Baking Pan Size Comparison Chart

Last updated: June 2026
Quick reference: The 9×13 pan is the most common (117 sq in · ~14 cups). The 9" round and 8×8 square are nearly identical in area (63.6 vs 64 sq in). A 9×9 square = about one and a quarter 8×8 pans.

This chart covers every standard baking pan size in one place — area in square inches (the number that matters for substitutions), approximate volume in cups, and the closest alternative if you don't own that pan. Use it alongside the calculator to plan any swap.

Pan Swap Calculator — try any substitution Open full calculator ↗
Rectangular pans
Pan size Area (sq in) Volume (2" deep) Best uses Closest substitute
7×11"77 sq in~9 cupsSmaller sheet cakes, brownies, side dishes9×9" square
9×13" most common117 sq in~14–15 cupsSheet cake, brownies, lasagna, casseroles, bar cookiesTwo 8×8" pans
10×15" (jelly roll)150 sq in~12 cupsJelly rolls, thin sheet cakes, sheet cookies11×17" (slightly larger)
11×17" (half sheet)187 sq in~15 cupsLarge batches of cookies, sheet cake, roastingTwo 9×13" pans
Square pans
Pan size Area (sq in) Volume (2" deep) Best uses Closest substitute
8×8"64 sq in~8 cupsBrownies, bar cookies, small cakes, fudge9" round pan
9×9" common81 sq in~10 cupsBrownies, coffee cake, bar cookies, shortbread7×11" rectangular
Round pans
Pan size Area (sq in) Volume (2" deep) Best uses Closest substitute
6" round28.3 sq in~4 cupsSmall smash cakes, individual layer cakes6×6" square (36 sq in) — slightly larger
8" round50.3 sq in~6 cupsLayer cakes, tortes8×6" rect or 7×7" square (≈49 sq in)
9" round most common63.6 sq in~8 cupsLayer cakes, upside-down cakes, cheesecake8×8" square (64 sq in) — nearly identical
10" round78.5 sq in~10 cupsLayer cakes, tarts, large pies9×9" square (81 sq in)
12" round113.1 sq in~14 cupsLarge layer cakes, pizza, sheet-style pies9×13" rectangular (117 sq in)
Loaf pans
Pan size Area (sq in) Volume (approx) Best uses Notes
8×4" loaf32 sq in~6 cupsBanana bread, pound cake, meatloafStandard small loaf pan
9×5" loaf common45 sq in~8 cupsBanana bread, quick breads, yeast loavesMost common home loaf pan
Springform & specialty pans
Pan size Area (sq in) Volume (approx) Best uses Closest substitute
9" springform63.6 sq in~12 cups (3" deep)Cheesecake, tarts, deep-dish cakes9" round pan + parchment lining
10" springform common78.5 sq in~16 cupsLarge cheesecakes, layer cakes10" round pan + parchment
10" tube / Bundt~78 sq in base~12 cupsBundt cakes, angel food cakeNot easily substituted — design matters
12-cup muffin tin~7 sq in per cup~½ cup per wellMuffins, cupcakes, egg cups6-cup jumbo muffin tin (half the batch)

How to use the area numbers

The area in square inches is the key number for pan substitutions. Two pans with similar areas will produce similar results when filled to the same depth. If you swap to a pan with a different area, the batter will be deeper or shallower — and you adjust the baking time accordingly.

The rule: adjusted time = original time × (new area ÷ old area)0.7. The calculator above does this math automatically for any pan combination.

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Area is more important than shape

A 9" round (63.6 sq in) and an 8×8 square (64 sq in) are interchangeable for most recipes. Shape affects appearance, not bake time.

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Depth is the hidden variable

Two pans with the same area but different depths (e.g., 2" vs 3") will need different bake times. Always note whether your pan is shallower or deeper than specified.

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Dark pans bake faster

Dark metal pans absorb more heat. If using a dark non-stick pan where the recipe specifies light metal, reduce the oven temperature by 25°F.

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Glass pans heat differently

Glass heats slowly but retains heat after removal. Always reduce oven temperature by 25°F when switching from a metal pan to a glass one.

Frequently asked questions

A 9×13 inch pan has an area of 117 square inches. At a standard 2-inch fill depth, it holds approximately 14–15 cups. It's the most commonly specified pan in American baking recipes.
Two 9-inch round pans have a combined area of about 127 square inches — close to two 8×8 pans (128 sq in) or a little more than one 9×13 pan (117 sq in). When a layer cake recipe calls for two 9-inch rounds, you can substitute one 9×13 pan for a single-layer sheet cake.
A standard 9×13×2 inch pan holds about 14–15 cups. A deeper 9×13×2.5 inch pan holds up to 18 cups. For baking, fill the pan two-thirds full to leave room for rise.
The 9×13 rectangular pan handles the widest range of recipes: brownies, sheet cakes, casseroles, bar cookies, lasagna, and more. If you can only own one pan, this is it. A set of two 9-inch round pans is a close second for cake bakers.
A regular 9-inch round cake pan can substitute for a 9-inch springform for most baked cheesecakes, but you can't remove the sides cleanly. Line the bottom and sides with parchment to help with removal. For no-bake cheesecakes or presentations that need clean sides, a springform is necessary.

Calculate any pan substitution

Enter any two pan sizes — rectangular, square, or round — to get adjusted baking time, temperature guidance, and a to-scale visual comparison.