Handeware
Kitchen

Ice you need

45 lb
Bags to buy
5

Party Ice Calculator

Ice runs out faster than almost anything at a party, so it helps to plan it before guests arrive. Enter how many people are coming and how much ice each one will use.

How it works

Multiply the number of guests by the ice each guest uses to get the total weight. Then divide that by the weight of one bag and round up, so you do not come up short.

A common planning figure is about 1 to 2 pounds of ice per guest. Drinks in a cooler and hot weather push that number up, and ice melts, so a little extra is usual.

Worked example

For 30 guests at 1.5 lb of ice each, you need 45 lb of ice, which is 5 bags.

Questions

How much ice per guest is enough?

Many people plan about 1 to 2 pounds per guest. Drinks in a cooler need the most, and a hot day needs more than a cool one.

Should I buy extra?

Yes, a little. Ice melts while people reach into the cooler, and running short is the bigger problem than having some left over.

How do I check my own number?

Note how many bags you used and how much was left at the end of the party. Adjust the per guest figure for next time.

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