Pasta Portion Calculator
Work out how much dried pasta to cook for a group by portion size, in grams, ounces and pounds — no more mountains of leftovers.
How it works
Total dried pasta = people × grams per portion · 1 lb = 453.6 g
Dried pasta roughly doubles in weight as it absorbs water, so a modest-looking dry portion becomes a full plate cooked. A main-course serving is usually around 100 g dry per person, with 55 g for a starter or side and up to 125 g for big appetites. Multiplying by your head count keeps a group meal from turning into days of leftovers.
Worked example
Cooking a main course for 4 people at 100 g each needs 4 × 100 = 400 g of dried pasta, which is about 14.1 oz or 0.88 lb.
Frequently asked questions
How much dried pasta is one serving?
About 100 g (3.5 oz) of dried pasta per person for a main course, 55 g for a side or starter. It roughly doubles in weight once cooked, giving a generous plateful.
Does the shape change the portion?
By weight, no — 100 g of penne and 100 g of spaghetti feed the same person. Long and short shapes just look like very different volumes dry, which is why weighing is more reliable than eyeballing.
How do I measure without a scale?
A common trick for long pasta is a bundle about the diameter of a coin for one serving. It is approximate, so weigh when you can — this calculator gives the target grams to aim for.
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This calculator is for educational purposes. Double-check important results before acting on them.