The starting point
One unit per 50 guests, for a four-hour event is an illustrative starting estimate. Confirm the final count, unit types and servicing plan for your actual site.
The two adjustments that matter
Duration. Longer events need closer attention to capacity and servicing. The right count depends on attendance patterns, existing washrooms and whether units can be serviced during the event.
Alcohol. Serving drinks can increase washroom demand. Discuss this with your rental provider alongside duration, food service and expected peak attendance when choosing capacity.
| Guests | 4 hrs, no bar | 4 hrs, with bar | 8 hrs, with bar |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 100 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| 250 | 5 | 6 | 9 |
| 500 | 10 | 13 | 17 |
These examples are not statutory requirements, confirmed inventory or a final rental plan. Site layout, existing washrooms, food and alcohol service, accessibility and servicing all affect the count. Confirm requirements with your venue and availability with Shoreline.
Where they go matters as much as how many
- Firm, level ground with truck access. Choose firm, level ground and a route the delivery and service vehicles can reach. Difficult access needs an assessment; confirm placement and any additional cost before booking.
- Away from food, and downwind. Far enough to be out of mind, close enough that nobody is walking two minutes in the dark. Somewhere near the edge of the main area usually solves both.
- Spread them out at bigger events. Two banks of five beat one bank of ten. It halves the walk and stops one queue forming for everybody.
- Plan the accessible unit first. It needs a flat approach and more room around it, so it constrains where the rest can sit. Deciding it last means moving everything.
- Take delivery the day before. It gets delivery off your event-day timeline and leaves room to fix an access problem while fixing it is still easy.
Common questions
How many portable toilets do I need for 100 guests?
As an illustrative starting estimate, a four-hour event for 100 guests might use two units without alcohol or three with alcohol. These are planning examples, not a guarantee or a regulatory minimum. Confirm your layout, duration, accessibility needs, existing facilities and servicing plan with the rental provider and venue.
Does serving alcohol change how many units I need?
Serving alcohol can increase demand for washrooms. Include it when discussing guest count, event duration and servicing with your rental provider instead of relying on one fixed adjustment for every event.
Do I need an accessible unit?
Include accessible facilities in your plan and check the venue's requirements. Confirm the unit specifications and availability with your rental provider, along with a firm, level approach and sufficient surrounding space.
When should the units be delivered?
The day before for anything starting in the morning. It removes delivery from your event-day timeline entirely, and it means a problem with access or placement is discovered while there is still time to solve it.
Do multi-day events need servicing partway through?
Usually. A unit at a busy multi-day event will want servicing every day or two depending on traffic. It is far cheaper than adding units you only need at peak, and it is the difference between guests using them on day three and avoiding them.
Get the number checked before you book
Explore an event rental estimate on the map for your site across Vancouver Island, BC. Confirm the equipment, dates, delivery access, servicing and final total with our team.