Cast-Iron Skillet Size

December 7, 2022December 7, 2022 by Egle Goleckyte

A cast-iron skillet is a kitchen tool that has many uses. It’s made from cast iron and can be used for frying, baking, sautéing, and more. Cast iron skillets are known for their durability and even heat distribution. They can be used on all types of cooktops, including induction, gas, electric, and ceramic. Many people prefer to use cast iron skillets because they do not require the use of cooking spray or oil.

Additionally, cast iron skillets can be used to sear meat or vegetables, which helps to lock in flavor. The downside of using a cast iron skillet is that it can be heavy and difficult to clean. However, with the right size and proper care, a cast iron skillet will last for years.

Cast-Iron Skillet Size size-charts.com — _{Image Source: Martha Stewart}

They are very popular because they’re durable and can be used for a variety of cooking tasks, such as searing, sautéing, or frying. Cast iron skillets come in a range of sizes, so you can choose the one that’s best for your needs. And they’re also oven-safe, so you can use them for baking tasks too.

They’re versatile, durable, and easy to care for. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the perfect size for your needs? We’ll walk you through the different sizes of cast-iron skillets available and help you decide which is best for you.

Jump right into the Frequently Asked Questions

Cast-Iron Skillet Size Table of Contents

What is a standard-size cast iron skillet?
Cast-iron skillet size chart (by size category)
Cast-iron skillet size chart (by cooking surface and weight)
How big of a cast iron should I get?
How do I know the size of my cast iron skillet?
Frequently Asked Questions

What is a standard-size cast iron skillet?

A standard-size skillet is around 10-12 inches (25-30 centimeters) wide, which is a good size for most everyday tasks. But if you’re looking for something a little bigger or smaller, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Here’s a general guide to the different skillet sizes:

8-inch (20 centimeters )skillet: This is the smallest size available and is perfect for one or two people.
12-inch ()30 centimeters skillet: This is a good size for small families or those who like to cook in larger batches.
10.25-inch (25 – 64 centimeters) skillet: This is the most popular size and is great for most cooking needs.
14-inch (36 centimeters) skillet: This size is best for large families or those who like to cook in bulk.

So, how do you choose the right size skillet for your needs? Well, it depends on what you’ll be using it for. If you’re mainly going to use it for frying chicken or bacon, then a smaller size would be ideal. But if you want to use it for larger dishes like pancakes or quesadillas, then you’ll need a bigger skillet.

Cast-iron skillet size chart (by size category)

Type	Size		Weight		Sustainability
	inch	cm	lbs	kg
Mini-Sized Skillets	3.5	8.89	0.5 pounds	0.22 kg	1 person
	5	12.7	1 pound	0.45 kg	1 person
	6.5	16.51	2 pounds	1 kg	1 person
Medium-Sized Skillets	8	20.32	3-4 pounds	1.6 – 1.8 kg	1-2 persons
	10	25.4	5-6 pounds	2.2 – 2.7 kg	2 persons
Large-Sized Skillets	12	30.48	7-9 pounds	3.1 – 4 kg	3 persons
	14	35.56	10-12 pounds	4.5 – 5.4 kg	4 to 5 persons
	15	38.1	10.5-12.5 pounds	5 – 5.6 kg	7 to 8 persons

Cast-iron skillet size chart (by cooking surface and weight)

Size		Fits	Cooking Surface Area		Dimensions (L x W x T)		Weight		Great For
in	cm	inches sq	metres sq	inces	cm	lbs	kgs
3.5″	8.89 cm	1 egg	5.68	0.0034	6″ x 3.93″ x 0.93″	15.24 x 9.98 x 2.36	0.62 lbs	0.28 kg	a single serving of dessert
5″	12.70 cm	1 egg	11.7	0.0070	7.68″ x 4.93″ x 1.06″	19.51 x 12.52 x 2.69	1.15 lbs	0.52 kg	serving
6.5″	16.51 cm	2 eggs	19.16	0.0115	10.18″ x 6.68″ x 1.37″	25.86 x 16.97 x 3.48	1.94 lbs	0.88 kg	breakfast
8″	20.32 cm	3 eggs	29.5	0.0177	12.75″ x 8.68″ x 1.87″	32.39 x 22.05 x 4.75	3.2 lbs	1.45 kg	breakfast
9″	22.86 cm	4 eggs	40.58	0.0243	13.75″ x 9.68″ x 1.87″	34.9 x 24.59 x 4.75	4.17 lbs	1.89 kg	pies
10.25″	26.04 cm	5 eggs	53.43	0.0321	16.12″ x 10.68″ x 2″	40.94 x 27.12 x 5.08	5.35 lbs	2.43 kg	dinner for two
12″	26.04 cm	6 eggs	74.62	0.0448	18″ x 12.56″ x 2.25″	45.72 x 31.9 x 5.7	7.89 lbs	3.58 kg	family dinners
13.25″	33.66 cm	7 eggs	98.3	0.0590	20.75″ x 13.75″ x 2.81″	52.7 x 34.9 x 7.14	10.5 lbs	4.76 kg	entertaining
15″	38.10 cm	8 eggs	114.17	0.0685	22.18″ x 15″ x 2.87″	56.33 x 38.1 x 7.29	12.36 lbs	4.76 kg	feeding a crowd

How big of a cast iron should I get?

Get 8 inches if you are one, 10 inches (25 centimeters) if you are two, 12 inches if you are up to 4 people, and 15 inches and above if you are more.

One important fact worth knowing is that skillets are typically available in sizes ranging from 8 to 16 inches. The most popular size is 12 inches (30 centimeters), as it is large enough to cook for a family but not so large that it is unwieldy to lift or store.

However, if you have a large family or entertain frequently, you may want to opt for a larger size. Conversely, if you live alone or typically cook for only one or two people, a smaller skillet may be more suitable.

If you’re looking for something small and budget-friendly yet befitting more than one person, a 10.25-inch skillet would be perfect. We’ll come back to this size further down where you will get to understand it better.
If you’re looking for something a little bigger, a 12-inch (30-centimeters) skillet is perfect for larger meals. And if you’re looking for something reasonably large, a 14-inch (36 centimeters ) skillet it is. It’s perfect for cooking up large meals or multiple servings

General If you like to cook in large batches or make one-pot meals, you will need a skillet that has a capacity of at least 5 quarts. With these factors in mind, you can narrow down your options and choose the best-cast iron skillet for your needs.

Learn more about cast-iron skillet sizes (video)

_{Cast Iron Skillet Sizes Explained by Cast Iron cookware}

How do I know the size of my cast iron skillet?

Most skillets have a size stamped on the bottom, but if that’s not the case, the best way to measure is to fill the skillet with water and see how much it holds.

Once you have that measurement, you can use it to figure out what size skillet you need for your recipe. For example, a 12-inch (25 centimeters) skillet can hold about 2 cups of water, so if your recipe calls for 1 cup of liquid, it would be a good idea to use a 6-inch skillet instead if you can find one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a 10-inch skillet too small?

No, it’s not too small. A 10-inch (25 centimeters) skillet is the perfect size for someone who wants to make one or two servings of food. It’s also great for cooking smaller items, like eggs or bacon. If you’re looking for something that’s a little bit larger, then we would recommend going with a 12-inch (30 centimeters) skillet.

But if you’re only cooking for yourself, then the 10-inch (25 centimeters) skillet is a good option. It’s lightweight, so it’s easy to transport, and it’s also oven-safe, which makes it versatile.

How big is a 10.25 skillet?

A 10.25 skillet is a kitchen essential that is neither too large nor too small. It can be used for a variety of tasks, from frying up eggs to flipping pancakes.

But what are its dimensions?

The diameter of a 10.25 skillet is 10.25 inches (26 centimeters), and it has a depth of 2 inches (5 centimeters). This makes it the perfect size for cooking multiple items at once or for grilling burgers on the stovetop.

Additionally, the 10.25 skillet is oven-safe, so it can also be used for baking tasks such as making quesadillas or roasted vegetables. Whether you’re a beginner cook or an experienced chef, a 10.25 skillet is a versatile tool that will help you create delicious meals.

So generally the 10.25 inches (26 centimeters is a great size for everyday use, but if you’re looking for something a little smaller or larger, they have those options too.

What size is a standard skillet?

So, what size is a standard skillet? Well, the most common size is around 10 or 12 inches (25-30 centimeters). But there are skillets available in all different sizes, from tiny 4-inch (10 centimeters) skillets to massive cast-iron monsters that can hold a whole turkey.

What you choose really depends on what you plan to use it for. A small skillet is perfect for single servings or small groups, while a larger skillet is great for cooking for a crowd.

And if you’re looking for something really versatile, go with a 10 (25 centimeters) or 12 inches (30 centimeters) skillet—that’s the perfect size for most things.

Learn more about skillet sizes and different types

_{Which Skillet Is Right For You? by Cast Iron Cookware}

What is considered a large skillet?

A skillet size of 12 to 14 inches (25-36 centimeters) is generally considered a large skill set. A large skillet can give you the space you need to cook multiple items at once, or to create a big batch of food that can be stored and eaten later.

Most skillets have a diameter of 10 inches (25 centimeters) or less, but a large skillet typically has a diameter of 12 inches (30 centimeters) or more. This extra-large size is perfect for cooking big meals or for feeding a crowd. In addition to its increased capacity, a large skillet also has a higher rim, which allows you to easily add and remove ingredients without spillover.

There are cast-iron skillets available in sizes up to 18 inches (46 centimeters) and they can be pretty darn useful.

Conclusion

When it comes to cast-iron skillets, size really does matter. And we’re not just talking about the size of the skillet in terms of its diameter. The depth of the skillet is also important to consider, as is the shape.

Knowing the right size for your needs is essential to getting the most out of your cast-iron skillet.

We hope that this guide has opened your eyes to the wide range of cast iron skillets available in the market and when to get what size. You’re welcome to ask any questions you have in the comments.

Picture in this post is by Cathal Mac an Bheatha on Unsplash