Mashed Potatoes Per Person Calculator
Mashed Potatoes Per Person Calculator
A mashed potatoes per person calculator is a practical tool for determining the perfect amount of potatoes needed for your gathering.
For example, when hosting a Thanksgiving dinner for 8 people, the calculator would help you determine that you need about 4 pounds of raw potatoes to create satisfying portions of creamy mashed potatoes for everyone, accounting for both hearty eaters and those watching their portions.
Mashed Potatoes Per Person Formula
Raw Potatoes Needed = Number of Guests × 0.5 pounds
To break this down further:
- Each person typically serves ½ pound (8 ounces) of raw potatoes
- This yields approximately 1 cup of mashed potatoes per person
- Raw potatoes reduce by about 15% when cooked
With 10 guests, you would need: 10 guests × 0.5 pounds = 5 pounds of raw potatoes
Mashed Potatoes Per Person Chart
| Number of People | Mashed Potatoes Needed (Cups) | Potatoes Needed (Medium-Sized) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | 1 cup | 2 potatoes |
| 2 People | 2 cups | 4 potatoes |
| 4 People | 4 cups | 8 potatoes |
| 6 People | 6 cups | 12 potatoes |
| 8 People | 8 cups | 16 potatoes |
| 10 People | 10 cups | 20 potatoes |
| 15 People | 15 cups | 30 potatoes |
| 20 People | 20 cups | 40 potatoes |
How to Calculate How Many Mashed Potatoes Per Person
The easy way to calculate mashed potato portions starts with each person typically needs about ½ pound (8 ounces) of raw potatoes, which yields approximately 1 cup of finished mashed potatoes.
Start with your guest count and multiply it by 0.5 pounds:
Base Formula: Guests × 0.5 = Pounds of Raw Potatoes Needed
For example, 10 guests would need 5 pounds of raw potatoes: 10 × 0.5 = 5 pounds
For holiday meals: Add 25% more (multiply by 0.625 instead of 0.5) For casual dinners: Standard calculation (0.5 per person) For buffet service: Add 15% extra for self-serving variations
Adults: Use standard calculations Teenagers: Consider adding 20% more Young children: Reduce portions by 30% Elderly guests: Reduce by 25%
For a casual family dinner serving 6 people, you’ll need 3 pounds of raw potatoes. This accounts for standard portions and yields about 6 cups of finished mashed potatoes, perfect for a regular evening meal where each person receives a generous serving of creamy, whipped potatoes.
Planning a holiday gathering for 12 guests requires 7.5 pounds of raw potatoes. This slightly increased amount (versus the standard 6 pounds) ensures abundant portions fitting for a festive occasion, producing approximately 14 cups of finished mashed potatoes with enough for seconds.
For a large gathering of 30 people, calculate 16 pounds of raw potatoes. This quantity includes extra for those who enjoy larger portions and ensures you won’t run short, yielding about 32 cups of finished mashed potatoes, perfect for a buffet-style service.
How Many Mashed Potatoes for 20 People
For a group of 20 people, here’s your detailed breakdown:
Start with the basic calculation: 20 people × 0.5 pounds = 10 pounds of raw potatoes
This is approximately: 20 cups of mashed potatoes (one cup per person) Add an extra 2-3 pounds if serving at a holiday meal Include another pound if you want leftovers