🍕 Pizza Calculator

Pizza is the ultimate party food - easy to order, universally loved, and no cooking required. But ordering the right amount can be tricky. Order too little and guests go hungry. Order too much and you're eating leftover pizza for a week (though is that really a problem?).

The Basic Formula

For a standard large pizza with 8 slices, plan for each adult to eat 2-3 slices if it's the main meal. Kids typically eat 2 slices. If pizza is just part of a larger spread with other foods, reduce to 1-2 slices per person.

Quick Reference Guide

• 10 people: 4-5 large pizzas
• 20 people: 8-10 large pizzas
• 30 people: 12-15 large pizzas
• 50 people: 19-25 large pizzas

Adjusting for Your Crowd

Order more if: Mostly teenage boys or young adults, pizza is the only food, it's a Super Bowl or sports party, or the party is longer than 3 hours.

Order less if: Lots of young children, multiple food options available, it's a cocktail party with appetizers, or it's a more formal daytime event.

Pizza Sizes Explained

Small (10"): 6 slices - serves 2-3 people
Medium (12"): 8 slices - serves 3-4 people
Large (14"): 8-10 slices - serves 4-5 people
Extra Large (16"+): 10-12 slices - serves 5-7 people

Note: Large pizzas are almost always the best value. Two medium pizzas cost more and provide fewer slices than one large pizza.

Choosing Flavors

The golden rule: 40% cheese, 30% pepperoni, 30% variety. Cheese is universally popular and works for vegetarians. Pepperoni is a classic favorite. Use the remaining 30% for variety - supreme, Hawaiian, BBQ chicken, veggie lovers, or meat lovers.

Dietary Considerations

Always have at least one vegetarian pizza (cheese or veggie). If you know attendees are vegan, order a vegan cheese option. For gluten-free needs, check if your pizzeria offers gluten-free crusts - many chains now do. Label which pizzas are which so guests can easily identify their options.

Timing Your Order

For parties, call ahead and schedule a delivery time - don't just order same-day during the party. Large orders may take 45-90 minutes. For very large parties (50+ people), give 24-48 hours notice. Some pizzerias offer discounts for bulk orders.

Keeping Pizza Hot

Pizza boxes stack well and insulate. Keep pizzas closed in boxes until serving to retain heat. If needed, you can keep pizzas warm in a 200°F oven (but this can make the crust tough). For long parties, consider ordering in two batches - fresh hot pizza halfway through is always a hit.

Don't Forget the Extras

Order sides strategically: breadsticks or garlic bread are great starters while you wait for pizzas. Salads add freshness and help stretch the meal. Wings or pasta can supplement if you're worried about running short. Most importantly, have plenty of napkins - plan for 3 per person minimum.

Planning other party foods? Check out our other calculators: