When planning weddings, 5k runs, carnivals or any special events you may be asking yourself ,“What kinds of portable restrooms should I rent, and how many should I get?” There are a several different factors that must be taken into account when deciding the types of restrooms to choose such as:
- How many people will be attending the event?
- How long is the event going to last?
- Is alcohol being served?
- Are more women going to be attending than men?

Portable Restrooms or “porta potties” are usually an afterthought when planning an event, however, failing to plan your restrooms accordingly may mean the difference between someone staying at your event for an hour or four hours. To make sure that you are ordering the proper number of restrooms, On Site has created this handy restroom calculator to help you in your restroom estimation process. This tool will allow you to get a general idea of the number of restrooms that your event may require. There are some factors that the calculator does not take into account, so please make sure to speak with one of our sales representatives to finalize your full restroom count.
This calculator will help you decide how many standard portable restrooms, enhanced access portable restrooms and hand washing stations you need. To better understand the results of our calculator, you first have to know a little about portable restroom capacity. One portable restroom can handle around 250 uses before it reaches capacity, so a general rule of thumb is one portable restroom for every 100 attendees. This figure can change quickly when you take several other factors into account. The number of restrooms that you require may increase for events where people may stay for an extended periods of time. The number may also decrease if your event is only going to last a few hours. Alcohol also becomes a factor when deciding, since the consumption of alcohol will increase the number of trips to the restroom. Follow this link to use the restroom calculator.
How it Works
Lets lay this out in a real work scenario. You’re hosting an event with 1,ooo people that is only going to last 3 or 4 hours and alcohol isn’t going to be served. The calculator states that you would need around six standard restrooms and one enhanced access, because its likely that people won’t be using the bathroom too many times in the short time they will be there.
On the other hand, if you are hosting an event with 300 people that will last for eight hours and alcohol WILL be served, the calculator estimates that you will need around five standard restrooms and one enhanced access to keep up with demand.
By using our portable restroom calculator, you will get a more detailed idea of how many portable restrooms, enhanced access portable restrooms and hand washing stations that you will need to effectively meet your guest’s portable restroom needs. Remember though, that our On Site sales representatives can more accurately estimate your restroom needs if there are any factors that may be present for your event. Please contact us at 651-429-3781 to speak with a sales rep in your area!