How Many Toilets Do You Need for Your Event? A Practical Guide for Organisers
Planning an event comes with a long to-do list. You’ve sorted the venue, arranged the entertainment, and planned the catering, but have you thought about portable toilets? It’s one of those things that’s easy to overlook—until queues start forming, and frustrated guests are left waiting.
Whether it’s a festival, wedding, corporate function, or sporting event, providing the right number of toilets is essential. It keeps things running smoothly, improves guest experience, and ensures your event meets health and safety regulations. But how many do you actually need?
Let’s break it down.
How to Calculate the Right Number of Toilets
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but a good starting point is one portable toilet per 50 to 100 guests for a standard event. However, several factors can affect this number.
1. Event Duration
The longer your event, the more toilets you’ll need. A short three-hour function might get away with fewer units, but for anything lasting all day or over multiple days, you’ll need additional facilities to prevent long queues and ensure cleanliness.
2. Food and Drink Availability
Serving alcohol? Expect an increase in toilet usage. When drinks are flowing, people visit the loo more often, which means you’ll need extra facilities. A general rule of thumb is to increase toilet numbers by 20% for events where alcohol is served.
3. Guest Demographics
Different groups have different needs. If your event is family-friendly, you might need baby-changing stations or extra disabled-access toilets. For outdoor races or marathons, runners may require more facilities due to increased hydration. Understanding your audience helps you plan accordingly.
4. Existing Toilets on Site
If your venue already has permanent toilets, you may not need as many additional units. However, check if they’re sufficient for your guest numbers and whether they’re conveniently located. Spreading portable toilets across large event spaces reduces congestion and improves accessibility.
Toilet Recommendations Based on Event Type
Every event is different, but here’s a rough guide:
- Small gatherings (50-100 people) – 1 to 2 portable toilets
- Weddings (100-250 guests, full-day event) – 3 to 4 portable toilets
- Festivals & concerts (500+ attendees) – 1 toilet per 75-100 people, plus urinals for high-traffic areas
- Marathons & sports events – 1 toilet per 50 runners at the start/finish line, plus additional along the route
- Corporate or formal events – Higher-end facilities such as luxury trailer toilets may be more suitable
If your event spans multiple days, regular servicing is essential to keep toilets clean and stocked with essentials like toilet paper and hand sanitiser.
If you’d like a detailed breakdown of exactly what you need for your event, try our event planning tool.
Ways to Improve the Toilet Experience
Providing enough toilets is just the first step. Here’s how to ensure they meet expectations:
- Spread toilets across the venue – Avoid crowding by placing units near food areas, entrances, and key gathering points.
- Consider urinals for high-footfall events – Urinal stations can reduce pressure on standard toilets, especially at festivals or concerts.
- Ensure accessibility – Always include disabled-access toilets to accommodate all guests.
- Plan for servicing – For longer events, schedule regular cleaning and restocking to maintain hygiene standards.
Book Your Event Toilets with WC Portables
At WC Portables, we specialise in providing high-quality portable toilet hire for events of all sizes. Whether you need standard units, luxury facilities, disabled-access toilets, or urinal stations, we’ll help you find the right solution.
Planning an event? Get in touch today for expert advice and a personalised quote. We’ll ensure your guests stay comfortable, so you can focus on making your event a success.
