Feeding Frenzy: How Many Pizzas to Satisfy 20 Hungry Kids?

Are you hosting a big pizza party for the first time but need to figure out how many pizzas you need for 20 kids?  

The number of pizzas you need for 20 kids depends on many factors, such as kids’ appetite, other items on the menu, and the serving size of the pizza you would like to order. 

As a rule of thumb, a kid of 7-10 years of age would eat 26 sq inches of pizza, and 11-14 will eat about 39 sq inches of pizza. So, if you’re hosting a party for kids of mixed age, go for 26 sq inches per kid because you’ll also be serving a few sides.   

It was all about sq inches of pizza appetite, but how about slices and the number of pizzas of different sizes you need to order for 20 kids?

This article will answer all the questions in detail by doing perfect math. Let’s move to knowing how many pizzas you should order.

How Many Pizzas Do You Need for 20 kids? QUICK ANSWER

Since each kid needs 26 sq inches of pizza, here is an elaboration on how many sq inches are in a pizza and how many kids should single pizza feed

• You’ll need 7 small pizzas of 10 inches in size—each small pizza of 10 inches has 78 sq inches, so it should feed 3 kids.
• You’ll need 5 medium pizzas of 12 inches in size—each medium pizza of 12 inches has 113 sq inches, so it should feed 4 kids.
• You’ll need 3-4 large pizzas of 14 inches in size—each large pizza of 14 inches has 154 sq inches, so it should feed 6 kids.
• You’ll need 3 extra large pizzas of 16 inches size—each extra large pizza of 16 inches has 201 sq inches, it should feed 7 kids. It’s an excellent size to opt for.
• You’ll need 2 extra large pizzas of 18 inches in size—each extra large pizza of 18 inches has 254 sq inches, so it should feed 9-10 kids. Also, avoid this size, for you’ll either have insufficient pizzas if you order 2 pizzas, and in case of ordering 3 pizzas, you’ll have a lot of leftover pizza to waste money on.
• You’ll need 2 extra large pizzas of 20 inches in size—each extra large pizza of 20 inches has 314 sq inches, so it should feed 12 kids. It’s the best size that you can go for. You’ll have enough pizza to satiate your little guests without wasting money.

How Many Slices should each Pizza have to Distribute among Kids evenly? More Math…!

Good luck is always there when you want to serve little angels. And when it’s about distributing pizza among 20 kids, you can ask your pizza master to slice pizzas according to the breakdown listed below–all pizza restaurants are flexible to slice pizzas according to your need.

• Slice a small pizza of 10 inches into 6 slices and offer 2 slices to each kid— 1 pizza for 3 kids.
• Slice a medium pizza of 12 inches into 8 slices and give 2 slices to each kid — 1 pizza for 4 kids.
• Get a large pizza of 14 inches sliced into 12 slices and give 2 slices to each kid— 1 pizza for 6 kids.
• Slice a medium pizza of 16 inches into 14 slices–2 slices for each kid — 1 pizza for 7 kids.
• Slice an extra large pizza of 18 inches into 10 slices and 1 slice for each — 1 pizza for 10 kids.
• Ask to Slice an extra large pizza of 20 inches into 12 slices and 1 for each kiddo — 1 pizza for 12 kids.

How many Pizzas should you order for a Kids’ Party? A Complete Chart.

When you love kids to enjoy your pizza party, you must invite them again. To help you do your best planning every time, we’ve completed math for how many pizzas you need to cater to up to 100 kids. 

Kids	10’’ Pizza	12’’ Pizza	14’’ Pizza	16’’ Pizza	18’’ Pizza	20’’ Pizza
5	2	1-2	1	–	–	–
10	3-4	2-3	2	2	1	1
15	5	4	3	2	2	2
20	7	5	3	3	2	2
25	8-9	6-7	4	4	3	2
30	10	7-8	5	4-5	3	3
35	12	9	6	5	4	3
40	13-14	10	7	6	4	4
45	15	11	8	6-7	5	4
50	17	13	8-9	7	5	5
55	18-19	14	9	8	6	5
60	20	15	10	9	6	5
65	22	16-17	11	10	7	6
70	24	18	12	10	7	6
75	25	19	13	11	8	6-7
80	27	20	14	12	8	7
85	28-29	21	14	12	9	7
90	30	23	15	13	9	8
95	32	24	16	14	10	8
100	33-34	25	17	14	10	9

Note: It’s not recommended to order 16,18, or 20-inch pizzas for up to kids–leftovers can be money-wasters.

Tips for Ordering Pizza for 20 Kids or even More

Remember that you’ll also need to consider other factors, such as your guest’s dietary restrictions and whether you’ll serve other items along with pizza. 

So let’s get to it right away. 

Plan the event first.

Always plan for pizza or any big event you’re hosting first. You would like to note down everything to make the party successful. Start with the type of party. Is it some special birthday event or just a casual girls’ hangout? The next is the age and appetite of the guest. 

To make sure you’ve enough pizza for everyone. Without getting into “how many slices of pizzas you need; ” get straight to the table and order your pizzas.

Get pizzas sliced by the franchise, or slice them yourself.

Kids eat less and small sizes are perfect for their small appetites.

Another amazing option is to order pizzas and request the franchise not to cut them into slices. You can cut the pizzas yourself based on the guest list. For example, if there are 2 adults and one kid, you can cut large pieces for your adult guests and small pieces for the kids.

Consider the appetite and preference of your guests.

Knowing about your guests is a way to win the best pizza party host title. Everyone loves pizza, and if they come to a pizza party and find that it is not enough for them to indulge in, it becomes a really sad situation. 

If you know someone on your guest list who is a big-time foodie and can easily eat a small pizza by themself, then you need to add 1 or 2  extra slices for such guests.

Avoid thin-crust pizzas as they’re not very fulfilling and might leave your guests hungry. Moreover, always opt for popular toppings such as pepperoni, sausage, and Margherita or chicken, which are liked by adults and kids alike. 

Make your guest list

While planning for the party, make a guest list. Some kids can ditch you at the last minute. Ask everyone if they’ll make it or not to the event. Knowing the exact number of kids coming to the party will help you order the right amount of pizza.

Take care of dietary restrictions.

Never underestimate your guest’s appetite. Knowing if someone has any medical issue or other dietary restriction will allow you to make a better choice to accommodate everyone attending the event. 

Contact the pizza provider to discuss your needs.

Make sure to contact your pizza provider at least 2 days before the event and discuss everything in detail. Discuss the size of slices you want, toppings, and the type of crust. It’s the best way to avoid any mishap or delay in the order. 

Follow your budget. 

Don’t go overboard to impress the kids. Always look at your budget. By going overboard, not only you’ll waste money, but there will be leftovers you’ll have to take care of. 

Consider delivery options.

It’s always best to pick up your delivery yourself. However, given that you’re the host and might have responsibilities to take care of, you can specify the timing of the pizza provided to avoid any delay. Ask them to deliver hot pies right on time. 

Opt for extra pie.

You should have enough pizza to ensure that your guests enjoy the pizza party. To make that happen, always order a few extra pies, particularly if you’re hosting a large event. And it’s always better to have leftovers than to run out of food in the middle of the party. 

FAQs

How many pan pizzas should I order for 20 kids?

You should order 3 pan pizzas of 14 inches in size for 20 kids. Being loaded with toppings, pan pizzas are more filling.

What’s the best size of pizzas to order for a kid’s pizza party?

12-14 inch pizzas are the best to order for a kids’ party. You might also like 16-20 inch pizzas; such large slices can be challenging for kids and uncomfortable in little hands. 

What is the best type of pizza to order for a party?

To make your pizza party a success, determine the type of event you are planning. If it is a casual gathering, you can order anything from pepperoni to chicken, and everyone will be happy. 

However, if it is some formal event, then a universally appealing order, such as Margherita or pepperoni.

Can I mix medium and large pizzas for a party of 20 kids?

We recommend only going for one size for all pizzas and cutting them in equal sizes. This way, you’ll be able to divide among guests better and save your guests from the confusion about picking a slice from medium or large pizza.

What if a person eats two large slices and one medium? This can ruin the calculation you’ve done for days, so better to stick to one size for all pizzas you’re ordering. 

What are the best pizza sides for kids’ pizza parties?

When it comes to pizza sides for kids, there are several options that are both delicious and kid-friendly. Here are some of the best pizza sides for kids:

• Garlic Bread–Soft, warm, and buttery garlic bread is a popular pizza side that kids love.
• Breadsticks–Breadsticks are another classic pizza side that is perfect for kids. They can be plain or flavored and are usually served with dipping sauces such as marinara sauce or ranch dressing.
• Chicken Wings–Mild or BBQ-flavored chicken wings are a tasty and popular choice for kids. They are also a good source of protein.
• Mozzarella Sticks–Breaded and fried cheese sticks are a favorite among kids. They are usually served with a marinara sauce for dipping.
• French Fries– a side of crispy french fries is always a hit with kids. They can be seasoned with salt or other toppings like garlic, parmesan cheese, or chili powder.

Please don’t overcrowd your pizza party menu for it will confuse the eaters and also overstress you. Keep your event simple and fun-filled. 

What are the best pizza toppings to order for kids?

When it comes to pizza toppings for kids, it’s best to keep it simple and stick to familiar and universally liked toppings. Here are some of the best pizza toppings to order for kids:

• Cheese: Most kids love cheese, so a plain cheese pizza is always a safe bet.
• Pepperoni: Pepperoni is a classic pizza topping that is popular with kids. Its slightly spicy flavor and crispy texture make it a hit with most children.
• Sausage: Mild Italian sausage is another popular pizza topping that kids enjoy.
• Pineapple: If your kids like sweet and savory flavors, pineapple is a fun and tasty topping to try. It’s often paired with ham to make a Hawaiian-style pizza.
• Olives: Some kids like the salty, briny taste of olives. Black olives are the most commonly used on pizzas, but green olives can also work.

Remember to always ask the kids what they like and offer a variety of toppings to suit different tastes. You can also get creative and let the kids make their own mini pizzas with their favorite toppings.

Final Thoughts 

In conclusion, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the question, “How many pizzas for 20 kids?” It all comes to factors that are different for every person. 

If you go with 7 small, 5 medium, 3 large, or 2 extra large pizzas with few sides like cold drinks, nuggets, and French fries.

When hosting a big pizza party, having a backup plan is crucial. Have extra pizza or order a few extra pies to be safe. With the proper preparation and a bit of math, your big pizza party will be a huge success!