Bites for every gathering
How many appetizers per person do you need?
Choose the meal role, event length and bite size, then turn a guest list into pieces, variety targets and whole trays.
Read the appetizer planning guideHow this appetizer estimate works
The first hour, extra hours, bite size, buffer, variety count and package rounding are visible and separate.
- First-hour scenarios are 6 pre-meal, 8 reception, or 10 meal-replacement pieces. Additional hours add 4, 5 or 6 respectively. University catering guidance varies, so adjust with your caterer and menu.
- The bite-size adjustment is illustrative: small pieces increase and hearty pieces decrease the count by 20%. It does not equate a mini slider to a canapé nutritionally.
- The buffer applies once after pieces per guest are rounded up. Variety targets split the total evenly and round upward; they are not summed again into the total.
- Keep perishable hot food at 140°F or above or cold food at 40°F or below. Replace small platters with fresh chilled ones and observe USDA's 2-hour room-temperature limit, or 1 hour above 90°F.