Hors d'Oeuvres Quantity Calculator
How many hors d'oeuvres do you really need? This calculator uses the classic passed standard (3 pieces for the first 30 minutes, plus 1 every 30 after) and, crucially, plans self-service stations separately, with higher quantities for guest-controlled portions, repeat visits, and keeping the display abundant. Results come as a planning piece count and dozens per selection.
Event details
Hors d'Oeuvres Plan
100 guests · pieces to plan
3 + 2 = 5 pieces/guest (1.5 hr), 3 pieces for the first 30 min, +1 each 30 after.
| Passed total | 315 pcs |
| Station consumption | 263 pcs |
| Display / replenishment allowance | 45 pcs |
| Working buffer | 58 pcs |
About 6.8 pieces per guest · roughly 11 dozen per selection.
These are planning pieces: a one-bite canapé counts as 1, a two-bite item as about 1.5, a slider or skewer as 2, and a chef-attended portion as 2–3, so the total is a planning figure, not always a literal item count.
Passed service begins at 5 pieces per guest. Because 40% of service runs through a self-service station, that portion gets an added allowance for larger guest-controlled portions, repeat visits, and display abundance.
- Passed and self-service are never the same per-person rate, self-service always needs more.
- Plan popular, familiar items to run out first; order a little extra of the crowd favorites.
- For planning, count a slider or skewer as about 2 pieces and a one-bite canapé as 1.
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