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How to calculate the number of portable toilets you need for an event 

One of the most important parts of event planning — and one that organisers often overlook — is determining how many portable toilets you’ll need. Whether you’re hosting a festival, wedding, sports event, outdoor market, or corporate gathering, the right number of toilets is essential for keeping guests comfortable, queues short, and hygiene standards high.

Here’s a simple, practical guide to calculating toilet requirements for any event, helping you plan confidently and avoid last-minute issues.

Why Getting the Numbers Right Matters

Toilets may not be the most glamorous part of an event, but they play a huge role in the overall experience. Too few units can lead to:

  • Long queues
  • Guest frustration
  • Hygiene problems
  • Overuse and rapid deterioration of facilities
  • Negative feedback about the event

Meanwhile, providing the correct number of toilets creates a smoother flow, happy guests, and a far more professional impression.

Key Factors That Affect Toilet Requirements

Several details influence the number of toilets you’ll need. The more you understand these, the more accurately you can plan.

1. Number of Guests

This is the most important factor. Larger crowds naturally require more units, and event organisers should always plan for peak usage periods.

2. Event Duration

Short events need fewer toilets, while all-day or multi-day events require more units as well as servicing throughout.

3. Food and Alcohol Consumption

Events that serve alcohol or offer catered food typically require more toilets due to increased usage.

4. Event Type

Different events have different toilet demands:

  • Weddings → Higher comfort expectations
  • Festivals → Longer duration, heavier usage
  • Sports events → Intensive use before and after races
  • Corporate events → Need for higher-quality facilities

5. Gender Balance

Female guests often require more toilet provision due to longer average usage times.

6. Accessibility Requirements

Events should always include accessible toilets for guests with mobility needs.

Recommended Toilet Ratios for Events

Here are some standard guidelines used across the events industry:

Short Events (up to 6 hours)

Up to 100 guests → 1–2 toilets
100–250 guests → 3–5 toilets
250–500 guests → 6–8 toilets
500–1,000 guests → 10–12 toilets

Full-Day Events (6–12 hours)

Increase the above recommendations by around 20–30%.

Events Serving Alcohol

Add 1 extra toilet per 100 guests.

Events Over Multiple Days

Increase the total number or schedule regular servicing to keep facilities clean and stocked.

Example Calculations

Wedding with 150 guests, lasting 8 hours

Base requirement: 3 toilets

  • Duration adjustment: +1
    = 4 toilets total

If alcohol is served: add 1
→ 5 toilets recommended

Festival with 600 attendees, full day with alcohol

Base requirement: 10–12 toilets

  • Alcohol adjustment: +6
    = 16–18 toilets recommended

Add accessible units and possibly urinals to reduce queuing in male areas.

Sports event with 300 participants

Peak periods before and after races mean heavier usage.
Standard requirement: 4–5 toilets
Adjust for peak demand: +2
= 6–7 toilets recommended

Don’t Forget Accessible Toilets

Every event should provide at least one accessible toilet, and large events may require more. These units offer wider spaces, handrails, flat-level entry, and easy access for guests with mobility needs.

When to Choose Luxury Toilets vs Standard Toilets

  • Luxury Toilets: Ideal for weddings, corporate functions, VIP areas, and private parties where comfort and presentation matter.
  • Standard Portable Toilets: Best for festivals, sports events, construction sites, and large outdoor gatherings.
  • Urinals: Perfect for reducing queues at male-dominated events.
  • Baby-change Units: Essential for family-friendly events.

Instant Loos & Event Hire offers all of these options, allowing you to create the perfect mix for your event.

Servicing: A Vital Part of Toilet Planning

For longer events, mid-event servicing is highly recommended. This keeps waste levels safe, stocks toilet roll and sanitiser, and maintains a clean, fresh environment.

Events lasting more than 6 hours — or expecting very high usage — benefit greatly from this service.

How Instant Loos & Event Hire Can Help

We support events across Staffordshire, Cheshire, Derbyshire, Manchester, and the surrounding areas with:

  • Standard event toilets
  • Luxury toilet trailers
  • Accessible units
  • Urinal stations
  • Baby-change facilities
  • On-site servicing for long events
  • Expert planning advice

If you’re unsure how many toilets you need, our team can calculate the right number based on your event size, location, and schedule.

BwarInsta
Sam
Author