United StatesTier 1
Party drink calculator
Guest count and party length in. Total drinks, category breakdown, ice and cups out.
Free·No sign-up·Last checked 2026-08-27
Shopping breakdown
Formula
Total drinks = guests × hours × drinks per guest per hour
Beer bottles/cans = beer share of drinks (1 each)
Wine bottles = wine share of drinks ÷ 5 (servings per 750 mL bottle)
Spirit bottles = spirits share of drinks ÷ 16 (1.5 oz servings per 750 mL bottle)
Ice = 1 lb × guests. Cups = 2 × guests.
Worked example. 30 guests, 4 hours, 1 drink/hour → 120 total drinks.
Questions
It's a common casual-party planning average across a mixed group over a multi-hour event — raise it for a heavier-drinking crowd or a shorter, more concentrated party.
Enough for chilling drinks in a cooler plus ice in cups, which is the standard party-planning rule of thumb. Add more for an outdoor event in hot weather.