How many pizzas do you need for 40 people? Order 15-16 large pizzas for 40 adults, or 12-13 large pizzas for a mixed group of adults and children. This is a substantial event size that benefits from careful planning—here's your complete guide.

Quick Answer: Pizza for 40 People

Pizza Quantities for 40 Guests

All Adults (moderate appetite): 15-16 large pizzas
Mixed Adults and Children: 12-13 large pizzas
Mostly Children: 10-11 large pizzas
Hungry Adults (game day): 18-20 large pizzas
Light Eaters (with other food): 12-13 large pizzas

The Math for 40 People

For 40 adults with average appetites:

40 people × 3 slices = 120 slices needed
120 slices ÷ 10 slices per large = 12 pizzas minimum
Add 3-4 for buffer = 15-16 large pizzas

Recommended Variety: 16 Pizza Breakdown

6-7 Cheese Pizzas (40%): The crowd-pleaser everyone can eat
5 Pepperoni Pizzas (30%): America's favorite topping
3 Veggie Pizzas (20%): For vegetarians and variety
1-2 Specialty Pizzas (10%): Meat lovers, BBQ chicken, or supreme

Budget for 40 People

Estimated Costs (16 Large Pizzas)

Little Caesars: $112-$144
Domino's: $160-$224 (with deals)
Pizza Hut: $192-$256
Papa John's: $224-$288
Local Pizzeria: $240-$352

That's only $4-$9 per person!

Money-Saving Tips for Large Orders

Ask for bulk pricing: 15+ pizzas often qualifies for 10-20% off
Call the manager: Don't rely on online pricing for large orders
Order weekday lunch: Better deals than Friday/Saturday evening
Pick up if possible: Save $15-$25 on delivery for this size order
Stack coupons: Some chains allow online deals + bulk discounts

Get Your Exact Pizza Count

Our calculator adjusts for your specific group's ages and appetites.

Try the Pizza Calculator

Timing and Logistics

1 week before: Get final headcount, contact pizzeria about bulk orders
2-3 days before: Place your order, confirm pricing
Day before: Verify order details and delivery time
Day of: Prepare serving area, expect 60-75 min prep time

For 16 pizzas, most locations need 60-75 minutes during normal hours. On busy nights (Friday/Saturday), add 15-30 minutes. Have pizzas arrive 20 minutes before you need them.

Real-World Scenarios

Youth Sports Banquet

Group: 25 kids, 15 parents

Order: 13 large pizzas

Breakdown: 6 cheese, 4 pepperoni, 2 veggie, 1 meat lovers

Result: Perfect amount with minimal leftovers

Corporate Workshop

Group: 40 adults

Order: 15 large pizzas

Breakdown: 6 cheese, 5 pepperoni, 3 veggie, 1 supreme

Result: Everyone satisfied, 8-10 slices leftover

Neighborhood Block Party

Group: 40 mixed adults and kids

Order: 12 large pizzas + sides

Breakdown: 5 cheese, 4 pepperoni, 2 veggie, 1 specialty

Result: Combined with hot dogs and salads, perfect amount

Frequently Asked Questions

How many large pizzas for 40 adults?

15-16 large pizzas for adults with average appetites, giving each person 3-4 slices.

Should I order from one location or multiple?

Most locations can handle 15-16 pizzas, but call ahead to confirm. During peak times, consider splitting between two locations.

How far in advance should I order for 40 people?

Place your order 2-3 days ahead to guarantee availability and potentially get better pricing. Call even earlier for weekends.

What's the best chain for feeding 40 people?

Little Caesars offers best value ($112-$144). Domino's has great deals and reliable delivery. Local pizzerias offer quality but cost more.

Key Takeaways

Order 15-16 large pizzas for 40 adults
For mixed groups with children, 12-13 large pizzas works
Budget $112-$352 depending on the chain
Call ahead for bulk discounts—10-20% off is common
Order 2-3 days in advance for best availability
Use the 40-30-20-10 variety rule for topping selection

How Many Pizzas for 40 People? Event Planning Guide