Planning tool
Porta Potty Calculator
Work out how many portable toilets you need for an event or a job site. Enter your numbers and the estimate updates as you type, with every assumption shown under it.
Estimate
5 units
- 1 unit per 50 guests for 4 hours, plus 25% for each extra 2 hours.
- 20% more when there's a bar. A common planning allowance, not a rule.
- Public events: the 2010 ADA Standards call for at least 5% of clustered portable toilets, and no fewer than one, to be accessible.
- Serving food? Add handwashing stations near the food and the restrooms.
Sources: 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design.
An estimate to plan with. Your permit or venue may require more.
Get a quote for thisAn estimate to plan with, not a requirement. If your event or site has a permit, its conditions set the minimum.
How the estimate works
Events and parties
- One unit for every 50 guests over a 4-hour event, a common planning starting point.
- 25% more capacity for every extra two hours.
- 20% more when there's a bar. A common planning allowance, not a rule.
- Events open to the public: the 2010 ADA Standards call for at least 5% of clustered portable toilets, and no fewer than one, to be accessible.
Worked examples
- 100 guests, 4 hours, no bar: 2 units
- 150 guests, 6 hours, with a bar: 5 units
- 300 guests, 8 hours, with a bar: 11 units
Job sites
- About one unit for every 10 workers with weekly service, a common rule of thumb.
- OSHA 29 CFR 1926.51, Table D-1, sets the legal minimum: one toilet for 20 or fewer workers; one toilet seat and one urinal per 40 workers from 20; per 50 from 200.
- Bigger crews, long shifts and hot weather usually need more service or more units.
Worked examples
- Crew of 12: 2 units (OSHA minimum 1 toilet)
- Crew of 25: 3 units (OSHA minimum 1 toilet seat and 1 urinal)
- Crew of 60: 6 units (OSHA minimum 2 toilet seats and 2 urinals)
Sources: 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design; OSHA 29 CFR 1926.51, Sanitation (construction).
Want the reasoning in full? Read how many porta potties you need, the construction site guide, or compare the unit types.
Got your number?
Send it with your dates and the address, and we'll confirm what you need.