How Many Pizzas for 20 People? Complete Pizza Party Calculation for Stress-Free Hosting?

When you are hosting a pizza party, the first question is always the same. How many pizzas do I need for 20 people? It sounds simple, but anyone who has ordered for a group knows how stressful it can be. Some people eat just one slice, others eat three or four, and pizza lovers often go back for more. Add in different pizza sizes, toppings, crust types and appetites, and suddenly figuring out how many pizzas to order feels like a math problem you did not sign up for.

Do not worry. How Many Pizzas for 20 People? This guide breaks it down clearly so you can confidently order the right amount of pizza for a group of 20 without the stress.

What You Must Know Before Ordering Pizza for 20 People

The number of pizzas depends on:

• How many slices does each person eat
• Whether you choose large pizza or extra-large pizzas
• The mix of toppings
• The crust style (thin, hand-tossed, deep dish)
• The number of kids vs adults
• The type of event (casual hangout vs birthday party)

Standard Pizza Slices and Sliced Counts

For a 20-person party, you must always order large or extra-large pizzas. They can give you better value and keep serving simple.

Pizza Size	Diameter	Slice Count
Small Pizza	10–12 inch	6 slices
Medium Pizza	12–13 inch	8 slices
Large 14-inch Pizza	14 inches	8 slices
Extra Large Pizza	16–18 inches	10–12 slices
Deep Dish	12–14 inches	6 slices (heavier)

How Much Does One Person Eat?

Every host asks this:

“How many slices does one person eat?”

Here’s the realistic breakdown:

• Light eater → 1–2 slices
• Average eater → 2–3 slices
• Hungry eater → 3–4 slices
• Teenagers → 4–5 slices
• Kids → 1 slice

The Simple Formula to Calculate How Many Pizzas for 20 People Gathering

• Using the three slices per person rule:
• 20 people × 3 slices equals 60 slices needed.
• Next, divide by the number of slices per pizza.

Scenario 1: If You Order Large 14” Pizzas

• A large pizza usually has 8 slices.
• 60 slices ÷ 8 equals 7.5 pizzas.
• Always round up, so you should order 8 large pizzas.

Scenario 2: If You Order Extra Large Pizzas (16–18 inches)

• Most extra-large pizzas have 10 to 12 slices.
• 60 ÷ 12 equals 5 pizzas.
• 60 ÷ 10 equals 6 pizzas.
• So, you will need 5 to 6 extra-large pizzas.

Scenario 3: If You Order Deep Dish

• Deep-dish slices are more filling, so most people eat 1 to 2 slices.
• 20 people × 2 slices equals 40 slices needed.
• Deep-dish pizzas usually have about 6 slices per pizza, so ordering 7 deep dish pizzas is a safe choice.

The best pizza order for 20 guests

• If you are ordering large 14-inch pizzas, go with 8 pizzas.
• If you are ordering extra-large pizzas, 5 to 6 pizzas are enough.
• For deep-dish pizza, 7 pizzas will keep everyone satisfied.

Adjust the Number Based on the Type of Party

Different events lead to different hunger levels.

• For a birthday party, it is best to add one extra large pizza, as guests tend to snack more and go back for seconds.
• For an office lunch, seven large pizzas are usually enough because people eat moderately.
• For a sports night or game night, order eight to nine large pizzas since people often eat more while watching or playing games.
• For family gatherings, six to seven large pizzas work well because of the mix of kids and adults.
• For college or teen groups, ordering nine to ten large pizzas is a safer choice.

How Crust Type Changes Pizza Quantity

• Thin-crust pizza is light and crispy, so people usually eat more slices. In this case, add one extra pizza.
• For hand-tossed or regular crust, appetite levels are standard, so you can follow the original calculation.
• Deep-dish pizza is heavier and more filling. Because of this, you can reduce your total order by one pizza.

The crust style alone can make a noticeable difference in how many pizzas you need.

Toppings Matter More Than You Think

Topping choices can affect how much pizza people eat. Light toppings like plain cheese or Margherita are easier to eat, so guests often have more slices. In this case, adding one extra pizza is a good idea. Heavier toppings such as supreme or extra cheese are more filling, so people usually eat fewer slices. You can reduce your order by one pizza if most of the pies are heavily topped. For a mixed group of adults and kids, it is best to include a variety. A safe mix is two to three plain cheese pizzas, two pepperoni pizzas, and two to three pizzas with assorted toppings.

How Many Plain Cheese Pizzas Do You Need?

For a group of 20 people, ordering two to three plain cheese pizzas is a smart choice. Kids usually prefer them, and picky eaters often choose cheese. Even at large pizza parties, plain cheese pizzas rarely go to waste.

Conclusion

Ordering pizza for 20 people does not have to be stressful. Once you understand slice counts, appetite levels, crust styles, and topping choices, planning becomes simple. Whether you choose a 14-inch large pizza or an extra large option, planning for an average of three slices per person and adjusting for the type of gathering helps ensure everyone gets enough to eat. With this guide, you can confidently plan a pizza party, birthday celebration, or family gathering without worrying about running out of slices.

FAQs

Q1. Is 2 large pizzas enough for 10 people?

Ans. Two large pizzas usually provide 16 slices, which may be enough only if guests eat lightly. For average appetites, three to four large pizzas are a safer choice.

Q2. How to order pizza for 20 people?

Ans. Plan for about three slices per person. For 20 people, order eight large pizzas or five to six extra large pizzas, adjusting for crust type and appetite.

Q3. How many large pizzas do I need for 20 adults?

Ans. For adults with average appetites, eight large 14 inch pizzas usually work well. Order one extra pizza if the group includes big eaters or thin crust.

Q4. What is the 2 pizza rule?

Ans. The two pizza rule suggests ordering two pizzas for every five people. It is a quick estimate, but slice size, crust type, and appetite should also be considered.

Q5. Is it cheaper to order large or more small pizzas?

Ans. Large pizzas usually offer better value per slice and more total pizza area. Ordering fewer large pizzas is often cheaper than buying several small ones.

Q6. How do I calculate pizza party needs?

Ans. Estimate two slices for light eaters and three to four slices for average appetites. Multiply by guests, then divide by slices per pizza to get the total.

Q7. What kind of pizza is best for catering?

Ans. Large or extra large pizzas with a mix of plain cheese, pepperoni, and one or two specialty toppings work best for catering and mixed groups.

Q8. How many slices are in an XL pizza?

Ans. An extra large pizza typically has 10 to 12 slices, depending on the restaurant and how the pizza is cut.

Q9. Do 2 medium pizzas equal 1 large?

Ans. Two medium pizzas usually provide slightly more total pizza area and slices than one large pizza, making them a better option for feeding more people.

Q10. What size pizza is best for a party?

Ans. Large or extra large pizzas are best for parties. They are easier to share, cost-effective, and reduce the number of boxes and orders.

Q11. How many people does 2 large pizzas feed?

Ans. Two large pizzas can feed four to six people comfortably, depending on appetite and toppings. For bigger eaters, plan fewer people per pizza.

Q12. Should I order thin crust or regular?

Ans. Thin crust is lighter, so people eat more slices. Regular crust is more filling. Choose based on appetite and consider adding one extra pizza for thin crust.

Q13. Is it okay to serve pizza at a party?

Ans. Yes, pizza is one of the most popular party foods. It is easy to serve, affordable, and works well for kids, adults, and mixed groups.

Q14. When ordering pizza for large groups, what should I consider?

Ans. Consider guest count, average appetite, pizza size, crust type, toppings, and delivery timing. Planning these details helps avoid running out of food.