💡 Pro Tip: For parties, always make 10-15% extra to avoid running out. For families, calculate based on biggest eater.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Portion Calculator
How to scale recipe for 10 guests?+
Multiply original by (10 / original servings). 4-serving recipe x 2.5 = 10. But spices increase only 1.5-2x (not 2.5x). Salt scales fully.
Why dont spices scale linearly?+
In larger pots, spices distribute more efficiently. 4x recipe needs 2-3x spice (taste and adjust). Salt and oil scale fully. Add gradually, taste often.
Side dish: 50g uncooked. Main meal: 75-100g uncooked (225-300g cooked). Biryani: 100-125g uncooked. Adjust for appetite.
Catering quantities?+
For 50 people: 5kg rice, 2kg dal, 8kg vegetables, 2kg paneer. Add 20% for comfortable portions. Less likely to run out, leftover OK.
Can recipes scale to 1 person?+
Most yes, but: minimum quantities (1/4 onion not 1/8), oil amounts (need enough to cover pan). Use less spice initially, taste, add.
Cooking time when scaling?+
Time stays similar (depends on heat). Larger volumes take 20-30% longer to come to boil. Stirring frequency increases. Check doneness rather than timer.
Pressure cooker scaling?+
Same whistles for 1x to 4x quantity. Dont overfill (max 2/3 of cooker). For 10x, use multiple cookers. Adjust water proportionally.