Par sheets: the 15-minute ordering system
A par sheet turns ordering from guesswork into arithmetic. Set the par once per item, then each order day you only do two things: count what’s on hand and order the difference.
order quantity = max(0, par level − on hand)
Setting pars that actually work
- Base par on usage between deliveries, not per week — a twice-weekly produce delivery needs a half-week par.
- Add a safety cushion of 20–30% for demand swings, less for expensive perishables, more for can’t-run-out staples.
- Respect shelf life. A par that exceeds an item’s usable life is a standing order for waste — the food waste calculator shows what that costs.
- Re-check pars after menu changes and seasonally. Patio season and a new best-seller both move usage.
Using this sheet day to day
Your items and pars save automatically in your browser, so build the list once. On order day, walk the storage areas filling in the on-hand column, then print the sheet or export CSV for your supplier portal. Rows that need ordering are highlighted; anything at or above par stays quiet.
Frequently asked questions
What is a par level in a restaurant?
A par level is the amount of an item you want on hand at the start of a period — enough to cover expected use until the next delivery, plus a safety cushion. If you go through 5 cases of fry oil between deliveries and want half a case of buffer, your par is 5.5 cases.
How do I set par levels?
A practical formula is: average use between deliveries plus a safety stock of roughly 20–30%, adjusted for shelf life. Highly perishable items get tighter pars and more frequent counts; stable dry goods can carry bigger cushions. Review pars seasonally and after menu changes.
How is the order quantity calculated?
Order quantity = par level minus what you have on hand, never less than zero. If your par for napkins is 10 packs and you count 3, you order 7. Items at or above par show no order needed.
Will my par sheet still be here tomorrow?
Yes — the sheet saves automatically to your own browser’s storage, so it survives closing the tab. It stays on your device only. Use Print for a paper order sheet or Export CSV to move it into a spreadsheet or ordering system.