How Many Porta Potties
Do I Need?
For an event of up to 4 hours, plan one portable restroom for every 50 guests, and more for longer events or when alcohol is served. On a California job site the legal minimum is one toilet for every 20 workers. Use the calculator and charts below for your numbers.
Porta Potty Calculator
Estimates for planning. Actual needs depend on the crowd, the weather, the layout and how often units are serviced. Send us your details for a recommendation and a free quote.
Porta Potties Needed by Guest Count and Event Length
Number of standard portable restrooms. Add about 20 percent if alcohol is served.
| Guests | Up to 4 hours | 6 hours | 8 hours | 10+ hours | Handwash stations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 1–2 | 2–3 | 2–3 | 2–3 | 1+ |
| 100 | 2–3 | 3–4 | 3–4 | 4–5 | 1+ |
| 150 | 3–4 | 4–5 | 5–6 | 6–7 | 1+ |
| 200 | 4–5 | 5–6 | 6–7 | 7–8 | 2+ |
| 300 | 6–7 | 8–9 | 9–10 | 11–12 | 2+ |
| 500 | 10–11 | 13–14 | 15–16 | 18–19 | 4+ |
| 1,000 | 20–21 | 25–26 | 30–31 | 35–36 | 7+ |
For weddings and upscale events, a restroom trailer can replace several standard units: our 24-foot Luxury Restroom Trailer serves 650 to 800 guests. See restroom trailer rental in Los Angeles.
Portable Toilets Needed per Worker on a California Job Site
Minimums from California Code of Regulations, Title 8, sections 1526 and 1527. The recommended column is one unit per 10 workers, the common industry guideline for a 40-hour week with weekly service.
| Workers on site | Toilets, legal minimum | Washing stations, legal minimum | Toilets we recommend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 – 20 | 1 | 1 | up to 2 |
| 21 – 40 | 2 | 2 | up to 4 |
| 41 – 60 | 3 | 3 | up to 6 |
| 61 – 80 | 4 | 4 | up to 8 |
| 81 – 100 | 5 | 5 | up to 10 |
The full rule, including separate facilities and the mobile-crew exception, is in our guide to Cal/OSHA portable toilet requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many porta potties do I need for 100 people?
Plan 2–3 portable restrooms for 100 guests at an event of up to 4 hours, and 3–4 for an 8-hour event. Add at least one handwash station and one ADA-accessible unit if the event is open to the public.
How many porta potties do I need for a 200-person wedding?
Plan 4–5 units for a 200-guest wedding lasting up to 4 hours, or 5–6 for 6 hours. Include 2 handwash stations and at least one ADA-accessible unit. If alcohol is served, add about 20 percent.
How many porta potties per person is the rule of thumb?
About one portable restroom for every 50 guests at an event of up to 4 hours. Longer events, alcohol service and all-day festivals need more.
How many portable toilets does a California construction site need?
The legal minimum under California Code of Regulations, Title 8, section 1526 is one toilet for every 20 employees or fraction of 20, with one washing station per 20 employees under section 1527. One unit per 10 workers is the common industry guideline for a 40-hour week with weekly service.
Does serving alcohol change the number?
Yes. Guests use the restroom more often when alcohol is served. Plan about 20 percent more units.
How many ADA-accessible units do I need?
Plan at least one ADA-accessible unit for any public event. Where portable toilets are grouped together, ADA standards call for 5 percent of the units in each group, and no fewer than one, to be accessible.
Related Rentals & Guides
Want Us to Size It for You?
Send your headcount, dates and address. We will recommend the number and type of units and respond with a free quote within 24 hours.