How Much Ice for a Party? (2026)

30 lb

ice for a 20-guest indoor party (3 hours)

Plan about 1.5 lb of ice per guest indoors — from 15 lb (10 guests) to 150 lb (100), before outdoor and summer melt

Ice to buy by guest count (indoor)

10 guests

15 lb

15 guests

23 lb

20 guests

30 lb

30 guests

45 lb

50 guests

75 lb

100 guests

150 lb

Same 20 guests — buy more for tougher conditions

🏠 Indoor, drinks only30 lb

⛱️ Outdoor38 lb

☀️ Summer heat (85°F+)45 lb

🧊 Summer + food on ice68 lb

Modeled from Party Genius AI ice calculator · 2026