Catering Cost per Person Calculator

Calculate food and service costs per guest for catering events, determine appropriate pricing, and analyze profitability.

Catering Cost per Person Calculator

Calculate costs, pricing, and profitability for catered events

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Per Person Costs

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Fixed Costs

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Pricing

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Results

Enter values and click Calculate to see results

Understanding Catering Costs

Accurately calculating catering costs is essential for pricing events profitably while remaining competitive in the market.

Key Components of Catering Costs:

  • Food Costs: The cost of ingredients for each guest's meal
  • Beverage Costs: The cost of drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
  • Staffing Costs: Servers, bartenders, chefs, and other event staff
  • Equipment & Rentals: Tables, chairs, linens, dishware, etc.
  • Transportation: Delivery of food, equipment, and staff to the venue
  • Other Costs: Insurance, permits, administrative expenses, etc.

Industry Benchmarks:

  • Food Cost Percentage: 25-30% of the selling price
  • Beverage Cost Percentage: 20-25% of the selling price
  • Labor Cost Percentage: 30-35% of the selling price
  • Profit Margin: 15-25% for most catering operations

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