How many potatoes do you need for 4 servings?

January 10, 2026 •

3 min read

For a standard side dish, a good rule of thumb is to plan for half a pound of potatoes per person. This means that when wondering how many potatoes do you need for 4 servings, the quantity can vary based on the recipe and diner appetite.

Quick Summary

Use 2 pounds of potatoes for four servings as a standard side, adjusting for a hungrier crowd or different cooking methods. Consider the potato's variety.

Key Points

Standard Side: Plan for ½ pound of potatoes per person, or 2 pounds for 4 servings.
Method Matters: Adjust quantity and potato variety based on the dish, like using starchy potatoes for mashing and waxy ones for salad.
Weight is Key: Rely on weight for accurate portions, as potato size can vary significantly.
Mashed & Roasted: Use about 2 to 2.5 pounds for mashed and 2 pounds for roasted potatoes for four servings.
Always Buy Extra: Purchasing a few extra potatoes is a smart and affordable way to guarantee you have enough.

The question of how many potatoes to prepare for a meal is a common one, and the answer, like many things in cooking, has nuance. While a simple count of one medium potato per person works for a baked potato, other preparations require more careful consideration of weight and variety. By using weight as your guide and understanding the role of different potato types, you can consistently serve perfectly portioned potatoes for four people.

The Golden Rule for Serving Potatoes

For most side dishes, plan for approximately ½ pound (8 ounces or about 225 grams) of potatoes per person. This translates to 2 pounds for 4 servings. For heartier appetites or if potatoes are the main dish, consider increasing to ¾ pound per person, or 3 pounds for four. Using a kitchen scale ensures accuracy, as potato sizes vary.

How to Scale for Different Potato Dishes

Different dishes require different potato types and quantities for the best results.

Mashed Potatoes for Four

For mashed potatoes, starchy Russets or all-purpose Yukon Golds are recommended. Aim for 2 to 2.5 pounds of potatoes for four servings to ensure a creamy texture.

Roasted Potatoes for a Small Crowd

Roasted potatoes benefit from waxy or all-purpose varieties like Yukon Gold or King Edward that hold their shape. Use 2 pounds of potatoes for four servings. Pre-boiling can enhance crispiness.

Baked Potatoes for a Simple Meal

For baked potatoes, count on one medium-to-large Russet potato per person. Select four similarly sized potatoes for four servings. A medium potato is typically 5-10 ounces.

Choosing the Right Potato Variety for Your Recipe

Potato types are categorized by their starch and moisture content, influencing their best use.

A Guide to Potato Types

Starchy (e.g., Russet): Best for baking, mashing, and frying; fluffy texture.
Waxy (e.g., Red, Fingerling): Best for boiling, soups, and salads; hold their shape.
All-Purpose (e.g., Yukon Gold): Versatile for most cooking methods.

Comparison: How Many Potatoes for 4 Servings?

This table provides a quick reference for common potato preparations for four people.


Dish	Recommended Potato Type	Recommended Quantity	Prep Notes
Mashed Potatoes	Starchy (Russet), All-Purpose (Yukon Gold)	2 to 2.5 pounds	Use a scale for accuracy; peel and boil until tender.
Roasted Potatoes	Waxy (Red), All-Purpose (Yukon Gold)	2 pounds	Cut into even chunks; pre-boil for extra crispiness.
Baked Potatoes	Starchy (Russet)	4 medium-to-large potatoes	Pierce skins before baking to allow steam to escape.
Potato Salad	Waxy (Red, Fingerling)	1.5 to 2 pounds	Boil with skins on to help them hold shape.

Smart Tips for Meal Prep and Shopping

Weigh Your Potatoes: Use a kitchen scale for accurate portions.
Buy Extra: Purchase a few extra; they're inexpensive and versatile.
Store Properly: Keep potatoes in a cool, dark, and dry place.
Match Method to Variety: Choose the right potato type for the best results.

For roasting guidance, consult resources like BBC Food's guide to perfect roast potatoes.

Conclusion: Perfectly Portioned Potatoes Every Time

Determining how many potatoes you need for 4 servings depends on the dish and appetites, but ½ pound per person is a good starting point. Using weight and choosing the correct potato type ensures perfectly portioned and delicious results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Since the average medium potato is about 5 to 10 ounces, 2 pounds (32 ounces) would be approximately 3 to 6 medium potatoes, depending on their exact size.

Starchy potatoes like Russets have less moisture and are fluffy when cooked, making them ideal for mashed or baked dishes. Waxy potatoes, such as red potatoes, have more moisture and hold their shape, making them better for boiling or salads.

For the fluffiest mashed potatoes, most recipes recommend peeling them. However, if you use a waxy potato like a Yukon Gold, the skins are thin and can be left on for extra flavor and nutrients.

For crispy roasted potatoes, pre-boiling them for 8-10 minutes, steaming them dry, and tossing them in hot fat before roasting can help increase the surface area and texture.

A standard single serving of a potato side dish is considered to be about ½ pound (8 ounces) or one medium potato.

It is always more accurate to weigh potatoes for a recipe, especially when scaling up or down. Individual potatoes vary greatly in size and weight, which can affect the outcome of your dish.

All-purpose potatoes, such as Yukon Gold, have a balance of starch and moisture, making them a versatile choice for roasting, mashing, and baking.