The simple way to calculate the perfect amount of Halloween candy

While resisting the urge to sneak candy before the witching hour can be hard, ensuring the perfect amount of Halloween candy for the big celebration is a hotly debated topic. Although the kids might prefer to have overflowing amounts of candy in the house, some parents might prefer to keep the sweet treats to a more reasonable amount. How do you calculate the right amount of Halloween candy to buy?

For many neighborhoods, the top Halloween houses can have all the kids lining up down the block. From the promise of full sized candy bars to even a treat for the adults, usually one house scores the coveted best pumpkin award.

At the same time, the opposite idea can cast a house in an eerie shadow. Beyond the mistake of handing out pencils or some other non-sweet item, the house that turns its porch dim before the witching hour fades might be the scariest house on the block. Is there a simple way to calculate the perfect amount of Halloween candy?

Recently, Shipt and Mars Wrigley joined forces to create a simple equation that ensures that the Halloween candy bowl remains full all night long. Even though a math equation might bring back some algebra nightmares, this concept is almost as easy as 1, 2, 3.

According to Molly Snyder, Shipt’s CCO, Chief Communications Officer turned Chief Candy Officer, “We want to be certain that no trick-or-treat bowl goes empty on Halloween night, which is why we meticulously broke down and analyzed candy shopping data to develop our very own candy formula, just in time for Halloween.”

While online shopping has become the convenient way to check off that to-do list, it also offers a variety of data that can help consumers and brands become more efficient. This candy formula is one of those examples.

As shared by the brand, the formula is “(T*K*G) + (D*F*S) = Candy Pieces divided by 30 = ?? Bags of candy.” Before the math sweats take over, anyone can do this calculation.

Here’s how Shipt and Mars Wrigley break down the calculation.

"T = the time, in number of hours, you plan to leave the light onK = estimated number of kids per hour that ring the doorbellG = the generosity factor (how many pieces will be distributed to each trick-or-treater)D = the number of days between the initial candy purchase and HalloweenF = the number of family members in the householdS = the sneaky factor (average pieces of candy each member of the household will eat per day)"

To be clear, this calculation is not exact science. There can be some variables that throw off the math. From rain to picking the wrong candy, the Halloween candy formula might need a little tweaking. It isn’t quite as tested the Pythagorean Theorem, but this candy equation will set people on the right track.

And, since many consumers prefer convenient shopping, Shipt is making Halloween candy purchases even easier. From October 19 through October 31, customers can get $5 off a $25 Mars Wrigley candy purchase.

Don’t be spooked by the Halloween candy conversation. Calculating the perfect amount of Halloween candy is at your fingertips. And, maybe if the kids help with all that math, they can earn one of the “sneaked” pieces. Being a good student often comes with sweet rewards.