Halloween candy calculator
Estimate how many pieces and bags to buy.
Not sure how many kids to expect? Ask neighbours how many came last year, or start with the ranges below.
How many trick-or-treaters will I get?
| Where you live | Typical visitors | Candy to buy (2 each + 20%) |
|---|---|---|
| Rural or quiet street | 0–25 | Up to ~60 pieces (1–2 bags) |
| Average suburban street | 25–75 | ~60–180 pieces (2–4 bags) |
| Busy family neighbourhood | 75–200 | ~180–480 pieces (4–11 bags) |
| Famous “Halloween street” | 200+ | 500+ pieces — consider a 1-per-child rule |
Smart candy-buying tips
- Buy what you like. Leftovers are less of a problem if it’s candy you enjoy.
- Mix bags. Variety packs keep kids happy and make it easy to give one or two pieces each.
- Buy in two rounds. Get most of it a week before, then top up on October 30 if you’re running low. Stores often discount on the day.
- Watch for after-Halloween sales. On November 1, candy is often 50% off, which is perfect for parties and Bonfire Night.
Allergy-friendly treats (the teal pumpkin idea)
Many families look for a teal pumpkin on the porch, which means the house offers non-food treats for children with food allergies. Stickers, glow sticks, mini bubbles, pencils, bouncy balls and temporary tattoos are popular. Keep them in a separate bowl from the candy.
Halloween night timeline
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| 5:30–6:00 pm | Young children start, often with parents, while it’s still light |
| 6:00–7:30 pm | Peak time — most visitors arrive now |
| 7:30–8:30 pm | Older kids and teens |
| After 8:30 pm | Mostly quiet; turn off the porch light when you’re done |
Writing invitations or a sale email? Grab ideas from Halloween email subject lines. Count down with the days until calculator.
Questions
How much candy do I need for 100 trick-or-treaters?
At two pieces per child plus a 20% buffer, you need about 240 pieces. That is roughly five to six 45-piece bags.
How many pieces of candy should I give each child?
One to three pieces is normal. Two is a common middle ground. If you get lots of visitors, one piece each is fine.
What time does trick-or-treating start?
Most trick-or-treating happens between about 5:30 pm and 8:30 pm, with the busiest time around 6:00–7:30 pm. Some towns set official hours.
When is Halloween 2027?
Sunday, October 31, 2027.