There are several online calculators out there, from event budgeters to mortgage calculations. When recently ordering cocktail napkins for an event we were amazed to discover there are calculators for that as well! After evaluating all the formulas out there, here’s the formula we created to determine the optimal number of napkins for your event.

(1.5 napkins) x (# of guests) for the 1^st hour + (1 napkin) x (# of guests) x (# of additional hours) = Ideal Number of Napkins

Example: I have 175 guests coming to my event, which last for 4 hours.

(1.5 x 175) + (1 x 175) x (3 additional hours) = 787 napkins

External factors may affect your total numbers, including, if the napkins are being used for passed appetizers in addition to cocktails, if your guests are heavy drinkers, or if guests are coming and going and not staying the entire time. You may want to consider some of these factors and adjust your quantity accordingly.