Party Drink Calculator
Calculate how much beer, wine, and liquor to buy.
Total Drinks Needed
80
Beer
32
Wine
32
Liquor (Drinks)
16
Method
How this calculator works
Total Drinks = (Guests × 2) + (Guests × 1 × (Duration - 1))
Drinks = Guests * 2 + Guests * (Hours - 1)
Beer = Drinks * 0.4
Wine = Drinks * 0.4
Liquor = Drinks * 0.2 - Enter the number of guests.
- Enter the party duration in hours.
- View the estimated drinks breakdown.
Examples
Worked examples
Real numbers, end-to-end results.
20 guests, 3 hour party
80 total drinks
2 per person in hour 1, plus 1 per person for hours 2 and 3.
Use cases
When to use it
- Wedding receptions.
- Birthday parties.
- Holiday gatherings.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How many drinks should I plan per person?
A general rule is to plan for 2 drinks per person for the first hour, and 1 drink per person for every hour after that.
What is a standard drink size?
A standard drink is 12 oz of beer, 5 oz of wine, or 1.5 oz of liquor.
How should I split the drink types?
A common breakdown for a general party is 50% wine, 30% beer, and 20% mixed drinks/liquor, but adjust based on your crowd.