How Many Pizzas For 20 People: A Complete Guide

Planning a gathering or a party often raises a common question: how many pizzas for 20 people? This question can be tricky to answer, as it depends on various factors including the type of event, the appetite of your guests, and the size of the pizzas. In this article, we will explore the best ways to calculate the number of pizzas needed for 20 people, ensuring that you have enough food to satisfy everyone without over-ordering.

Whether you are hosting a birthday party, a casual get-together, or a corporate event, pizza is a popular choice for feeding a crowd. Its versatility and appeal make it a go-to option. However, getting the right amount is crucial to avoid waste and ensure everyone leaves happy.

In the following sections, we will break down the factors that influence how many pizzas you should order and provide you with a simple formula to make the calculation easier. We'll also delve into different pizza sizes, types, and toppings that can affect your total order. Let's get started!

Understanding Pizza Sizes and Portions

Before diving into the calculations, it's important to understand the different pizza sizes available. Pizzas typically come in several sizes, including small (10 inches), medium (12 inches), large (14 inches), and extra-large (16 inches or more).

Typical Pizza Sizes and Servings

Small (10 inches): Serves 1-2 people
Medium (12 inches): Serves 2-3 people
Large (14 inches): Serves 3-4 people
Extra-Large (16 inches): Serves 4-6 people

These serving sizes are averages and can vary based on the appetite of your guests. For example, hungry teenagers may eat more than adults, so it's important to consider your audience.

Calculating the Number of Pizzas for 20 People

To determine how many pizzas to order for 20 people, you can use a simple formula based on the number of guests and the type of pizza you are serving.

Basic Calculation Formula

A common guideline is to assume that each adult will eat about 2-3 slices of pizza. Here’s a simple calculation:

Average slices per person: 2-3 slices
Total slices needed for 20 people: 20 x 2.5 (average) = 50 slices

Next, determine how many slices are in the pizzas you plan to order:

Small (10 inches) pizza: Usually has 6 slices
Medium (12 inches) pizza: Usually has 8 slices
Large (14 inches) pizza: Usually has 10 slices
Extra-Large (16 inches) pizza: Usually has 12 slices

Choosing the Right Size Pizza

Once you have the total number of slices needed, you can easily calculate how many pizzas to order based on their sizes:

Pizza Size Calculations

If you order small pizzas (6 slices each): 50 slices ÷ 6 slices = approximately 8.3 → Order 9 small pizzas
If you order medium pizzas (8 slices each): 50 slices ÷ 8 slices = 6.25 → Order 7 medium pizzas
If you order large pizzas (10 slices each): 50 slices ÷ 10 slices = 5 → Order 5 large pizzas
If you order extra-large pizzas (12 slices each): 50 slices ÷ 12 slices = 4.17 → Order 5 extra-large pizzas

It’s always a good idea to round up to ensure that everyone is satisfied and to account for any unexpected guests or larger appetites.

Considering Toppings and Dietary Restrictions

When ordering pizzas, consider your guests' preferences and dietary restrictions. Offering a variety of toppings can help cater to different tastes. Here are some common topping options:

Pepperoni
Vegetarian (bell peppers, onions, mushrooms)
Meat Lovers (sausage, bacon, ham)
Cheese
Hawaiian (ham and pineapple)

Additionally, consider ordering gluten-free options or vegan pizzas if you know that some of your guests have specific dietary needs. This will ensure that everyone has something to enjoy.

Other Factors to Consider

There are a few other factors that can influence how many pizzas you should order for 20 people:

Event Type

Consider the nature of your event. If it’s a casual gathering with drinks, guests may snack more and eat fewer pizza slices. In contrast, if it's a main meal event, you may need to increase your order.

Time of Day

The time of day can also impact appetite. Lunch gatherings may require less food than dinner events, where guests may come hungrier.

Tips for Ordering Pizza

Here are some tips to ensure your pizza ordering process goes smoothly:

Order in advance, especially for larger gatherings.
Ask for recommendations from the pizza place for popular choices.
Consider picking up the pizzas to save on delivery fees.
Check for any special deals or discounts for bulk orders.

Conclusion

In summary, when planning to feed 20 people with pizza, you should consider the number of slices each person is likely to eat, the size of the pizzas, and any dietary preferences. A general guideline suggests ordering:

9 small pizzas
7 medium pizzas
5 large pizzas
5 extra-large pizzas

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your guests are well-fed and satisfied. If you have any tips or experiences to share about ordering pizza for a large group, feel free to leave a comment below!

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