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Catering Cost Calculator

Catering cost for an event, including service, drinks and the per-head total.

Enter values

Results update as you type.

Result

Total catering cost

$12,096.00

One server per 10 to 12 guests is typical for a seated meal, and one per 25 for a buffet.

Per head all-in
$120.96
Food
$5,500.00
Drinks
$2,500.00
Staff
$960.00
Service charge
$1,120.00
Tax
$2,016.00
Guests per staff member
12.5

About the Catering Cost Calculator

Catering cost for an event, including service, drinks and the per-head total.

Also known as: catering per head, event food cost, wedding catering calculator, buffet cost calculator.

How to use this calculator

  1. Enter guests, food cost per head, drinks per head, service charge and the other fields.
  2. The result updates instantly as you type — press Calculate (or Enter) at any time.
  3. Review the breakdown shown under the main result.
  4. Use Copy result or Share to save the answer or send a link with your inputs.

Formula

total = (food + drinks + staff) × (1 + service) × (1 + tax)

Worked example

Using the values pre-filled in the calculator above:

  • Guests = 100
  • Food cost per head = 55
  • Drinks per head = 25
  • Service charge = 12.5 %
  • Serving staff = 8
  • Cost per staff member = 120
  • Tax = 20 %

the calculator returns:

  • Total catering cost: 12,096
  • Per head all-in: 120.96
  • Food: 5,500
  • Drinks: 2,500