Cutlery Calculator — Knives, Forks & Spoons

For a buffet: 1 fork + 1 knife. For a 3-course meal: 2 forks, 2 knives, 1 dessert fork, and 1 spoon per person (5-6 pieces per head). Always add a single ~10% spare margin across all pieces to cover drops, losses and breakages — UK hire firms such as Expo Hire and Top Table Catering Hire recommend 5-10%. Fresh cutlery for each course is standard at formal events but optional for casual parties.

This calculator allows 2 serving utensils (a large spoon + fork, or tongs) per table — about 2 per 10 guests, set by the Guests per Table option. As a cross-check, allow roughly 2 per buffet dish: for a buffet with 8 dishes that is around 16 serving utensils. Order a few extras either way, as serving spoons tend to migrate into the food.

Hiring cutlery costs £0.10-£0.30 per piece and includes washing. Buying stainless steel costs £0.50-£2 per piece. Disposable cutlery costs £0.05-£0.20 per piece. For 30+ guests, hiring is often the best value and least effort.

Only if serving steak, lamb chops, or other meats that require a sharp knife. Standard dinner knives are fine for most meals. If hiring, request steak knives as a separate item. Allow one per guest who is having meat.