Free tool
How much Halloween candy should I buy?
Answer a few questions and get a quick estimate of trick-or-treaters and candy bags — so you don’t run out at 7 p.m. or end up with ten extra bags.
Your estimate
1–3 bags
of candy (~100 pieces each)
- 👻40–100 trick-or-treatersRough estimate for your street type
- 🍬92–230 pieces2 per child + 15% buffer
Estimates only. Turnout depends on weather, the day of the week and your neighborhood.
Tips for candy night
- Keep a tally. Put a sticky note by the door and make a mark for each child — next year you’ll know exactly what to buy.
- Weekends and good weather bring more kids. When Halloween falls on a Friday or Saturday, plan for the high end.
- Buy early, but hide it. Prices and selection are best in early October — just store it where you won’t snack on it.
- Offer a non-food option. A small bowl of glow sticks or stickers welcomes kids with food allergies. See the Teal Pumpkin Project.
- Running low? Switch to one piece per child, or turn off your porch light when you’re out.
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Frequently asked questions
How much Halloween candy should I buy?
Estimate how many trick-or-treaters you expect, multiply by the pieces you plan to give each child (usually 1 to 3), and add about 15% extra. A typical suburban home might see 40 to 100 kids over three hours.
How many trick-or-treaters will come to my house?
It depends heavily on your street. Quiet or rural streets may see only a handful, while popular neighborhoods can get several hundred. Last year’s count is the best predictor — keep a tally this year.
How many pieces are in a bag of Halloween candy?
It varies by product. Large variety bags often hold anywhere from about 50 to more than 150 pieces, so check the piece count on the package and enter it in the calculator.
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