How Many Pizzas Do You Need? Quick Reference Guide for 10-50 People

Here's the answer you came for:

Quick Reference Table

Based on large pizzas with 10 slices each. Adults eat 3 slices, kids eat 2.

That's the table. Bookmark it. Screenshot it. Done.

But if you want to understand the math (or your situation is more nuanced), keep reading.

The Math Behind the Numbers

Every pizza quantity guide on the internet uses the same formula. Here it is:

So for 20 adults: 20 × 3 = 60 slices. Divide by 10 = 6 pizzas. Round up and add one for safety = 7-8 pizzas.

That's it. That's the whole secret.

The reason you're reading this instead of just doing that math yourself is probably because you're second-guessing. "But what if Uncle Dave is really hungry? What about my vegetarian friends? Is 3 slices actually enough?"

Fair. Let me address the variables that actually matter.

When to Order More

Add 1-2 pizzas to your base number if:

• It's a drinking occasion. Beer and pizza are best friends. People eat more when alcohol is involved. A Super Bowl party crowd eats 25-30% more than a Sunday afternoon gathering.
• Teenagers are present. My nephew and his friends once demolished 6 large pizzas between 5 of them. I stopped being surprised by teenage appetites years ago.
• Pizza is the only food. No chips, no wings, no salad? People will eat more pizza.
• The event runs longer than 3 hours. Grazing happens. Round 2 hunger kicks in.

When to Order Less

Subtract 1-2 pizzas if:

• Significant appetizers or sides are being served. Wings, breadsticks, and salads fill people up.
• Most guests are children under 10. Young kids pick at pizza more than they eat it.
• It's a late-afternoon event after people have had lunch. 3pm birthday party? Everyone's already eaten.
• You've got other main courses. Pizza as one option among many = less pizza needed.

The Variety Question (Solved)

For any group over 10 people, use this split:

• 50% crowd-pleasers: Cheese and pepperoni. Nobody hates these. Start here.
• 25% vegetable options: Covers vegetarians and people trying to feel virtuous about their third slice.
• 25% specialty: Meat lovers, BBQ chicken, Hawaiian. Whatever sounds good to your specific crowd.

For a group of 20 (8 pizzas), that's:

• 4 pizzas: 2 cheese, 2 pepperoni
• 2 pizzas: veggie (mushroom, pepper, onion)
• 2 pizzas: specialty of your choice

One caveat: Always have at least one plain cheese pizza. It's the universal backup. Kids, picky eaters, and people with surprise dietary restrictions all default to cheese.

The Budget Reality

Money-saving tips that actually work:

1. Order online. Domino's and Pizza Hut regularly offer 20-30% off for online orders.
2. Look for mix-and-match deals. "3 or more large pizzas for $7.99 each" is common and crushes the per-pizza price.
3. Call ahead for 10+ pizzas. Managers have discretion on bulk pricing. It never hurts to ask.
4. Pick up if you can. Delivery fees plus tip on 8+ pizzas adds $15-25.

Timing Your Order

• Under 20 pizzas, normal times: Order 1-2 hours ahead
• Under 20 pizzas, Friday/Saturday evenings: Order 2-3 hours ahead
• 20+ pizzas: Call a day ahead. Most chains want advance notice for large orders.

Pro tip: Have pizzas arrive 15 minutes before you actually need them. Keeps them warm in the boxes while you finish setup.

Skip to Your Group Size

The Real Answer

You came here for a number. Now you have it.

But here's what I've learned from feeding groups of every size: it's always better to have two extra pizzas than to run out. Leftover pizza reheats beautifully (350 degrees for 10 minutes on a pan, not in the microwave). Running out of food at your own party does not.

Order slightly over. Your guests will thank you, and you'll have lunch tomorrow.