The Ultimate Pizza Party Guide: How Many Pizzas Should You Order?

Planning a party is fun, but figuring out the food can be a headache. Order too little, and you have hungry guests; order too much, and you’re eating cold pepperoni for a week. That’s why we created the Pizza Quantity Calculator—to take the guesswork out of your next event.

How It Works

Using our tool is as easy as 1-2-3:

1. Enter Your Guest Count: Simply type in the total number of adults and children attending your event.
2. Select Hunger Levels: Choose whether your crowd consists of light eaters (kids), average eaters, or a hungry group (teenagers or post-sports team).
3. Pick Your Pizza Size: Select the size you plan to order (from Small 10″ to X-Large 16″), and the calculator instantly tells you exactly how many pizzas to buy.

Why Use Our Calculator?

Stop doing mental math in the checkout line. Here is why thousands of party planners use this tool:

• Instantly Accurate: We calculate total slice requirements based on real-world appetite data, not just vague guesses.
• Saves You Money: By ordering exactly what you need, you avoid wasting budget on 5 extra pizzas that no one eats.
• Reduces Food Waste: We calculate leftovers automatically, helping you plan for a zero-waste event.
• Mobile Friendly: Whether you are at home or standing in the pizza shop, our tool works perfectly on your phone.

Pro Tips for Ordering Pizza

• The “Safety Cheese” Rule: Always order at least one plain cheese pizza. It’s the safest bet for picky eaters, vegetarians, and kids.
• Ask for “Double Cut”: If you are ordering for a kid’s party or a large networking event, ask the pizza place to “double cut” the pizzas. This creates smaller slices, making the pizza go further and become easier to handle.
• Don’t Forget the Crust: Thin crust pizzas are less filling than deep dish or hand-tossed. If you are ordering thin crust, increase your order by 20%.
• Diversify Toppings: A good ratio is 40% Meat (Pepperoni/Sausage), 30% Cheese, and 30% Veggie/Specialty.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How many large pizzas do I need for 35 people?

For a group of 35 average eaters, you should order approximately 13 to 14 Large (14″) pizzas. This assumes everyone eats about 3 slices. If they are very hungry, aim for 18 pizzas.

2. How many pizzas should I order for 15 people?

For 15 people, 6 Large pizzas is usually the perfect amount. This provides 48 slices, allowing for 3 slices per person with a few leftovers.

3. How many pizzas for 12 people?

For a small gathering of 12 people, 5 Large pizzas will be sufficient. If you are ordering smaller Medium pizzas, you might need 6 or 7.

4. How many people does a 16-inch pizza feed?

A 16-inch “Extra Large” pizza is significant! It typically feeds 4 to 5 adults or 6 children. It usually comes with 12 large slices.

5. How many slices are in a large pizza?

Standard chains (Dominos, Pizza Hut, Papa John’s) typically cut a Large (14″) pizza into 8 slices.

6. Should I count kids differently than adults?

Yes. For children under 10, calculate 2 slices per child. For teenagers or adults, calculate 3 slices per person.

7. What if I’m serving other food (sides/salad)?

If pizza is the main course, stick to the calculator numbers. If you are serving heavy sides like wings, pasta, or salad, you can reduce your pizza order by 20% (calculate for “Light” appetite).

8. How do I keep the pizza warm for a party?

If the pizzas arrive early, keep the boxes closed and stack them. Cover the stack with a clean towel or blanket to insulate the heat. Do not put the boxes in a cold oven unless you turn it on to the lowest setting (Warm/170°F) first.

9. What is the most popular pizza topping?

Pepperoni is the undisputed king, accounting for over 30% of all pizza orders. Always ensure at least half of your order includes pepperoni.

10. How much tip should I give the delivery driver?

For large party orders (5+ pizzas), a tip of 15-20% is standard and highly appreciated, as carrying multiple bags is physically demanding.