How to use this calculator
Enter seated guests and the usable seat count for one table. Include children who need their own place. Use the venue or hire company’s confirmed seat count, especially when chairs, place settings or centrepieces reduce the comfortable capacity.
The formula and assumptions
Guests ÷ seats per table → Round up to whole tables → Tables × seats per table
Tables = ceiling(guests ÷ seats per table). Available seats = tables × seats per table. The average guest count per table spreads guests evenly across the tables; it does not assign names or groups. Cost covers table hire only, excluding chairs, linens, delivery and service tables.
Worked example
For 30 guests with 8 seats at each table, 30 ÷ 8 = 3.75, so you need 4 tables. They provide 32 seats, leaving 2 spare. The average is 7.5 guests per table: in practice, two tables of 8 and two tables of 7. At 15 per table, hire costs 60.
Before you order
Table count alone cannot determine whether a room is suitable. Leave space for accessible routes, exits, service staff and movement between chairs. Add buffet, cake, gift and registration tables separately and confirm the room plan with the venue.
Frequently asked questions
How many tables for 100 guests?
At 8 seats per table, you need 13 tables, providing 104 seats. At 10 seats per table, you need 10 tables.
Does this draw a seating chart?
No. It estimates table and seat counts. Assign guests and groups separately after confirming the layout.
Are buffet tables included?
No. The result includes seated guest tables only.
Planning estimates only. Adjust portions for your guests, menu and event. Confirm serving yields, prices and venue capacity with your suppliers.