How do you calculate seating capacity for a restaurant?

03 Apr.,2024

 


Let's begin with the correlation of restaurant square feet to number of seats it holds and how that equates to the rent. A few years ago I had two restaurant listings in the same town, both were approximately 1,700 square feet (SF). One restaurant had 70 seats and the other had 44 seats. At about the same rent of $50.00 per SF, which was the better deal? All things being equal, obviously the restaurant with more seats was a much better opportunity. The discrepancy in number of seats was because one restaurant had no basement, 

so their office, storage space and prep room took up valuable dining space.


Without two restaurants to compare, how do you know what is the right amount of seats for any size restaurant? Believe it or not, there is a formula.


Total SF divided by 2, then divided again by 15 will give you a good estimate of how many seats should fit into a space.


The logic is that 50% of a restaurant is taken up by the kitchen, bathrooms, storage and hallways. The number 15 represents the square foot size of one seated customer.


  • Example: 2,000SF /2 = 1,000SF/15= 66 seats. 

    This could extend to 70+ or shrink to less than 50 depending on the layout of the restaurant. But now you have a formula to base how many seats a certain SF should have.


Why is this important? Because your rent is based on SF.


  • Example: 2,000SF x $50.00SF = $100,000.00 in annual rent, and $8,333.33 of monthly rent.

    : 2,000SF x $50.00SF = $100,000.00 in annual rent, and $8,333.33 of monthly rent.

Obviously the more seats you have in the space, the higher your potential sales can be. This formula is also very important if you are creating a business plan for a new restaurant.


When searching, every restaurant you see will be different in SF, seats and rent. Now you have a formula to compare and determine which one is the most cost effective. Feel free to contact me at 800-591-0894 with any questions.

Enter the total area of the restaurant, space required per seat, and the efficiency factor into the calculator to determine the seating capacity.

Restaurant Seating Capacity Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the seating capacity of a restaurant.

SC = (A / S) * E

Variables:

  • SC is the seating capacity of the restaurant
  • A is the total area of the restaurant (in square feet)
  • S is the space required per seat (in square feet)
  • E is the efficiency factor (percentage of the total area that can be used for seating)

To calculate the seating capacity of a restaurant, divide the total area of the restaurant by the space required per seat. Then multiply the result by the efficiency factor. The efficiency factor accounts for the percentage of the total area that can be used for seating, considering factors like aisles, restrooms, kitchen, and other non-seating areas.

What is a Restaurant Seating Capacity?

Restaurant seating capacity refers to the maximum number of customers that a restaurant can accommodate at a given time. It is determined by the size of the restaurant, the layout of tables and chairs, and local fire and safety regulations. This capacity can influence the restaurant’s revenue, customer comfort, and efficiency of service. It is crucial for restaurant owners to optimize their seating capacity to maximize profitability while ensuring a pleasant dining experience for their customers.

How to Calculate Restaurant Seating Capacity?

The following steps outline how to calculate the Restaurant Seating Capacity.

  1. First, determine the total area of the restaurant (A) in square feet.
  2. Next, determine the space required per seat (S) in square feet.
  3. Next, determine the efficiency factor (E) as a percentage of the total area that can be used for seating.
  4. Next, use the formula SC = (A / S) * E to calculate the seating capacity of the restaurant.
  5. Finally, insert the variables and calculate the seating capacity.

Example Problem:

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

Total area of the restaurant (A) = 1500 square feet

Space required per seat (S) = 20 square feet

Efficiency factor (E) = 80%

How do you calculate seating capacity for a restaurant?

Restaurant Seating Capacity Calculator