How Much Soda for 40 People?

Plan 2 cans of soda per person over a 2–3 hour party (more in summer heat). A 2-liter bottle pours about six 12 oz servings and is much cheaper per ounce — but needs cups and ice.

Skew the mix: cola and lemon-lime cover 70% of what people actually take. Diet options matter more as average guest age rises.

Adjusting for your crowd: kids eat about two-thirds of adult portions; knock 25% off any single item when several mains share the table; add 25% for teenagers and big appetites. When in doubt, round up on the cheap items (buns, chips, ice) and stay exact on the expensive ones.