How Many Porta Potties Do I Need?
Enter your guest count and event length to get the number of porta potties, accessible units and hand-wash stations. The calculator uses the same chart our Oxnard dispatcher uses to size orders, plus Cal/OSHA and ADA rules.
Porta potty calculator
Assumptions: the chart below; alcohol adds 1 unit for every 5 (minimum 1); accessible units are 5% of the total, minimum 1; hand-wash stations are 1 per 4 toilets when food is served (our recommendation).
Call (820) 221-5797 with your guest count and hours. We size orders this way every day.
How many porta potties for an event?
Plan 1 standard porta potty for every 50 guests at a 4-hour event, then adjust by length. A 100-guest, 4-hour party needs 2 units; a 300-guest, 6-hour event needs 5. This is our planning chart, set from real event service in Oxnard.
| Guests | Up to 2 hrs | 3–4 hrs | 5–6 hrs | 7–8 hrs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| 100 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| 150 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| 200 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 |
| 250 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| 300 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| 400 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 8 |
| 500 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 |
Adding units for alcohol
If the chart says 5 units and alcohol is served, add 1 unit, for 6 total. If it says 10, add 2. Drinking guests use restrooms more often.
Adding units for long lines
If most guests will break at the same time, such as a ceremony ending or a game halftime, add 1 unit to cut the line.
How many porta potties for a construction site?
A California jobsite needs at least 1 toilet for every 20 workers of each sex under Cal/OSHA §1526. Count your busiest day. A remodel with 4 workers needs 1. A site with 30 men and 6 women needs 3: 2 for the men and 1 for the women.
| Workers on site (each sex counted) | Legal minimum (Cal/OSHA §1526) | What we suggest |
|---|---|---|
| 1–4 workers | 1 all-gender single-user toilet | 1 standard unit, weekly service |
| 5–20 workers | 1 toilet per 20 of each sex | 1 unit per 20 + 1 hand-wash station |
| 21–40 workers | 2 per sex group of 21–40 | 2 units; twice-weekly service in summer heat |
| 41–60 workers | 3 per sex group of 41–60 | 3 units + 2 hand-wash stations |
Source: Cal. Code Regs. Title 8, §1526 — "one separate toilet facility … for each 20 employees or fraction thereof of each sex." Federal OSHA uses 29 CFR 1926.51. This is general information, not legal advice; confirm with your safety officer.
How many hand-washing stations do I need?
Farm crews need 1 hand-washing facility for every 20 workers under Cal/OSHA §3457. For parties with food, we suggest 1 station per 4 toilets. For jobsites, 1 per 2 toilets. One PolyJohn Bravo station gives about 350 hand washes between refills.
How many accessible units do I need?
At least 5 percent of the portable toilets in each cluster must be accessible, and never fewer than 1. This is 2010 ADA Standards §213.2. A 6-unit cluster needs 1 accessible unit. A 30-unit cluster needs 2. Place each accessible unit on firm, level ground at the end of its row.
Sizing questions
How many porta potties do I need for 100 guests?
For 100 guests over 4 hours, rent 2 standard porta potties. For 6 hours, rent 2. For 8 hours, rent 3. Add 1 unit if alcohol is served.
How many porta potties for 200 people?
For 200 guests over 4 hours, rent 3. For 5 to 6 hours, rent 4. For 7 to 8 hours, rent 4. Add 1 unit for every 5 when alcohol is served.
How many porta potties for a construction site?
Cal/OSHA §1526 requires at least 1 toilet for every 20 workers of each sex. A site with fewer than 5 workers can use 1 all-gender single-user toilet.
How many porta potties for a wedding?
A 150-guest, 6-hour wedding with a bar needs 4 portable units, or a 3-stall restroom trailer plus 1 unit. Weddings run longer and serve more drinks than most parties.
How many hand-washing stations do I need?
For food events, we suggest 1 station for every 4 toilets, minimum 1. For jobsites, 1 per 2 toilets. For farm crews, Cal/OSHA §3457 requires 1 per 20 workers.
How many accessible units do I need?
At least 5 percent of units in each cluster, and never fewer than 1 per cluster, under 2010 ADA Standards §213.2.
Book the count you need
Send your numbers. We double-check the count and reply with an itemized price.
Answered live Mon–Sat 7 am–7 pm.
What your quote lists, line by line
- Unit rental — per event or per 28-day cycle
- Delivery and pickup — one combined trip charge
- Servicing — weekly pump-out, wash and restock on 28-day rentals
- Rush fee — only if you ask for same-day delivery
- Sales tax — California tax for your delivery address
Nothing is added after delivery unless you ask for extra service or a unit is damaged. Read the rental terms and cancellation policy before you book.
