Mashed Potatoes Per Person Calculator
Calculate perfect serving sizes and ingredient amounts for mashed potatoes
People and Portion Size
How many people will be eating?
Weight of one potato (6-10 oz average)
Amount per person (typical: 2/3 - 1 cup)
Choose your preferred unit
Total Amount Needed
Calculation: 1 cups × 4 people = 4.0 cups total
Serving size: 8.0 oz per person (Cups)
Recipe Ingredients (Classic 1:4 Ratio)
Raw Potatoes Needed
Liquid Needed
Liquid Options
Example Calculation
Family Dinner (6 People)
Serving size: 1 cup per person
Total needed: 6 cups mashed potatoes
Weight equivalent: ~3 lbs (48 oz)
Shopping List
• Raw potatoes: ~2.4 lbs (6 medium potatoes)
• Liquid (milk/cream): ~0.6 lbs (~10 oz)
• Plus: butter, salt, pepper to taste
Serving Size Guide
Side Dish
2/3 - 3/4 cup (5-6 oz)
Regular dinner side
Standard
1 cup (7-8 oz)
Holiday or main serving
Large
1.25+ cups (10+ oz)
Very generous portion
Cooking Tips
Use starchy potatoes (Russet, Idaho) for fluffier texture
Add liquid gradually to avoid over-mixing
Warm your milk/cream before adding
Don't overmix - it makes them gluey
Season while hot for better flavor absorption
Understanding Mashed Potato Portions
Calculating Serving Sizes
A typical serving of mashed potatoes ranges from 2/3 to 1 cup per person, depending on whether it's served as a side dish or main component. For holiday meals like Thanksgiving, people tend to eat larger portions, so plan for 1 cup per person.
The 1:4 Recipe Ratio
The classic mashed potato recipe uses a 1:4 ratio of liquid to potatoes by weight. This means for every 4 parts cooked potatoes, you add 1 part liquid (milk, cream, butter, etc.). This ratio creates the perfect creamy consistency.
Potato Weight Loss
Raw potatoes lose about 20% of their weight during cooking due to water evaporation. Our calculator accounts for this when determining how many raw potatoes you need to buy.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: 3-5 days in covered container
Freezer: Up to 2 months (coat with butter before freezing)
Reheating: Add liquid and reheat gently, stirring frequently
How to Fix Common Mashed Potato Problems
Too Runny/Watery
- •Add cornstarch or flour (1 tbsp at a time)
- •Heat uncovered to evaporate excess liquid
- •Strain through cheesecloth for 1 hour
- •Add instant potato flakes gradually
Too Thick/Dry
- •Add warm milk or cream gradually
- •Use reserved potato cooking water
- •Add melted butter for richness
- •Mix gently to avoid gluey texture
Prevention Tips
Use the right potato variety (starchy potatoes like Russet), don't overmix, and add liquid gradually while the potatoes are still hot. Always taste and adjust seasoning at the end.