Calculate how much wine, beer, and soft drinks to buy for your party or event. Enter your guest numbers and event duration to get a tailored estimate and cost projection.
Based on your inputs, we recommend the following quantities:
This is an estimate based on average UK prices.
Our calculator helps you avoid the stress of running out of drinks or overspending. It works by estimating the total number of drinks your guests will consume and then splitting that total into common categories like wine, beer, and soft drinks. This ensures you have a balanced selection for everyone.
The calculation is based on standard UK drink measures and average consumption rates. For a more detailed breakdown of costs, you might find our Tip Calculator useful for factoring in service charges at venues.
It is better to have a little extra
It is always safer to slightly overestimate than to run out of drinks. Check if your supplier allows returns for unopened bottles. Also, consider your specific guests; if you know they all love red wine, you can adjust the proportions accordingly. This calculator provides a great baseline, but personal knowledge is key!
The concept of an alcohol 'unit' is used in the UK to help people track their consumption. One unit is 10ml or 8g of pure alcohol. The number of units in a drink depends on its strength (ABV) and size. The UK government advises not to regularly drink more than 14 units per week.
2.3 Units
In a standard 175ml glass of 13% wine
1.7 Units
In a 330ml bottle of 5% beer
14 Units
Recommended maximum weekly intake
Being mindful of units helps ensure a safe and enjoyable event for everyone. For designated drivers and others, it is vital to provide appealing non-alcoholic options. Our Portion Size Calculator can also help with planning food alongside drinks.
How to use this Calculator Site tool
Simply enter the number of guests you expect, the duration of your event in hours, and the general drinking level of your crowd. The calculator will instantly provide a shopping list with recommended quantities of wine, beer, and soft drinks, plus an estimated total cost. You can adjust the inputs to see how the numbers change.
Getting your measurements and timings right makes all the difference in the kitchen. You may also find our Bird Cooking Time Calculator useful for related calculations.
For a broader view of your finances, try the Oven Temperature Converter or the BMI Calculator. All of our calculators are free to use and updated for the 2026/27 tax year where applicable.
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