Children eat very different amounts depending on their age: a toddler may manage one small slice while a 12-year-old can eat as much as an adult. Planning a birthday party, class celebration or sports team treat by guesswork usually means either hungry kids or a pile of leftovers. This calculator adjusts for the age group and hunger level of the children, works out how many pizzas to order, and also counts drinks, desserts, plates and napkins so the whole party is covered in one place.
Tip: if adults are staying for the party, add them in the Pizza Party Calculator, which handles adults and children together.
Toddlers usually eat about 1 small slice, children aged 5β8 eat 1 to 2 slices, and children aged 9β12 eat 2 to 3 slices. Active or very hungry kids may eat more.
For 10 children aged 5β8, plan on about 15β20 slices. That is 2 Medium pizzas (8 slices each) or 2 Large pizzas (10 slices each) with a few spare.
Plain cheese and pepperoni are the most popular with children. Keep toppings simple and offer one veggie pizza. See our guide to one-topping pizzas.
Yes, in moderation. Pizza is easy to share and can include protein, dairy and vegetables. Read why pizza works for school lunch for balanced options.
Medium or large pizzas are better value, but cutting large pizzas into smaller squares makes slices easier for young children to hold and reduces waste.