Industry Guidelines To Get You Started

When you're looking to figure out how many porta potties you need, there are some standard guidelines you can follow. 

These aren’t set in stone, but they’ll give you a solid starting point. Here’s the basic breakdown:

• For small events (fewer than 100 people): One porta potty is often enough.
• For medium-sized events (100–250 people): You’ll typically need one porta potty for every 50 guests.
• For larger events (250–500 people): Plan for one unit per 40 attendees
• For big events (over 500 people): Again, aim for one toilet per 40 people, but you may need more units depending on event length and alcohol consumption.

These numbers are just a rough guide, and factors like event duration, alcohol, and the type of event will adjust these ratios.

Extra Things to Consider

Once you’ve got your porta potty numbers, here are a few things you might still want to think about:

Handwashing Stations

These are crucial, especially for food-centric events. Many porta potty providers offer handwashing stations as an add-on. 

They’ll make your guests feel more comfortable and clean, and they’re an easy way to add to your restroom facilities without much hassle.

ADA-Compliant Units

If your event is open to the public, it’s essential to include at least one ADA-compliant unit. 

These are specially designed toilets that accommodate guests with disabilities, making sure everyone has access to the facilities.

Cleaning and Servicing

For multi-day events, you’ll need to plan for regular servicing. This ensures that your toilets stay clean, stocked with supplies, and ready for use. 

Most porta potty rental companies offer cleaning services as an additional option, so be sure to consider this when budgeting.

Key Factors to Keep in Mind

How Long Is Your Event?

The longer the event, the more bathroom breaks your guests will take. If you’re hosting an all-day music festival, you'll need more toilets than for a two-hour ceremony. 

The duration matters because your guests will need more frequent breaks during a longer event. 

So, whether it’s a quick afternoon gathering or an all-night rager, knowing your event’s length helps with toilet planning.

How Many People Are Attending?

The number of attendees is obviously a big factor. More people mean more need for porta potties. 

But here’s the thing: not everyone uses the bathroom at once, so it's not a strict 1:1 ratio. For example, at a four-hour event with 100 people, you won’t need a toilet for every single person. 

What’s the Event Type?

A wedding in a garden is way different from a three-day festival, right? The type of event you’re hosting will impact how much use the toilets get. 

For example, an outdoor festival with lots of food, alcohol, and dancing will see much more foot traffic to the toilets than a small ceremony. 

Are Permanent Restrooms Nearby?

If your event is held somewhere with existing bathrooms—say, a park, a venue, or a stadium—you won’t need as many porta potties. 

But don’t assume these restrooms are going to be enough. They might be far away, out of order, or not accessible during your event. 

Will You Be Serving Alcohol?

If there’s booze at your event, expect bathroom breaks to increase. 

Alcohol makes people go to the bathroom more frequently, so it’s wise to add a few more toilets to the mix if alcohol is involved. 

What’s the Gender Breakdown?

The gender mix of your guests also plays a role. Women generally need to use the restroom more often than men. This is something event organizers usually factor in by providing more toilets for women. 

If your guest list is mostly female, you may need to adjust the number of toilets to keep things balanced. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I rent porta potties for my event?

It’s recommended to book your porta potties at least 2-3 weeks in advance, especially for larger events. This ensures availability and allows you to make any necessary adjustments.

Do I need to rent special porta potties for a VIP area?

Yes, for VIP areas or high-profile events, you might want to rent upscale units with added features like flushing toilets, running water, and air conditioning to enhance the guest experience.

How do I ensure my porta potties stay clean during a multi-day event?

Most rental companies offer cleaning and servicing packages. You can schedule regular visits to clean the units, restock supplies, and ensure they stay fresh and functional.

Can I rent porta potties for small, private events like a backyard party?

Absolutely! Many rental companies offer porta potties for smaller gatherings, and you can rent just one or two units depending on your needs.

Conclusion 

Getting the right number of porta potties is key to keeping your event comfortable and stress-free. 

By using a porta potty calculator, you can easily determine how many units you'll need based on your event’s size, duration, and special factors like alcohol or gender ratios. 

Don’t leave restroom planning to chance—ensure a smooth experience for your guests with the right facilities. 

Ready to take the stress out of event planning? Contact us today to guarantee your event runs without a hitch.