Sandwich Platter Calculator
How many sandwiches, platters, bread, deli meat and cheese to prepare for a lunch, meeting or reception.
How it works
sandwiches = ⌈guests × per-person × side-factor⌉ · deli meat = sandwiches × oz-each ÷ 16 · loaves = ⌈slices ÷ 20⌉
The driver is sandwiches per person: a hearty lunch runs about one and a half each, a light lunch one, and dainty finger sandwiches for a reception around two small ones. When there are sides and other dishes, cut the count by about a quarter. Deli meat is where the money goes — figure roughly 2 to 2.5 oz of meat per full sandwich, a bit less for finger sandwiches.
Worked example
20 guests at a lunch with no other food: 20 × 1.5 = 30 sandwiches on about 3 platters. That takes roughly 60 bread slices (3 loaves), about 4.7 lb of deli meat and just under 2 lb of cheese.
Frequently asked questions
How many sandwiches per person?
Plan about one and a half full sandwiches for a lunch, one for a light lunch, and two small finger sandwiches per person at a reception. Reduce by roughly a quarter when chips, salads or other dishes round out the meal.
How much deli meat do I need?
Roughly 2 to 2.5 oz of meat per full sandwich and about 1.5 oz for a finger sandwich. For 30 lunch sandwiches that is close to 5 lb — usually the biggest line on the shopping list.
How many sandwiches fit on a platter?
A standard catering platter holds about a dozen full sandwiches cut into halves, or roughly two dozen finger sandwiches. This tool rounds the platter count up so nothing has to be stacked.
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This calculator is for educational purposes. Double-check important results before acting on them.