How much beer do I need for 200 guests?

You need 25 cases of beer for 200 guests at a thanksgiving. This provides 507 total servings with a 15% buffer to ensure you don't run out.

How much beer per person for a thanksgiving?

Plan for 2.5 servings of beer per person at a thanksgiving. This accounts for the fact that not everyone drinks alcohol and consumption naturally slows as the event progresses.

How many servings are in a case of beer?

One case of beer contains 24 servings. For 200 guests, you'll need 25 cases to provide 507 total servings.

What percentage of guests will drink beer at a thanksgiving?

At a thanksgiving with 200 guests, approximately 130 guests (65%) will actively drink. Our formula accounts for this when calculating the 25 cases you need.

Should I buy extra beer as a buffer?

Yes! Our calculation of 25 cases already includes a 15% buffer (3 extra cases). This ensures you won't run out even if some guests drink more than average. It's always better to have leftovers than to run short.

How long will 25 cases of beer last for 200 guests?

25 cases of beer will last approximately 4 hours for 200 guests at a thanksgiving. This calculation factors in the natural slowdown of consumption as the event progresses.

Calculate a different drink for this event

🍷 Wine 🍺 Beer viewing 🥂 Champagne 🥃 Spirits

How Much Beer for a 200 Guest Thanksgiving?

🍺

cases of beer

For a 200-guest thanksgiving lasting 4 hours

15% buffer included

507

Total servings

2.5

Per person

Buffer cases

How We Calculated This

Our bartender-tested formula, step by step

Estimate actual drinkers

200 guests × 65% drinking rate

= 130 drinkers

At xlarge events, about 65% of guests typically drink alcohol.

Calculate base consumption

130 drinkers × 1.5 drinks/hour × 4 hours

= 780 base drinks

Industry standard is 1.5 drinks per person per hour for a 4-hour event.

Apply consumption decay

Adjusted for drinking slowdown over time (decay factor: 3.25)

= 634 adjusted drinks

People drink faster in the first hour and slow down as the event progresses.

Apply thanksgiving modifier

× 0.8 (-20% for beer)

= 507 beer servings needed

Thanksgivings typically consume 20% less beer than average.

Convert to cases

507 servings ÷ 24 servings per case

= 21.1 cases (raw)

Each case of beer provides 24 servings.

Add 15% buffer & round up

21.1 × 1.15 = 24.3, rounded up

= 25 cases

Always round up and add a buffer. Running out is worse than having leftovers!

* Why trust this formula?

Based on industry standards and refined by bartenders with 30+ years of experience. We factor in consumption decay (people drink less as events progress) and real-world drinking percentages.

📊 Quick Reference: Beer by Guest Count

Guests	Beer Needed	Total Servings
25 guests	4 cases	63 servings
50 guests	7 cases	127 servings
75 guests	10 cases	190 servings
100 guests	13 cases	254 servings
150 guests	19 cases	380 servings
200 guests (you)	25 cases	507 servings

* All calculations include a 15% buffer. Amounts for thanksgiving.

Your Shopping List

Everything you need, plus essentials you might forget

🍺

Beer

The main event

cases

Don't forget these

Ice (Keep those beers cold!)

300 lbs
Coolers (2 cases per cooler)

13 coolers
Buy

Email Your Shopping List

We'll send your complete list plus pro tips for a stress-free event

No spam, unsubscribe anytime

Pro Tips for Your Thanksgiving

Insider advice from experienced bartenders

💡

Wine consumption peaks during dinner - have bottles ready at the table.

⏰

Pre-dinner cocktails should be light so people can enjoy the meal.

🎯

After-dinner drinks (port, brandy) are a nice touch.

🧊

Football watching = beer in the afternoon before dinner.

✨

Designated drivers are essential - plan non-alcoholic options.

🛒 Buying Guide

Thanksgiving is wine-heavy with the meal. Plan 1 bottle of wine per 2 adults at the table. Have a light cocktail option for pre-dinner and maybe some beer for football watching. Keep it classy.

Explore More Calculators

Find the perfect amounts for any event

More for your Thanksgiving

Different guest count?

Other events (200 guests)

🎉

Planning a different event?

Use our free calculator for any combination of drinks, events, and guest counts.

Browse All 336 Calculators