How to Calculate Your Weekly Linen Needs Like a Pro
Featuring insights from the experts at Balfurd Linen
If you’re not thinking about linen usage every day — we get it. But at MyLinenService.com, we work with providers who do. And when it comes to making sure you’re ordering the right amount of linen — not too much, not too little — a little knowledge goes a long way.
That’s why we’re sharing this helpful breakdown from Balfurd Linen, one of our trusted service partners. With more than 90 years in the industry, they’ve perfected the art of calculating weekly linen needs for restaurants and hospitality businesses of all sizes.
Whether you’re just getting started or reevaluating your inventory, here’s how to estimate your linen needs like a pro:
👨🍳 Aprons
Formula:
# of Kitchen Shifts per Week = # of Aprons Needed
Running 50 shifts each week? You’ll need 50 aprons.
🍽 Napkins
Formula:
Average Weekly Guests × 1.05 = Weekly Napkin Need
Add a 5% buffer to avoid shortages and unexpected fees.
🕯 Table Linens
Formula:
Average Weekly Table Turns × 1.05 = Weekly Table Linen Need
Track turnover and plan ahead for holidays or events.
🔥 Kitchen Towels
Formula:
# of Cook Shifts per Week × 4 = Weekly Kitchen Towels
Each cook typically uses 3–4 towels per shift.
🍸 Bar Towels
Formula:
# of Bartender Shifts per Week × 6 = Weekly Bar Towels
Factor in extra towels for wiping tables between guests.
🚪 Floor Mats
Don’t forget to include mats at:
- Entrances
- High-traffic walkways
- Prep lines, host stands, and bar stations
Mats improve safety, prevent slips, and reduce fatigue.
💡 Why This Matters
- You reduce waste and avoid over-ordering
- You eliminate stress from last-minute deliveries
- You keep your operations running smoothly
Need Help Estimating?
Not sure where to start — or want an expert to review your current usage? That’s where we come in.
At MyLinenService.com, we connect restaurants and businesses with trusted linen providers like Balfurd Linen, who know how to help you size your inventory and avoid unnecessary costs.
About MyLinenService.com
We help restaurants, healthcare providers, and local businesses across the U.S. find reliable, fairly priced linen rental services. Our mission is to take the guesswork out of linen service — by matching you with local providers who get it right the first time.
Special thanks to balfurdlinenservice.com
