Calculate your fruit platter
Fruit platter quantities chart
Assumes a mix of melon, berries and grapes at 1 cup per person. A medium watermelon yields about 22 cups.
| Guests | Cut fruit (cups) | Weight (lb) | Watermelons (med) | Berries+grapes (lb) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 3.5 | 0.5 | 2 |
| 20 | 20 | 7 | 1 | 4 |
| 30 | 30 | 10 | 1 | 5 |
| 50 | 50 | 17 | 2 | 8 |
| 100 | 100 | 33 | 4 | 16 |
Whole-fruit math: a medium watermelon yields about 22 cups, cantaloupe about 6, honeydew about 9, pineapple about 4, and 1 lb of strawberries or grapes about 3 cups. Melon-heavy boards are cheapest for big crowds. Build the rest of the menu with the party food calculator or size the office party version for work events.
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Fruit platter questions
How much fruit per person for a party?
Plan about 1 cup of cut fruit per adult when fruit is a dessert-table or brunch item, and 1/2 cup when it is a light side. One cup weighs about 1/3 lb, so 20 adults need roughly 7 lb of cut fruit.
How much fruit for 20 people?
For 20 guests plan about 20 cups, or roughly 7 lb of cut fruit. A low-cost mix: one medium watermelon (about 22 cups alone covers the board) plus 2 lb of grapes and 2 lb of strawberries for color.
How big a fruit platter for 50 people?
For 50 adults plan about 50 cups, or 17 to 18 lb of cut fruit. Shop for about 2 medium watermelons, 4 lb of strawberries, 4 lb of grapes, 2 pineapples and 3 cantaloupes.
How many pounds of fruit per person?
About 1/3 lb (roughly 1 cup of cut fruit) per adult for a fruit-forward spread, and closer to 1/4 lb when fruit is one of several sides. Cut whole fruit yourself to save money.
What fruit lasts best on a platter?
Watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, grapes, pineapple and berries hold up for 2 to 4 hours. Toss cut apples and pears in lemon or pineapple juice to stop browning, and keep the board chilled until serving.
How far ahead can I cut fruit?
Melon, pineapple and grapes are fine cut a day ahead. Slice berries, apples and pears within 4 to 6 hours of serving and store everything covered in the fridge. Refill from backup bowls kept cold.