Baby Shower Calculator
Work out how much food, drink and tableware a baby shower needs for your guest list.
Last updated · View algorithm, constants and default inputs (JSON)
About this calculator
Plan quantities from the guest count, event length and meal style. The default snack plan uses two savoury bites and 1.5 dessert servings per effective guest; change the inputs for your menu and crowd.
Worked example
calculated with the default values below
Number of guests 20 · Event length 3 hours · Food style Light bites · Guests needing 50% extra portions (already counted above) 2 Savoury bites 42 · Dessert servings 32 · Drinks 70 · Plates 32 · Cups 74 · Napkins 63 · Cake servings 26
General background references
Disclaimer
These calculators give general estimates. Sizing, pricing, availability and standards vary by brand, retailer and country, so treat the output as a starting point and confirm it against the seller's or authority's own figures.
Implementation source
This record describes the implementation used by this page. It is not independent validation. External references, when available, support only the stated formula or definition; estimates and custom rules retain their own assumptions.
Formula and variables
Q = ⌈(g + 0.5 v) × m⌉
- g
- Guests
- v
- VIP guests
- m
- Per-person multiplier
- Q
- Item quantity
m depends on the meal: snacks 1, brunch 1.4, lunch 1.6; savoury bites use 2 × m; all quantities round up.
Frequently asked questions
Why do guests needing extra portions add only half a guest each?
The ordinary guest count already includes everyone. The separate extra-portions input adds another 0.5 to the effective head count per person selected, so 20 guests with 2 needing extra portions are planned as 21 effective guests. Food and supplies are calculated from that adjusted count, with a further multiplier for lunch or brunch. Do not add a person to this field unless that person is also included in the main guest count.