Open dataset
Group order size distribution data
The size curves behind our group size calculator, published openly. Common starting distributions for a bulk apparel order — as percentages by size, for adult, youth, and event groups — free to use with attribution.
What this dataset is
When a school, club, company, or event orders apparel in bulk, the sizes almost never split evenly. Groups cluster in the middle — around L and XL for adults — with a smaller tail on each end. Ordering a flat, even split is the most common way to end up with unworn XS and a shortage of the sizes people actually wanted.
This dataset captures common starting distributions — a sensible weighting to plan against when you can't collect every size ahead of time. The figures are round planning heuristics in the same spirit as event-overage guidance, not garment measurements and not a claim about any specific population. Always confirm against your own roster where you can.
Adult unisex tees & hoodies
A common starting split for a mixed adult group. Most orders center on L and XL; adjust up a size for older or larger groups, down for youth-heavy ones.
| Size | Share of order |
|---|---|
| S | 15% |
| M | 25% |
| L | 28% |
| XL | 20% |
| 2XL | 12% |
Youth tees
A typical youth split for a school or club group. Confirm against your roster where you can — youth sizing varies widely by age band.
| Size | Share of order |
|---|---|
| YS | 20% |
| YM | 30% |
| YL | 30% |
| YXL | 20% |
Event / giveaway tees
When you can't collect sizes ahead of time (walk-up giveaways), this weighting toward the middle sizes minimizes leftovers. Add a small buffer of the middle sizes for late arrivals.
| Size | Share of order |
|---|---|
| S | 15% |
| M | 30% |
| L | 30% |
| XL | 18% |
| 2XL | 7% |
Download the dataset
CSV — three columns (group type, size, percent). Opens in Excel, Google Sheets, or Numbers. No email required.
Download the CSVLicense & citation
This dataset is published under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) license. You're free to share and adapt it, including commercially, as long as you credit the source.
Cite this data
Your Merch Factory. “Group-Order Apparel Size Distributions.” https://yourmerchfactory.com/resources/group-order-size-distribution-data
Turn these curves into an order breakdown with the group size calculator, or see the full apparel size guide for measurements.
Planning a group order?
Send your headcount, items, and size split for a free, itemized quote — delivered per-unit pricing that drops as the order grows.
Instant mockup · Quote in 12h · Nothing's made until you approve