Party Drink Calculator
Find out exactly how much beer, wine, and liquor you need for your party. No more guessing, no more running out mid-celebration.
The Golden Rule
For a 4-hour party with 50 guests, that is 200 drinks. Our calculator breaks this down into exact bottles and cases.
Calculate Your Party Bar
Most parties: 3-5 hours
Adjust for guests who won't drink alcohol
Adds 20% extra (recommended)
How It Works
1. Enter Guest Count
Tell us how many people are coming to your party
2. Set Duration
How long will the party last? 3 hours? 5 hours?
3. Get Your List
Instant shopping list with beer cases, wine bottles, and liquor
Why Use Our Party Calculator
Save Money
Stop over-buying. Get the right amount so you are not stuck with 10 extra cases of beer.
Never Run Out
Avoid the embarrassment of a dry bar at 9 PM. Our buffer option adds a safety margin.
Match Your Crowd
Beer lovers? Wine crowd? Our profiles adjust the ratios to fit your guests.
Works for Any Party
Birthday, graduation, backyard BBQ, holiday party - the math is the same.
Quick Reference
Standard estimates for common party sizes (4-hour duration, mixed crowd)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much alcohol do I need for a party of 50 people?
For a 4-hour party with 50 guests, plan for about 200 drinks total. Using a standard mix, that is roughly 80 beers (7 cases), 15 bottles of wine, and enough liquor for 48 cocktails (2-3 bottles). Use our calculator for exact quantities based on your crowd.
What is the rule of thumb for party drinks?
The standard rule is 1 drink per guest per hour. Some planners use 2 drinks for the first hour, then 1 per hour after. For a 4-hour party, plan 4-5 drinks per person to be safe.
How do I split between beer, wine, and liquor?
A traditional split is one-third each. Modern events often skew toward 50% beer, 25% wine, 25% liquor for casual parties. Wine-focused crowds might prefer 50% wine, 25% beer, 25% liquor. Our calculator lets you choose your crowd profile.
Is this calculator only for parties or does it work for weddings too?
It works for any event. We started with weddings and expanded to all parties. The same math applies - the difference is in crowd preferences. Select your event type for tailored recommendations.
How much ice do I need for a party?
Plan for 1.5 pounds of ice per guest. For a 50-person party, that is about 75 pounds. Double this if you are chilling bottles in tubs rather than a refrigerator.
Calculators for Specific Events
Need help with a wedding?
Our wedding calculator includes champagne toasts, cocktail hour, and more detailed options.
Wedding Calculator