What is the serving size per person for mashed potatoes?

November 6, 2025 •

3 min read

According to cooking experts, a good rule of thumb is to plan for approximately half a pound of raw potatoes per person when making mashed potatoes. This standard serving size per person for mashed potatoes helps ensure everyone gets a generous portion without leaving you with excessive leftovers.

Quick Summary

A standard serving size for mashed potatoes is about 1/2 pound of raw potatoes per person. This amount can be adjusted based on factors like guest appetite, the number of other side dishes, and the desired quantity of leftovers. Weighing potatoes is the most accurate method for ensuring the right amount for your gathering.

Key Points

Standard Portion: Plan for approximately 1/2 pound (or 8 ounces) of raw potatoes per person for a generous side dish.
Adjust for Appetite: Increase the portion to 3/4 pound per person for heartier eaters or if mashed potatoes are a main feature.
Consider Other Sides: For multi-course meals with many sides, you can reduce the potato portion to as little as 1/3 pound per person.
Weigh for Accuracy: Use a kitchen scale to measure the potatoes by weight, as counting by number is unreliable due to size variations.
Yield Calculation: The 1/2 pound of raw potato generally yields about 1 cup or 4 to 8 ounces of finished mashed potatoes.
Choose the Right Potato: Russet potatoes are ideal for a fluffy mash, while Yukon Golds offer a creamier texture and buttery flavor.

Understanding the Standard Serving Size

When planning a meal, especially for a holiday or large gathering, getting the quantities right is crucial. For mashed potatoes, the commonly accepted guideline is a simple one: estimate half a pound of raw, uncooked potatoes per person. This figure typically translates to about 1 cup or 4 to 8 ounces of the finished, mashed product, depending on how much butter, milk, or cream you add. This generous starting point ensures that most guests will be satisfied with their portion, especially when mashed potatoes are a prominent side dish.

Factors Influencing Serving Size

While half a pound per person is a reliable baseline, several factors can influence whether you need more or less. Adjusting for these variables will help you avoid both running out and having a mountain of leftovers.

Guest Appetites: If you know your guests have hearty appetites or if the mashed potatoes are a highlight of the meal (such as during a Thanksgiving dinner), consider bumping the raw potato amount up to three-quarters of a pound per person. For lighter meals or guests who eat less, you might scale back to one-third of a pound.
Number of Side Dishes: The more side dishes you offer, the less of each a person is likely to eat. If your meal is a large spread with many options, you can safely stick to the lower end of the recommended range. If the menu is simple, increase your potato quantity.
Desired Leftovers: Planning for next-day meals is a common practice. If you want a good amount of mashed potato leftovers for future recipes like potato cakes, aim for the higher end of the serving size and add a few extra pounds to your total calculation.

A Simple Calculation Guide

To simplify the process, use this straightforward guide for calculating your raw potato needs based on guest count.

2 People: 1 pound of raw potatoes
4 People: 2 pounds of raw potatoes
6 People: 3 pounds of raw potatoes
8 People: 4 pounds of raw potatoes
10 People: 5 pounds of raw potatoes
12 People: 6 pounds of raw potatoes

Comparison: Standard vs. Hearty Servings

This table highlights the difference between a standard portion and a larger, more generous one, providing a clear reference for your shopping list.


Number of Guests	Standard (1/2 lb raw per person)	Hearty (3/4 lb raw per person)
4	2 lbs	3 lbs
8	4 lbs	6 lbs
12	6 lbs	9 lbs
16	8 lbs	12 lbs
20	10 lbs	15 lbs

Tips for Accurate Measurement

When dealing with potatoes of varying sizes, relying on weight is the most reliable method for an accurate serving count. A kitchen scale is an invaluable tool for this purpose. For instance, since potato sizes differ, simply counting potatoes can be misleading; a single large russet can weigh close to a pound, while smaller Yukon Golds will require more per person. Weighing ensures you have exactly the right amount, regardless of the variety you choose.

Best Potato Varieties for Mashing

Different potatoes produce different results. For the creamiest, fluffiest mashed potatoes, consider using these types:

Russet: High in starch and low in moisture, russets create a fluffy, light, and airy mash.
Yukon Gold: A medium-starch potato with a natural buttery flavor and dense, uniform flesh, they yield a creamy, rich mash without becoming watery.
A Combination: For a balanced texture, a mix of russet and Yukon Gold potatoes is often recommended.

Conclusion

Determining the correct serving size for mashed potatoes is essential for successful meal planning. By using the standard guideline of half a pound of raw potato per person and adjusting for your specific guests and menu, you can ensure a generous and satisfying side dish. Always prioritize weighing your potatoes over counting them for the most accurate results. This thoughtful preparation will help you avoid waste and guarantee that your mashed potatoes are a perfectly portioned and delicious complement to any meal. For a broader perspective on dietary guidelines for potatoes in Europe, see this resource from Knowledge for policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

A half-pound of raw potato typically yields around 1 cup or between 4 and 8 ounces of prepared mashed potatoes, depending on how much butter, milk, or cream you add.

Yes, for large holiday meals like Thanksgiving, it's often a good idea to increase your quantity. Many people enjoy extra helpings of mashed potatoes during big feasts, so preparing a bit more than the standard 1/2 pound per person is wise.

For large groups, measuring by weight is the most accurate method. A kitchen scale will give you a precise total, unlike counting individual potatoes which can vary significantly in size.

A 'serving size' is a standardized measurement, while a 'portion size' is the actual amount of food a person chooses to eat. For mashed potatoes, the standard serving is about 1/2 pound of raw potato per person, but a person's actual portion may be larger.

High-starch potatoes like Russet are excellent for a fluffy mash, while medium-starch Yukon Golds create a creamy, buttery texture. A blend of both can offer the best of both worlds.

No, the serving sizes vary depending on the preparation. For roasted potatoes, a standard serving is typically a half-pound per person, similar to mashed. However, the yield and overall heaviness of the dish differ.

For 10 people, you will need approximately 5 pounds of raw potatoes to ensure each guest receives a generous 1/2-pound serving.