Baking Pan Size Charts: Round, Loaf, Muffin…

December 26, 2022December 26, 2022 by Egle Goleckyte

A baking pan also referred to as a sheet pan, baking sheet, cookie sheet, or baking tray, is a flat sheet used to bake pastries such as swiss rolls, sheet cakes, bread rolls, and cookies in the oven. Baking sheets are often made of aluminum as it is lightweight and distributes heat evenly (skip straight to the baking pan size charts).

So, why is a good baking pan size important?

Unlike cooking, baking is an exact science, and a minor error could compromise the overall results, so it is critical that you use the correct baking pan size and type.

Baking Pan Size Charts: Round, Loaf, Muffin... size-charts.com — _{Image Source: seriouseats.com}

The baking pan size has a direct impact on the baking times and temperatures. If you use the wrong pan size, the end product will not only appear uneven and unsightly. Incorrect baking dish sizes also result in your creation running over, falling in the center, or burning on the edges.

A good baking pan size ensures even heat distribution to the batter, enabling your product to rise flat and consistently. In addition, this gives the batter adequate room to expand, giving your cake a thin and delicate thrust.

Jump right into the Frequently Asked Questions

Baking Pan Size Chart

Round pans

Approximate Dimensions (inches)	Approximate volume (Cups)	Approximate dimensions(cm)
6 x 2 inches	4 cups	15cm by 5cm
8 x 1 ½ inches	4 cups	20cm by 4cm
8 x 2 inches	6 cups	20cm by 5cm
9 x 1 1/2 inches	6 cups	23cm by 4cm
9 x 2 inches	8 cups	23cm by 5cm
9 x 3 inches	12 cups	23cm by 8cm
10 x 2 inches	11 cups	25cm by 5cm

Loaf pans

Approximate Dimensions (inches)	Approximate volume (Cups)	Approximate dimensions(cm)
8 x 4 x 2 ½ inches	4 cups	20cm by 10cm by 6cm
8 ½ x 4 ½ x 2 ½ inches	6 cups	21cm by 11cm by 6cm
9 x 5 x 3 inches	8 cups	23cm by 13cm by 8cm

Springform pans

Approximate Dimensions (inches)	Approximate volume (Cups)	Approximate dimensions(cm)
8 x 3 inches	11 cups	20cm by 8cm
9 x 2 ½ inches	10 cups	23cm by 6cm
9 x 3 inches	12 cups	23cm by 8cm
10 x 2 ½ inches	12 cups	25cm by 6cm

Bundt pans

Approximate Dimensions (inches)	Approximate volume (Cups)	Approximate dimensions(cm)
7 1/2 x 3 inches	6 cups	19cm by 8cm
9 x 3 inches	9 cups	23cm by 8cm
10 x 3 1/2 inches	12 cups	25cm by 9cm

Square pans

Approximate Dimensions (inches)	Approximate volume (Cups)	Approximate dimensions(cm)
8 x 8 x 1 ½ inches	6 cups	20cm by 20cm by 4cm
8 x 8 x 2 inches	8 cups	20cm by 20cm by 5cm
9 x 9 x 1 ½ inches	8 cups	23cm by 23cm by 4cm
9 x 9 x 2 inches	10 cups	23cm by 23 cm by 5cm
9 x 9 x 2 inches	12 cups	25cm by 25cm by 5cm

Rectangular pans

Approximate Dimensions (inches)	Approximate volume (Cups)	Approximate dimensions(cm)
11 x 7 x 2 inches	10 cups	28cm by 18cm by 5cm
13 x 9 x 2 inches	14 cups	33cm by 23cm by 5cm

Muffin pans

Approximate Dimensions (inches)	Approximate volume (Cups)	Approximate dimensions(cm)
1 3/4 x 3/4 in.	1/8 cup	4.5cm by 2cm
2 3/4 x 1 1/8 in.	1/4 cup	7cm by 3cm
2 3/4 x 1 1/2 in	1/2 cup	7cm by 4cm
3 x 1 1/4 inches	5/8 cup	8cm by 3cm

How To Choose the Right Baking Pan Size

With the different baking pan sizes available in commercial kitchens, choosing the right fit can be difficult. Here are factors to consider when choosing the right baking pan size for you.

1. Thickness

Baking sheets come in different thicknesses, from thin, single-layer trays, to insulated pans and thicker, multi-layer pans.

Most people opt for thin, single-layer baking trays because they are affordable and light. However, a thin, single-layered baking pan size does not always distribute heat evenly and is not durable.

Thicker, multi-layer baking sizes conduct heat evenly, so you are assured of consistent results. They are also more durable. However, a thicker, multi-layer pan is pretty expensive, so it might not be the right fit if you are working under a tight budget.

Insulated baking pan sizes have specialized layers that add insulation to the tray. These pans are excellent for specific recipes that require longer baking time but are not ideal for your everyday baking life.

2. Material

Different baking pan materials react differently when placed in the oven, significantly impacting the baking time.

For this reason, you should familiarize yourself with how different materials react to pick the right baking pan sizes and materials and adjust baking time accordingly.

Aluminum

Aluminum is the most popular bakeware material because it is highly durable and conducts heat evenly.

Aluminum baking sheets are also lightweight, resistant to rust and corrosion, ensure uniform browning, and are affordable.

Glass baking dishes

Glass baking trays are perfect for preparing savory dishes that require consistent, constant temperatures.

Glass pans hold heat evenly until the food is cooked. However, glass is a poor conductor of heat.

Stainless steel

Stainless steel is also a popular baking pan material because it is resistant to rust and corrosion, easy to clean, durable, and long-lasting.

It is best for baking recipes with acidic amounts of ingredients as it is non-reactive. However, stainless steel baking sheets are poor heat conductors.

Silicone

Silicone baking sheets are non-stick cookie sheets ideal for baking dishes that do not release quickly, including bread, muffins, and cakes.

Silicone also does not stain or absorb odor and is resistant to extreme heat.

3. Baking recipe

Most baking recipes recommend the right cake-size pan to use. However, if the recipe does not provide this critical information, or you would want to pick an alternative baking pan, you should:

Measure the batter volume

Pour batter into a measuring cup to determine the volume of batter for the specific recipe. For example, when choosing a loaf pan size for bread, ensure the batter goes at least two-thirds of the pan’s side.

Measure the pan volume

Wondering how to find your baking pan size yourself? Consider filling it with water, then pour it into a measuring cup. You could also fill the baking sheet with a single cup of water at a time while counting until it is full.

Alternatively, measure the inside of your pan with a ruler or a measuring tape, then use a baking pan size conversion chart to determine the baking pan volume.

Use the baking pan size chart

Determine suitable baking pan measurements for your recipe by comparing standard pan volumes on pan size charts.

Learn more about baking pan sizes and why they are important (video)

_{Everything You Need To Know About Bakeware: Sizes! by Bigger Bolder Baking}

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know my baking pan size?

To determine cake pans’ sizes, use a measuring tape or a ruler to measure the dimensions.

When measuring your bundt pan dimensions, estimate from the top of the dish from the inner lip to the inside edge across the sheet’s widest point.

Alternatively, check the bottom of your pan for product dimensions.

What is the pan size?

Baking sheet size refers to a pan’s wall-to-wall measurement. For instance, the standard size of a (9×13-inch) baking dish is 117 square inches.

Does baking pan size matter?

Yes! The size of your baking dishes significantly impacts the baking time and temperatures. If you use a pan that makes the batter shallower than the original recipe, you will have to reduce the baking time and increase the temperatures.

Lower the temperatures and increase the time if you utilize pans that make the batter deeper than the baking recipe.

What are the 7 types of baking pans?

The most common cake-baking sheets include:

Bundt pans
Springform pans
Muffin tins
Loaf pans
Sheet pans
Rectangular and square cake pans
Round pans

What is a 9 by 9 pan?

9 by 9 pan is equivalent to a kitchen staple and is suitable for baking various cake recipes, bar-type cookies, and casseroles.

A 9×9-inch baking dish is an excellent addition to your favorite bakeware collection because it also looks good.

What is the most common size cake pan?

9×13 inch baking dish is the standard pan size. Depending on what you will be cooking most, you could choose a ceramic, metal, or glass baking dish.

A 9 by 13 pan allows you to convert basic cake and cupcake recipes without significant adjustments.

What is an 8×8 pan used for?

An 8×8-inch pan is a perfect addition to your baking cabinet if you have a small kitchen.

These standard-size tins can be used to bake various recipes, including cakes, casseroles, brownies, mac and cheese, cinnamon rolls, and lemon bars, to mention a few.

Can I use 8×8 instead of 9×13?

Yes! An 8-inch square baking dish can be used interchangeably with a 9×13-inch round pan to bake bar and cake recipes. An 8×8 baking dish is almost half of the 9×13 baking tray, so all you have to do is cut the ingredient quantities in half.

You do not even have to worry about adjusting the cooking time and oven temperatures when you use an 8×8 pan instead of a 9×13 tray since there is no significant difference in batter depth and surface area when you half the volume of ingredients.

Conclusion

Whether you want to bake a muffin, casserole, bread, cupcake, or brownie, choosing the right cake pan size is critical. Reason? It impacts the baking time and temperatures. An ideal baking dish ensures an even heat distribution, giving you a thin and delicate thrust.

However, picking the right pan size can be challenging, especially when your recipe does not provide clear instructions on the best sheet to use. Luckily, our cake pan size chart offers all pan dimensions to help you zone in on the most suitable dish for your recipes.

If you are still unsure of the best cake pan size to pick, seek professional help in the comments below. Our expert team is happy to help you choose the right baking pan shapes and sizes to use this baking season.

Picture in this post is by Towfiqu Barbhuiya on Unsplash