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How Much Tacos for a 50 Guests Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving • 50 guests
Your Total
4
dozen
of tacos
41
total servings
0.8
per person
15%
buffer
Note: This assumes tacos is your main food. Planning a buffet spread? See our Thanksgiving Party Planner for balanced quantities.
📐 Why This Amount Works
1
Estimate actual eaters
50 guests × 90% eating rate At medium events, about 90% of guests will eat full servings. 45 eaters
2
Calculate servings (as main dish)
45 eaters × 3 tacos per person As a main dish, plan for 3 tacos per person. 135 base servings
3
Apply thanksgiving modifier
× 0.3 (-70% for tacos) Thanksgivings typically consume 70% less tacos than average. 41 tacos needed
4
Convert to dozen
41 tacos ÷ 12 per dozen Each dozen provides 12 tacos. 3.4 dozen (raw)
5
Add 15% buffer & round up
3.4 × 1.15 = 3.9, rounded up Always round up and add a buffer. Running out of food is worse than having leftovers! 4 dozen
✓
Caterer-Tested Formula
Our calculations are based on real event data from professional caterers and party planners.
📊 Quick Reference: Tacos by Guest Count
| Guests | Tacos Needed | Total Servings |
|---|---|---|
| 25 guests | 2 dozen | 21 servings |
| 50 guests (you) | 4 dozen | 41 servings |
| 75 guests | 6 dozen | 62 servings |
| 100 guests | 8 dozen | 82 servings |
| 150 guests | 12 dozen | 123 servings |
| 200 guests | 16 dozen | 164 servings |
* All calculations include a 15% buffer. Amounts for thanksgiving as main dish.
🛒 Your Complete Shopping List
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Tacos
4 dozen
Salsa — Mild and hot options
7 jars
Sour cream
5 containers
Lime wedges
25 limes
Cilantro
4 bunches
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💡 Pro Tips for Thanksgiving Food
- ✓ Turkey is 1-1.5 lbs per person (includes bone weight).
- ✓ Appetizers before dinner should be light - 3-4 pieces per person max.
- ✓ Plan 3-4 side dishes total - not 3-4 per person.
- ✓ Dessert is non-negotiable - 1 pie per 6-8 guests.
- ✓ Leftovers are part of Thanksgiving - plan for turkey sandwiches.
Buying Guide
Thanksgiving is about the traditional spread: turkey (1-1.5 lbs per person), stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and pie. Light appetizers before dinner only. Plan for leftovers!
🍺 Complete Your Bar
Don't forget the drinks! See our drink calculators for this event:
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