How Many Pizzas Should I Order?

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By: Tom Valenti

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When you are hosting an event or a party, it can be difficult to decide how many pizzas to order. You don’t want to have too few and run out, but at the same time, ordering too much means there will be leftovers that could go to waste. Therefore, you may ask yourself “How many pizzas should I order?”

This guide is designed to help you make the right decisions when it comes to ordering pizza for your event. So, continue reading to learn more about how many pizzas you should order for your event or party. We have all the answers you need to make sure everyone is satisfied.

Related:

How Many Slices Are in a Pizza?

How Many Pizzas Should I Order

The first step in determining how many pizzas you should order is to decide how many slices are in a pizza. The number of slices per pizza can vary depending on the size of the pizza and whether you have it cut in traditional or square slices.

For traditional slices:

A small 10 inches pizza generally comes with 6 slices.

A medium 12 inches pizza generally comes with 8 slices.

A large 14 inches pizza generally comes with 10 slices.

An ex-large 16 inches pizza generally comes with 12 slices.

For square slides: Square-cut pizzas are cut into larger pieces, allowing for fewer slices per pizza.

A small square-cut 10 inches pizza usually has 4 slices.

A medium 12 inches square-cut pizza usually has 6 slices.

A large 14 inches pizza usually has 8 to 10 slices.

An ex-large 16 inches pizza usually has 10 to 12 slices.

How Many Pizzas Should I Order?

Now that you know how many slices you will get from one pizza, it’s time to decide how many pizzas you need.

It’s tricky to estimate the right amount of pizza for a group of people because it depends on hungry levels, the size of the slices and whether you serve other food. However, a good rule of thumb is to estimate that each adult will eat 3 slices per meal, while children will typically eat 2 slices.

Therefore, to determine how many pizzas you need for a party or event, multiply the total number of guests by 3, then divide by 8 (for a traditional pizza cut). 

Number of pizzas = Number of guests x ⅜ 

For example, if you are hosting an event for 24 people and you plan to serve traditional round-cut pizza slices, then the calculation would be 24 x 3/8 = 9 pizzas.

You also can follow the below chart for a quick reference on how many pizzas you should order:

Number of GuestsNumber of Pizzas
5-72
8-93
10-154 to 6 
15-206 to 8
20-258 to 10
30-3511 to 13
40-4514 to 16
50-5517 to 19

It’s important to remember that this is just an estimate, and you may need to adjust the number of pizzas depending on your event. If you are still unsure, order a few extra pizzas just in case.

How to Serve Pizza?

How Many Pizzas Should I Order

Once you know how many pizzas to order, it’s time to think about how you will serve them. Depending on the type of event you are hosting, there are a few ways to go about serving pizza.

If your event is casual and informal, consider setting out the pizzas in their boxes so people can easily take slices as they want. Alternatively, if you’re hosting a more formal gathering, cutting the pizzas into individual slices before serving them may be a better option.

In addition to the pizza itself, don’t forget to make sure you have all the necessary supplies for serving such as plates and napkins. This way everyone has what they need to enjoy their meal without having to worry about getting their hands messy.

What are Some Tips for Ordering Pizza?

Now that you know how many pizzas to order, here are some helpful tips to make sure the process goes smoothly.

  • Place your order early: When you’re hosting an event or party, it is important to place your order as early as possible. This will allow the restaurant enough time to prepare your order and avoid any last-minute surprises.
  • Order different flavors: To keep all of your guests happy, make sure to order a few different types of pizzas. The most popular options are pepperoni, cheese, veggie, and Hawaiian.
  • Ask for discounts: Many pizza places offer discounts for large orders or when you order multiple pizzas. Ask your local restaurant what type of offers they have available.
  • Pick them up yourself: When ordering a large number of pizzas, it is usually best to pick them up yourself. This way, you can make sure that all the pizzas are accounted for and arrive on time.
  • Plan ahead: Finally, it’s important to plan ahead before ordering so that you don’t end up with too much or too little pizza for your event. Take into account the size of the slices, how many guests will be attending, and any dietary restrictions before placing your order.

By following these tips, you should have no problem ordering the perfect amount of pizza for your next event.

FAQs

How Many Pizzas Should I Order For 18 People?

You should order 7 pizzas for 18 people.

Is 10 Pizzas Enough For 30 People?

No, 10 pizzas are not enough for 30 people. You would need to order at least 11-13 pizzas for 30 people.

How Many Pizzas For 20 Toddlers?

Toddlers typically eat 2 slices of pizza each, so you would need to multiply 20 by 3/8 to get the total number of pizzas needed. This would equate to 10 pizzas.

Should I Order Extra Pizzas Just In Case? 

Yes, it is always a good idea to order a few extra pizzas just in case. This way you can avoid running out of pizza and disappointing your guests.

Bottom Line

Ordering the right amount of pizza for your event or party can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be. Just follow the guidelines outlined in this article and you should have no problem choosing the perfect amount for your guests. Don’t forget to order a few extra pizzas just in case, and don’t be afraid to ask your local restaurant about any discounts they may offer.

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Tom Valenti

Chef/Owner of both Ouest and ‘Cesca, and the Executive Chef of Le Cirque, Alison on Dominick, and Butterfield 81.

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