Introduction
Planning a party can be fun—until you start calculating how much food to order. If you’ve chosen Costco pizza (a fan favorite for its taste, size, and value), you’re already off to a great start. But one question remains: How many Costco pizzas for 20 guests is enough to feed everyone without overordering or running short?
Let’s break down the numbers, portion sizes, and smart strategies to make sure everyone leaves your gathering full and happy.
Understanding Costco Pizza Sizes and Slices
Before figuring out how many pizzas to order, you need to understand what you’re working with. Costco offers 18-inch pizzas, which are significantly larger than most standard takeout pizzas. Each pizza is cut into 12 large slices.
These slices are generous in size—often enough that one or two pieces can fill an adult. Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, office lunch, or casual family gathering, Costco pizzas offer great value and plenty of food per dollar.
Why Costco Pizza Is Perfect for Groups
Costco pizzas are not only large but also delicious and budget-friendly. Each pizza costs around $9.95 to $10.99, depending on your location. That means feeding 20 people can be affordable without sacrificing taste.
With a variety of toppings like cheese, pepperoni, and combo (meat and veggies), you can easily satisfy different preferences. Plus, Costco pizzas are known for their crispy crusts, gooey cheese, and generous toppings.
Estimating Pizza Portions for 20 Guests
To determine how many Costco pizzas for 20 guests, it’s important to consider how much each person is likely to eat. The general rule of thumb for adult gatherings is:
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2–3 slices per adult
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1–2 slices per child
Since each Costco pizza has 12 slices, we can do a quick calculation:
If every adult eats an average of 2 slices, you’ll need about 40 slices total for 20 guests. That’s roughly 3.5 pizzas (since 3 pizzas give you 36 slices, and 4 pizzas give you 48).
So, the safe recommendation is to order 4 Costco pizzas for 20 guests.
Adjusting for Appetite and Event Type
Not all gatherings are the same, and neither are appetites. Consider these factors:
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Lunch events: People generally eat less, so 3 pizzas may suffice.
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Dinner parties or sports events: Appetites are bigger—go for 4 or even 5 pizzas.
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Kids’ parties: Smaller appetites mean 2–3 pizzas could be enough.
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Mixed groups: Stick with the safe middle ground—4 pizzas.
It’s always better to have a few slices left over than to see empty boxes and hungry guests.
Different Costco Pizza Options to Choose From
Costco’s limited but satisfying menu makes ordering simple. Here’s what’s typically available:
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Cheese Pizza: A classic favorite that appeals to kids and vegetarians.
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Pepperoni Pizza: The go-to choice for most adults.
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Combo Pizza (if available): A hearty option with meat, veggies, and cheese.
Depending on your group, a mix of 2 cheese and 2 pepperoni pizzas is often ideal for 20 people. If you know your guests’ preferences, you can adjust accordingly.
Why Costco Pizza Is Great for Large Gatherings
Beyond size and price, Costco pizza has several perks that make it a hit for large groups.
Consistency and Quality
Every Costco pizza is baked fresh and has consistent taste and texture. Whether you’re feeding coworkers, friends, or family, you can rely on its quality.
Affordability
Feeding 20 guests with restaurant pizza could easily cost over $100. With Costco, you’re looking at roughly $40–$45 total—a fraction of the price.
Convenience
You can call ahead to order and pick up your pizzas fresh from the Costco food court. That makes it perfect for last-minute parties or unexpected guest lists.
Easy to Serve
Because Costco pizzas come pre-sliced, they’re easy to distribute. You won’t need extra plates or fancy serving tools—just grab, eat, and enjoy.
How to Plan the Perfect Costco Pizza Order
Ordering pizza for 20 people involves more than just math—it’s about creating a balanced and satisfying meal experience.
Decide the Mix
Opt for a balance between cheese, pepperoni, and combo pizzas to cover everyone’s preferences.
Order in Advance
If you’re ordering multiple pizzas, it’s smart to call at least 30–45 minutes ahead. Costco staff can ensure your pizzas are hot and ready at pickup time.
Add Sides and Drinks
While pizza is the main attraction, simple sides can elevate your meal. Consider adding:
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Costco salad bowls
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Garlic bread or breadsticks
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Bottled drinks or soda packs
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Dessert trays or cookies
A balanced meal keeps everyone satisfied and prevents overindulgence in just pizza.
Keep Leftovers Fresh
If you end up with extra pizza, refrigerate the slices within two hours. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer for a crispy, fresh taste the next day.
Real-World Example: Party Planning Scenario
Let’s imagine you’re hosting a birthday party for 20 adults. You expect each person to eat around 2–3 slices.
That’s between 40 and 60 slices total. Each Costco pizza gives 12 slices, so:
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For 40 slices → 3.5 pizzas (round up to 4)
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For 60 slices → 5 pizzas
To play it safe and ensure everyone’s satisfied, order 4 to 5 pizzas. You’ll likely have a few slices left—perfect for late-night snacks or the next day’s lunch.
If it’s a mixed-age event with kids and adults, then 3 to 4 pizzas may be enough.
Saving Money and Time with Costco Pizza
One of the best reasons to order from Costco is value. You get massive pizzas, consistent flavor, and unbeatable pricing. Compared to other pizza chains, the cost per slice is significantly lower—making it a smart option for feeding crowds.
Moreover, you can easily complement your order with other Costco favorites, such as salad kits, chips, or ready-to-serve desserts. This saves time, effort, and money compared to ordering from multiple restaurants.
If you want to explore more about food, portion planning, and party ideas, check out How Many Costco Pizzas Do You Need For 20 People for similar helpful guides and insights.
Hosting Tips for a Smooth Pizza Party
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Serve promptly: Costco pizza tastes best when hot.
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Cut larger slices in half if guests prefer smaller portions.
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Label pizza boxes (Cheese, Pepperoni, Combo) to make serving easier.
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Keep napkins and plates handy—Costco doesn’t provide extras unless requested.
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Offer drinks nearby—pizza and soda or lemonade always go well together.
Following these small steps ensures everyone enjoys their meal comfortably and with minimal mess.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even a simple order can go wrong without planning. Here’s what to avoid:
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Ordering too few pizzas: Guests will remember running out of food.
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Not considering dietary needs: Include at least one vegetarian option.
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Forgetting utensils and napkins: Always bring extras.
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Picking up too early: Pizza cools quickly, so plan pickup time wisely.
FAQs
How many Costco pizzas should I order for 20 people?
You’ll need around 4 Costco pizzas to comfortably feed 20 people. Each pizza has 12 large slices, enough for 2–3 slices per person.
Can I mix different pizza types in one order?
Yes! You can choose any combination of cheese, pepperoni, or combo pizzas. Mixing ensures variety for all guests.
How early should I order Costco pizza for a party?
Call your local Costco 30–45 minutes in advance, especially if ordering multiple pizzas. For large orders, it’s better to call 1–2 hours ahead.
What if I have leftovers?
Store leftover slices in the fridge within two hours. Reheat them in an oven or air fryer for best results.
Are Costco pizzas available for non-members?
In most locations, only Costco members can order from the food court, but some stores allow non-members. Check your local Costco’s policy.
For more meal ideas and hosting inspiration, you can explore a Related Food article or Learn more about global food trends and party planning.
When planning a gathering, nothing beats the simplicity and value of Costco pizza. For 20 guests, 4 pizzas are typically the sweet spot—enough to feed everyone generously without wasting food.
With its large portions, affordable pricing, and crowd-pleasing flavor, Costco pizza remains a top choice for parties, office lunches, and family events.
So the next time you’re wondering how many Costco pizzas for 20 guests, remember this guide: estimate 2–3 slices per person, mix your pizza types, and order about four pizzas to keep everyone happy.
