Mashed Potatoes Per Person Calculator
Scale your favorite mash recipe for dinner parties, holidays, or buffets—no more guessing scoops per guest.
Count stuffing, mac & cheese, sweet potatoes, etc.
Total mash
8.5 lb
135 oz ready to serve
Raw potatoes
10.8 lb
Assumes 78% yield after peeling
Flavor additions
34 tbsp butter · 2.79 cups cream · 7 garlic cloves
Serving notes
- Keep mashed potatoes warm in a slow cooker on low; stir in butter to prevent skin.
- For dairy-free versions, replace cream with broth + olive oil in similar quantities.
- Season generously with salt and pepper—taste before serving.
How to Use This Calculator
Enter guest counts
Adults and kids scale differently so you don’t overcook or run out.
Select event style & sides
Holiday and buffet meals call for larger portions; plenty of sides reduce mash demand.
Review ingredient list
Use the raw potato, butter, cream, and garlic amounts as your prep shopping list.
Formula
Total ounces = (Adults × 8 + Kids × 4.5) × event multiplier × sides factor × (1 + leftover)
Raw potatoes (lb) = Total pounds ÷ 0.78
Example: 14 adults, 6 kids, holiday meal, 4 sides, 25% leftovers → ≈ 14.6 lb mashed potatoes → buy ~18.7 lb raw potatoes.
Tip: For dairy-heavy recipes (cream cheese, sour cream), reduce butter by 25% to avoid greasiness.
Full Description
Mashed potatoes are the backbone of comfort-food meals, but portioning can be tricky. This calculator accounts for guest composition, appetite, side dishes, and leftover preferences to deliver ready-to-serve mashed potato quantities. It also translates servings into raw potato weight and classic add-ins like butter, cream, and garlic.
Use it for Thanksgiving spreads, potlucks, restaurant prep, or meal prep Sundays. Adjust the leftover buffer to plan for shepherd’s pie or fried potato cakes the next day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which potato is best?
Yukon golds give creamy texture; russets are lighter. Mix 50/50 for balance.
Can I make mashed potatoes ahead?
Yes. Reheat gently with extra cream or butter over low heat or in a slow cooker.
How many servings per pound?
About 2–3 adult servings per pound of finished mash, depending on appetite and sides.
What about vegan mashed potatoes?
Use olive oil or vegan butter plus plant-based milk. Quantities remain the same.