How much beer do I need for 25 guests?

You need 4 cases of beer for 25 guests at a thanksgiving. This provides 78 total servings with a 15% buffer to ensure you don't run out.

How much beer per person for a thanksgiving?

Plan for 3.1 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 25 guests, you'll need 4 cases to provide 78 total servings.

What percentage of guests will drink beer at a thanksgiving?

At a thanksgiving with 25 guests, approximately 20 guests (80%) will actively drink. Our formula accounts for this when calculating the 4 cases you need.

Should I buy extra beer as a buffer?

Yes! Our calculation of 4 cases already includes a 15% buffer (0 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 4 cases of beer last for 25 guests?

4 cases of beer will last approximately 4 hours for 25 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 25 Guest Thanksgiving?

You will need approx.

🍺

cases of beer

For a 25-guest thanksgiving lasting 4 hours

info 15% buffer included

Total servings

3.1

Per person

Buffer cases

How We Calculated This

Our bartender-tested formula, step by step

Estimate actual drinkers

25 guests × 80% drinking rate

= 20 drinkers

At small events, about 80% of guests typically drink alcohol.

Calculate base consumption

20 drinkers × 1.5 drinks/hour × 4 hours

= 120 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)

= 98 adjusted drinks

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

Apply thanksgiving modifier

× 0.8 (-20% for beer)

= 78 beer servings needed

Thanksgivings typically consume 20% less beer than average.

Convert to cases

78 servings ÷ 24 servings per case

= 3.3 cases (raw)

Each case of beer provides 24 servings.

Add 15% buffer & round up

3.3 × 1.15 = 3.8, rounded up

= 4 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 (you)	4 cases	78 servings
50 guests	8 cases	156 servings
75 guests	12 cases	234 servings
100 guests	16 cases	312 servings
150 guests	24 cases	468 servings
200 guests	32 cases	624 servings

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

The Essentials

🍺 4 cases Beer

48 lbs Ice (Keep those beers cold!)

2 coolers Coolers (2 cases per cooler) Buy

Email Your Shopping List

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

No spam, unsubscribe anytime

The Host's Secret

Editorial Curation

ATMOSPHERE

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

Pro Tip #1

PREPARATION

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

Pro Tip #2

TIMING

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

Pro Tip #3

SERVICE

"Football watching = beer in the afternoon before dinner."

Pro Tip #4

PRESENTATION

"Designated drivers are essential - plan non-alcoholic options."

Pro Tip #5

🛒

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 (25 guests)

🎉

Planning a different event?

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

Browse All 336 Calculators