How many pizzas for 40 people?
Order 15 large pizzas for 40 adults. Make it 10 for light eaters or 20 for a very hungry group. Change the details below to fit your party.
Each pizza drawn with its slices. Faded slices are the leftovers.
40 people, every pizza size
The count changes a lot with the size you order. A small pizza has less than half the area of an extra large one.
| Pizza size | Light eaters | Average | Very hungry |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-inch small (6 slices) | 20 | 30 | 40 |
| 12-inch medium (8 slices) | 14 | 21 | 28 |
| 14-inch large (8 slices) | 10 | 15 | 20 |
| 16-inch extra large (8 slices) | 8 | 12 | 16 |
| 18-inch extra large (8 slices) | 7 | 10 | 13 |
| Guests | Pizza only | With sides or dessert |
|---|---|---|
| All adults | 15 | 12 |
| Half adults, half kids | 13 | 10 |
| All kids | 10 | 8 |
The math for 40 people
An average adult eats 3 slices of a large pizza. For 40 people that is 40 × 3 = 120 slices. A large pizza has 8 slices, so 120 ÷ 8 = 15, which rounds up to 15 pizzas. That comes out exactly, with nothing to spare, so add one more if your guests are big eaters.
Light eaters average 2 slices, which brings the order down to 10. A hungry group at 4 slices each needs 20.
Ordering for a crowd of 40
At 40 people, call the shop a day ahead. An order this size takes real oven time, and most pizzerias will give you a pickup or delivery window if you ask early.
Have the pizzas arrive in two waves, 20 to 30 minutes apart, so the second half is still hot. Keep toppings simple: cheese, pepperoni, one vegetable and one meat. Ask whether the shop has a bulk or party price.
Between two numbers? Round up. Cold pizza keeps for three to four days in the fridge, and running out is the only real way to get a pizza party wrong.
Questions about pizza for 40
How many large pizzas for 40 people?
Order 15 large 14-inch pizzas for 40 adults with average appetites. That is 120 slices, about 3.0 per person.
How many pizzas for 40 kids?
For 40 children, order 10 large pizzas. Kids eat about 2 slices each, and plain cheese is the safest choice.
How many medium pizzas feed 40 people?
You need 21 medium 12-inch pizzas for 40 average adults. Mediums are smaller than they look: a 12-inch pizza has about a quarter less pizza than a 14-inch.
How many 16-inch pizzas for 40 people?
12 extra large 16-inch pizzas will feed 40 average adults.
How much pizza for 40 people if there are sides?
With wings, salad or dessert on the table, 12 large pizzas is enough for 40 adults. People eat about a quarter less pizza when there is other food.
How many pizzas for 40 hungry people?
For 40 very hungry adults, such as teenagers or a sports team, order 20 large pizzas. That allows 4 slices each.