How many portable toilets per person?

The Purple Guide (the UK event-safety standard from the Events Industry Forum) recommends 1 female WC per 100 women and 1 male WC per 500 men plus 1 urinal per 150 men for shorter events. For events of 6 hours or more, it tightens to 1 female WC per 75 women and 1 male WC per 400 men plus 1 urinal per 100 men. If alcohol is served, add around 30% more units, as guests use facilities more frequently.

Do I need disabled toilets at my event?

Yes. Under the Equality Act 2010, you should provide accessible toilet facilities. Best practice is at least 1 disabled unit for events up to 250 guests, with an additional unit per 250 guests after that. These are larger units with handrails and wheelchair access.

What types of portable toilet are available?

Standard chemical toilets are the most common and cheapest. Luxury trailer units have flushing toilets, mirrors, and heating - ideal for weddings. Urinal units for men reduce queues. Eco-friendly composting toilets are available for festival-style events.

How much do portable toilets cost to hire?

Standard portable toilets cost around £80-120 per unit for a weekend hire. Luxury trailer units cost £300-800 depending on size and specification. Prices include delivery, setup, and collection. For multi-day events, add servicing costs of £30-50 per unit per day.

Where should I position portable toilets?

Place toilets at least 20m from food preparation areas and water sources. Position them downwind from the main event area. Ensure firm, level ground for stability. Provide adequate lighting and signage. Keep access paths clear and consider adding hand sanitiser stations nearby.

PartyCalcs

Toilet Calculator — Portable Loos for Events

Calculate how many portable toilets you need for your outdoor event.

Number of Guests

Total number of people attending

Event DurationTotal hours the event runs; 6 hours or more triggers higher provision

Female Guests %

Estimated proportion of female guests; women need more WC provision

Alcohol ServedServing alcohol adds 30% more units, as guests use facilities more often

Hire Cost per Unit

Weekend hire price per portable toilet (UK standard units are around £80–120)

How We Calculate This

This calculator estimates portable toilet quantities using the provision ratios in the Purple Guide (Events Industry Forum), the recognised UK guidance for outdoor-event sanitation.

Provision ratios (Purple Guide)

Shorter events (under 6 hours): 1 female WC per 100 women; 1 male WC per 500 men plus 1 urinal per 150 men
Longer events (6 hours or more): 1 female WC per 75 women; 1 male WC per 400 men plus 1 urinal per 100 men

When alcohol is served, every unit count is increased by 30% (the Purple Guide suggests a 20–30% uplift for licensed events). The calculator splits guests by gender, then adds at least 1 accessible unit (plus a further unit per 250 guests) and 1 handwash station per 10 toilets. A minimum of 2 standard cubicles is always provided.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Adjust quantities based on your guests and event type.