How many pounds of potatoes do you need to make potato salad for 50 people?

To make potato salad for 50 people, assuming you are making classic American-style potato salad with potatoes as the main ingredient:

8 to 10 pounds (3.6 to 4.5 kilograms) of potatoes should be sufficient. Here's a general guide:

- Number of potatoes: Plan on using 0.16 to 0.2 pounds (75 to 90 grams) of potatoes per person. For 50 people, this would be around 8 to 10 pounds (3.6 to 4.5 kilograms) of potatoes.

- Potato size: Choose medium-sized potatoes as they typically cook more evenly and are easier to peel and cube.

- Potato selection: Red or white potatoes are commonly used for potato salad. Red potatoes have a waxy texture and hold their shape well during cooking, while white potatoes are more starchy and absorb flavors well.

- Cooked potato yield: When boiled or steamed, potatoes lose about 20-25% of their original weight. So, if you start with 8 to 10 pounds of raw potatoes, you should end up with around 6 to 7 pounds (2.7 to 3.1 kilograms) of cooked potatoes.

Remember, this amount can vary depending on the desired serving size and the inclusion of other ingredients such as vegetables or proteins. Adjust the quantity based on your preferred recipe and serving portions.