How to Calculate How Much Beer Is Needed for a Party

Calculating how much beer you need can help you save money.

One of the biggest ways hosts waste money at a party is by overestimating the need for alcohol. Similarly, running out of alcohol too soon can quickly shut a party down. When throwing a party, work through a few simple calculations beforehand to calculate how much beer you will need for your party to avoid one of these common errors.

Categorize Your Guests

Count the number of guests you have invited, and the number who have responded. If you did not request an RSVP, take 80 percent of your invitees as an estimation of your guests; if you did ask for an RSVP, add 20 percent to the number of people who have responded. Categorize your guests as heavy, average or light drinkers (if you don't know, guess "average").

Length of Party

Consider the length of your party. Obviously, a longer party will need more beer. However, the relationship between the length of the party and the amount of beer you need is not linear, as different kinds of drinkers will drink a different amount throughout the evening.

Calculations

Your light drinkers will probably drink one beer per hour with a maximum of two beers. Your average drinkers are most likely to drink two beers during the first hour and one beer every hour after that, for a maximum of five beers. Heavy drinkers will drink three beers during the first hour and 1.5 beers every hour after that, with no maximum. Calculate each group and add the numbers together for the total amount of beer you will need for your party.

References

• Evite: Drink Calculator