Sheet Cake Size Guide: Dimensions & Serving Sizes
Complete guide to sheet cake sizes. Learn standard dimensions for full, half, and quarter sheet cakes, serving recommendations, and event planning tips.
Full Sheet Cake:
18" × 26" (46 × 66 cm)
Serves 78-234 people
Half Sheet Cake:
13" × 18" (33 × 46 cm)
Serves 40-116 people
Quarter Sheet Cake:
9" × 13" (23 × 33 cm)
Serves 20-58 people
Choosing the right sheet cake size is essential for ensuring you have enough cake for your event without excessive waste. This comprehensive guide covers all standard sheet cake dimensions, serving sizes, and cutting recommendations to help you plan perfectly.
Complete Sheet Cake Size Chart
| Cake Size | Dimensions (Inches) | Dimensions (cm) | Standard Servings (2" × 2") | Larger Servings (2" × 3") |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Sheet Cake | 18" × 26" | 46 × 66 cm | 117 servings | 78 servings |
| Half Sheet Cake | 13" × 18" | 33 × 46 cm | 58 servings | 40 servings |
| Quarter Sheet Cake | 9" × 13" | 23 × 33 cm | 29 servings | 20 servings |
Sheet Cake Sizes Explained
Dimensions: 18 inches × 26 inches (46 cm × 66 cm)
Full sheet cakes are the largest standard size and are perfect for large events, corporate gatherings, and celebrations with 80+ guests. They provide generous servings and are ideal when you want plenty of leftovers.
Standard Servings (2" × 2"):
117 servings
Larger Servings (2" × 3"):
78 servings
Best for:
- Large weddings and events (80+ guests)
- Corporate events and office parties
- When you want generous leftovers
Dimensions: 13 inches × 18 inches (33 cm × 46 cm)
Half sheet cakes are the most popular size for medium-sized events. They're perfect for birthday parties, small weddings, office celebrations, and family gatherings with 40-60 guests.
Standard Servings (2" × 2"):
58 servings
Larger Servings (2" × 3"):
40 servings
Best for:
- Medium-sized events (40-60 guests)
- Birthday parties and celebrations
- Small weddings and receptions
Dimensions: 9 inches × 13 inches (23 cm × 33 cm)
Quarter sheet cakes are perfect for small gatherings, family celebrations, and intimate events. They're also great for testing recipes or when you want a smaller cake for a small group.
Standard Servings (2" × 2"):
29 servings
Larger Servings (2" × 3"):
20 servings
Best for:
- Small gatherings (20-30 guests)
- Family celebrations and parties
- Intimate events and small office parties
Serving Size Guidelines
Standard Servings (2" × 2" squares):
This is the most common serving size for sheet cakes. Each piece is 2 inches by 2 inches, providing a moderate portion that's perfect for most events. This size works well when cake is one of several desserts or when you want to serve many people.
Larger Servings (2" × 3" rectangles):
For events where cake is the main dessert or when you want more generous portions, cut the cake into 2" × 3" rectangles. This provides about 50% more cake per serving but reduces the total number of servings.
For Standard 2" × 2" Servings:
- Cut the cake lengthwise into strips that are 2 inches wide
- Then cut each strip crosswise into 2-inch squares
- Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat slices
For Larger 2" × 3" Servings:
- Cut the cake lengthwise into strips that are 2 inches wide
- Then cut each strip crosswise into 3-inch rectangles
- This creates larger, more substantial servings
Event Planning Guide
Recommended: Quarter Sheet Cake (9" × 13")
A quarter sheet cake serves 20-58 people with standard servings, providing just enough cake for your event. Order a half sheet if you want leftovers.
Recommended: Half Sheet Cake (13" × 18")
A half sheet cake serves 40-116 people with standard servings, making it perfect for medium-sized events. This is the most popular size for birthday parties and celebrations.
Recommended: Full Sheet Cake (18" × 26")
A full sheet cake serves 78-234 people with standard servings, making it ideal for large weddings, corporate events, and big celebrations. Consider ordering two half sheets if you need variety or want to serve more people.
Tip: When in doubt, order one size larger than you think you need. It's better to have leftovers than to run out of cake. Most bakeries can accommodate last-minute size changes if you order early enough.
Recommendations by Occasion
Half sheet cakes are perfect for most birthday parties. They serve 40-116 people, which covers most gatherings. For kids' parties, consider ordering slightly larger as children often want seconds.
For small weddings (under 60 guests), a half sheet cake works well. For larger weddings, order a full sheet cake or multiple half sheets in different flavors. Many couples also use sheet cakes as a cost-effective alternative to tiered cakes.
Quarter or half sheet cakes are ideal for office celebrations. Consider the size of your team and whether you want leftovers for the next day. Half sheets are popular for departments of 30-50 people.
Quarter sheet cakes are perfect for small family celebrations. For larger family reunions or holidays, a half or full sheet cake ensures everyone gets a piece with plenty of leftovers.