🍿 Popcorn Calculator
Plan popcorn for movie nights, kids parties, or popcorn bars at events.
Kids are counted as about 60% of an adult portion. Appetite and leftover adjustments are shown in the result.
Shopping list
- Popcorn kernels1.1 lb
- Butter / oil1.8 oz
- Salt / seasoningto taste
Info: 35g kernels/adult normal. 1g kernels ≈ 8-10ml popped.
How much popcorn per person?
25g kernels light, 35g normal, 50g hungry/movie-night. 1g of kernels yields about 8–10ml of popped popcorn.
Flavor bar
Set out melted butter, salt, parmesan, ranch powder, cinnamon sugar, and chili-lime to make a popcorn bar.
How much popcorn for 5, 10, 20, 50 or 100 people?
These are the exact quantities most home cooks and caterers use when planning popcorn for a group. Portions assume a normal adult appetite with a small buffer for leftovers — bump up one level for hungry guests, sports crowds, or long events.
- How much popcorn for 5 people? Plan for about 6.8 oz kernels (~7.2 cups popped) — adjust with the calculator above for kids, appetite, or leftovers.
- How much popcorn for 10 people? Plan for about 13.6 oz kernels (~14.4 cups popped) — adjust with the calculator above for kids, appetite, or leftovers.
- How much popcorn for 20 people? Plan for about 1.7 lb kernels (~1.83 gal popped) — adjust with the calculator above for kids, appetite, or leftovers.
- How much popcorn for 50 people? Plan for about 4.24 lb kernels (~4.58 gal popped) — adjust with the calculator above for kids, appetite, or leftovers.
- How much popcorn for 100 people? Plan for about 8.49 lb kernels (~9.15 gal popped) — adjust with the calculator above for kids, appetite, or leftovers.
35g kernels/adult normal. 1g kernels ≈ 8-10ml popped.
Popcorn portions for 10, 20, 50, and 100 people
| Guests | Normal serving | Hungry crowd |
|---|---|---|
| 10 guests | 13.6 oz kernels (~14.4 cups popped) | 1.02 lb kernels (~1.1 gal popped) |
| 20 guests | 1.7 lb kernels (~1.83 gal popped) | 2.04 lb kernels (~2.2 gal popped) |
| 50 guests | 4.24 lb kernels (~4.58 gal popped) | 5.09 lb kernels (~5.49 gal popped) |
| 100 guests | 8.49 lb kernels (~9.15 gal popped) | 10.19 lb kernels (~10.99 gal popped) |
Frequently asked questions
How much popcorn for 20 people?
About 700g kernels — that pops to roughly 6 L of popcorn.
Air-popped vs stovetop?
Air-popped is lower-fat; stovetop in oil tastes richer and crisps better.