How many pounds of potatoes are needed to make mashed for 200 people?

Here's the breakdown:

* Average serving size: A standard serving of mashed potatoes is about 1/4 cup (2 ounces).

* Potatoes to serving ratio: You'll need about 1 pound of potatoes for every 4 servings.

* Total potatoes needed: 200 people x 1/4 cup per person = 50 servings. 50 servings / 4 servings per pound = 12.5 pounds.

Important considerations:

* Type of potato: Russet potatoes are the most common choice for mashed potatoes.

* Desired consistency: If you want a thick, creamy mashed potato, you might need slightly more potatoes per serving.

* Other ingredients: Remember to account for the weight of butter, milk, and other ingredients you'll be adding to your mashed potatoes.

It's always better to err on the side of having too much than not enough! You can always use leftover mashed potatoes in other recipes or freeze them for later use.