Party Drink Calculator
Calculate how much beer, wine, and liquor to buy for your party. Enter guest count and duration to get a complete shopping list.
⚠️ Educational Tool Only — Never Drink and Drive
This calculator is for educational purposes only and provides estimates based on averages. Actual BAC depends on many individual factors. Never rely on a calculator to determine if you are safe to drive. If in doubt, don't drive. Call a rideshare, taxi, or designated driver.
How It Works
This calculator estimates alcohol needs based on the standard event planning rule: guests average 2 drinks in the first hour and 1 drink per hour after that. You can adjust the mix of beer, wine, and spirits based on your guests' preferences. The calculator accounts for typical serving sizes (12 oz beer, 5 oz wine, 1.5 oz spirits) and converts to purchasable quantities (cases, bottles, handles). A 10-15% buffer is included for varying consumption rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many drinks per person should I plan for?
A common rule is 2 drinks for the first hour and 1 drink per hour after that. For a 4-hour party, plan for about 5 drinks per guest. Adjust up for heavy-drinking crowds or down for daytime/brunch events.
What is a good beer to wine to liquor ratio?
A common split is 50% beer, 30% wine, 20% spirits. Adjust based on your crowd: younger groups tend to prefer beer and spirits, while older groups may prefer wine. When in doubt, offer a variety.
How much ice do I need for a party?
Plan for about 1-1.5 lbs of ice per person. If you're filling coolers to chill drinks, add extra. For a party of 30, you'll want at least 30-45 lbs of ice, plus more for coolers.
Should I buy extra?
Yes, always buy 10-15% more than calculated. Sealed bottles and cans can be returned in most states. It's much better to have too much than to run out — running out can lead to guests driving to get more alcohol, which is unsafe.