Popcorn Calculator
Keep the bowls full and the crowd happy—calculate popcorn kernels, butter, and servings with ease.
1.0 = no refills, 1.3 = assume 30% will grab seconds.
Popped popcorn
156 cups
9.8 gallons total
Unpopped kernels
62.4 tbsp
≈ 3.90 cups kernels
Butter / oil
39.0 tbsp
2.44 cups melted butter
Serving plan
- Provide about 52 standard 3-cup servings.
- Supply scoop cups or bags sized 3–4 cups each.
- Add mix-ins (candy, nuts, seasoning powders) for variety.
Movie theater butter tips
- Mimic movie theater popcorn with coconut oil and clarified butter.
- Serve in paper bags or buckets to hold heat and keep hands free.
How to Use This Calculator
Enter guest count
The calculator scales popcorn, kernels, and butter for movie nights or concessions.
Select popcorn style
Movie theater, kettle corn, or healthy air-popped each have different butter and sugar amounts.
Adjust refill factor
Plan for seconds by increasing the refill multiplier—great for long marathons or festivals.
Formula
Popped cups = Guests × style cups × refill factor
Kernels (tbsp) = Popped cups × style kernel ratio
Example: 25 guests, movie style, 1.2 refills → 25 × 6 × 1.2 = 180 cups → 180/16 ≈ 11.3 gallons.
Tip: One 50 lb bag of kernels yields about 1,600 cups popped—useful for concessions planning.
Full Description
Popcorn is a crowd-pleaser at movie nights, carnivals, and fundraisers. This calculator estimates how much popped popcorn, raw kernels, and butter/oil to prepare. Choose your style to tailor flavor and calories, then adjust the refill factor to ensure you have enough for seconds.
Use the output to portion kernels in advance, prep butter warmers, and plan packaging. Offer multiple seasonings so guests can personalize their snack.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance can I pop popcorn?
Pop within 4–6 hours for best freshness. Store in sealed bags or bins to maintain crunch.
What sizes are standard popcorn bags?
Small = 1 oz (3 cups), medium = 2 oz (6 cups), large = 3.5 oz (10 cups). Use the calculator to match bags.
Can I flavor popcorn after popping?
Yes. Toss with melted butter, flavored oils, or powdered seasonings while warm for best adhesion.
How do I make kettle corn?
Add sugar (1 tbsp per 4 cups popped) to hot oil before kernels pop. Stir constantly to prevent burning.