When ordering food for a larger group, what happens to the percentage of overage needed?

When ordering food for a larger group, the percentage of overage needed typically decreases. This is because as the group size increases, the expected consumption per person tends to stabilize, due to the law of large numbers. In smaller groups, there can be more variation in individual appetites, leading to a higher percentage of overage to ensure that everyone is satisfied. However, as the group grows, the overall eating patterns become more predictable, and the need for overstocking diminishes.

In larger gatherings, planners often calculate food based on average consumption statistics, which means that a smaller percentage of extra food is necessary to accommodate potential fluctuations in appetite. Therefore, it is common practice to reduce the overage percentage for larger groups to avoid waste and ensure cost-effectiveness, while still meeting the needs of the attendees.