How Much Potato per Person? Mashed, Roasted, and Baked Portions
Plan 6–8 ounces of potatoes per person for most sides, with different amounts for mashed, roasted, and whole baked potatoes.
Quick reference
- Mashed potatoes: 6–8 oz raw per person About ¾–1 lb for two
- Roasted potatoes: 6–8 oz per person Use 8 oz for hearty eaters
- Whole baked potato: 1 medium per person About 6–8 oz each
- Main-dish potato meal: 10–12 oz per person Add toppings or a filling side
The short answer
For a typical potato side dish, prepare 6–8 ounces of raw potatoes per person. That equals roughly ¾–1 medium potato each, depending on size. Use the lower end when potatoes accompany several other dishes; choose the higher end for hungry guests or a meal built around potatoes. Whole baked potatoes are easiest to count individually, while mashed and roasted potatoes are better measured by weight.
Mashed potato portions
Plan 6–8 ounces of raw potatoes per person for mashed potatoes. Potatoes lose some water and are often enriched with butter, milk, cream, or cheese, so a modest raw amount makes a generous side. For a holiday meal with multiple sides, 5–6 ounces may be enough. For seconds, buffet service, or a potato-centered dinner, use 8–10 ounces per person.
- 4 people: 1½–2 pounds
- 6 people: 2¼–3 pounds
- 8 people: 3–4 pounds
Roasted potato portions
Roasted potatoes shrink slightly as moisture cooks off, and their crisp edges make them especially easy to keep eating. Start with 6–8 ounces per person, or about 1½–2 pounds for four people. Increase the amount to 8–10 ounces each if roasted potatoes are the main starch and there are few other sides. Cut pieces to a similar size so they finish together.
Whole baked potato portions
Serve one medium baked potato per person, generally about 6–8 ounces before cooking. Choose large potatoes—around 10–12 ounces each—for a loaded baked potato meal with substantial toppings such as chili, beans, cheese, or pulled meat. For children or a meal with several sides, a small potato may be sufficient. Bake extra if you want leftovers for breakfast or another dinner.
How to adjust the amount
Potato size varies considerably, so weighing is more reliable than counting. Add about 10–20 percent when serving a crowd, accommodating big appetites, or planning leftovers. Reduce the amount when potatoes are paired with rice, pasta, bread, or several filling vegetables. For mashed potatoes, peeled potatoes also produce slightly less finished food than unpeeled potatoes, so round up when in doubt.
- Side dish with many accompaniments: 5–6 oz per person
- Standard portion: 6–8 oz per person
- Potato-centered meal: 8–12 oz per person