pizza is the main food:
| Guest | Slices |
|---|---|
| Young children | 1–2 |
| Older children | 2–3 |
| Adults, light eaters | 2 |
| Adults, average | 3 |
| Teens, athletes and big appetites | 4+ |
If you are also serving wings, salad, garlic bread or other food, most people will eat about one slice less. If the party runs through a mealtime, plan for full appetites. If it is mid-afternoon with snacks around, plan a little lighter.
How Many Slices Are in a Pizza?
Slice counts vary from pizzeria to pizzeria, and even between sizes at the same shop, so it is worth asking how your pizzas will be cut when you place the order. Many pizzerias cut a large pizza into 8 slices, which is what the planning table below assumes.
At Franko's, pizzas come in small, medium, large and extra-large. If you are not sure which size gives you the best value for a group, call (519) 676-0777 and ask. We are happy to help you work it out.
Pizza Party Planning Table
This table assumes an average of three slices per person for pizza on its own, about two and a half slices when there are plenty of sides, and large pizzas cut into 8 slices. Adjust it up or down for your crowd.
| Guests | Slices needed | Pizza only | With sides |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 15 | 2 | 2 |
| 10 | 30 | 4 | 3–4 |
| 15 | 45 | 6 | 5 |
| 20 | 60 | 8 | 6–7 |
| 25 | 75 | 10 | 8 |
| 30 | 90 | 12 | 9–10 |
| 40 | 120 | 15 | 12–13 |
| 50 | 150 | 19 | 15–16 |
Adjust for Your Crowd
The table is a starting point. Nudge it up or down based on the event:
- Kids' birthday parties: young children often eat less than you expect, but the adults who come along will want some too. Count parents in your guest list.
- Sports teams: after a game or practice, plan for four slices per player.
- Office lunches: two to three slices per person is usually right, especially with a salad on the side.
- Long events: if people are staying for several hours, they will come back for seconds. Consider ordering in two rounds so the second batch arrives hot.
- Evening get-togethers: if guests have already eaten dinner, pizza becomes a snack and two slices each is plenty.
Do Not Forget Variety, Sides and Drinks
How much pizza is only half the question. The other half is what kind. For most groups a mix works best: some plain cheese or pepperoni, a meat-lover's style pizza and at least one vegetarian option. Our pizza party planning guide walks through choosing the mix.
Sides stretch your order and give guests choice. Chicken wings, garlic strips with cheese, fries and salads are all on the Franko's menu. For drinks, a 2 litre bottle of pop pours about eight 250 mL glasses, so plan on at least one bottle for every four to six guests.
Combos can make the maths easier. Franko's pizza and wing combos range from a single small pizza with a pound of wings up to the Mega Combo with two large pizzas, two pounds of wings, a 2 litre pop and large fries.
Leftovers Are Not a Failure
A few extra slices are a sign you planned well. Refrigerate them within two hours and they make an easy lunch the next day. Our pizza takeout tips explain how to store and reheat pizza safely so it still tastes good.
Ordering for a Big Group
For large orders, call ahead so we can plan your timing. Let us know how many people you are feeding, when you need the food, and whether it is for pickup or delivery. Our menu also notes that large quantity discounts are available, so ask about them when you call. Find out more on our party and group orders page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pizzas do I need for 20 people?
With an average of three slices per person, 20 people need about 60 slices. If each large pizza is cut into 8 slices, that is 8 large pizzas, or 6 to 7 if you are also serving wings and sides.
How many slices of pizza does a child eat?
Younger children usually eat 1 to 2 slices and older kids 2 to 3, but it depends on age, appetite and what else is being served.
Is it better to order too much pizza or too little?
Round up. A little extra pizza makes good leftovers if it is refrigerated within two hours, while running out early is hard to fix in the middle of a party.
