What is the rule for ordering pizza?

Decoding the Pizza Equation: The 3/8 Rule for Ordering Success

Ordering pizza for a group can be a surprisingly tricky endeavor. Too little, and you leave guests hungry and disgruntled. Too much, and you’re faced with a mountain of leftover slices and a lighter wallet. So, how do you strike the perfect balance? Enter the 3/8 rule, a simple yet effective guideline for pizza ordering mastery.

The 3/8 rule operates on two key assumptions: the average person consumes approximately three slices of pizza, and a large pizza generally yields eight slices. Using this as a foundation, you can quickly estimate the optimal number of pizzas for your gathering.

Let’s break it down with an example: You’re hosting 10 people. Following the 3/8 rule, you’d multiply 10 (people) by 3 (slices per person), giving you a total of 30 slices needed. Then, divide 30 (slices needed) by 8 (slices per pizza), resulting in 3.75. Since you can’t order fractions of pizzas, round up to the nearest whole number, which is 4. Therefore, you should order four large pizzas for your group of 10.

Of course, this rule isn’t foolproof and requires some common sense adjustments. Consider these factors when placing your order:

• Appetites: Are you feeding a group of ravenous teenagers or light eaters? Adjust the 3 slices per person estimation accordingly. If you anticipate bigger appetites, consider bumping it up to 4 or even 5 slices per person.
• Other food: Are you serving other dishes alongside the pizza? If so, you can likely reduce the pizza quantity, perhaps assuming only 2 slices per person.
• Type of pizza: Thick crust pizzas tend to be more filling, meaning you might need fewer pizzas overall. Conversely, thin crust pizzas might require slightly more.
• Leftovers: Intentionally overestimating can be a strategic move if you enjoy having leftover pizza for lunch the next day.

The 3/8 rule is a great starting point, providing a quick and easy method to estimate your pizza needs. However, remember to personalize the calculation based on the specific circumstances of your gathering. By taking these factors into account and applying a bit of common sense, you can confidently order the perfect amount of pizza and ensure everyone leaves satisfied. No more pizza anxiety, just happy, full bellies.