Calculator ยท updated October 2026
How many portaloos do I need?
For a private event of up to 4 hours, plan on about 1 portaloo per 50 guests. Public events follow council tables that need more, especially when alcohol is served.
How we work it out
Private events: we use the common rule of thumb of 1 unit per 50 guests for events up to 4 hours. Guides recommend more units for longer events, so we add 1 extra unit for events over 4 hours, and 1 more when alcohol is served.
Public events: we use the toilet table published by the City of Yarra for outdoor events, which sets toilets, urinals and hand basins by crowd size and whether alcohol is served, reduced for shorter events. Your own council may set different rules, so check before you book.
Public event table (City of Yarra)
| Attendance | Male WC | Urinals | Female WC | Hand basins |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No alcohol | ||||
| Under 500 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Under 1,000 | 2 | 4 | 9 | 8 |
| Under 2,000 | 4 | 8 | 12 | 12 |
| Under 3,000 | 6 | 15 | 18 | 20 |
| Under 5,000 | 8 | 25 | 30 | 34 |
| With alcohol | ||||
| Under 500 | 3 | 8 | 13 | 4 |
| Under 1,000 | 5 | 10 | 16 | 8 |
| Under 2,000 | 9 | 15 | 18 | 14 |
| Under 3,000 | 10 | 20 | 22 | 28 |
| Under 5,000 | 12 | 30 | 40 | 40 |
Hand basins combine the male and female columns of the source table. Also provide one sanitary bin per female toilet, and at least one unisex accessible toilet in each group of toilets.
Don't forget
- An accessible toilet: most public events need at least one.
- Servicing: busy toilets at multi-day events need pumping out daily.
- Placement: keep toilets on firm, level ground the delivery truck can reach.
Sources: City of Yarra, Public toilet requirements for events; Yellow Pages Australia portaloo guide. This calculator is a planning guide, not compliance advice.