Cake Servings Calculator

Find out how many people your cake will feed — or discover what size cake you need for your guest count. Works for round, square, sheet, and rectangular cakes. Based on Wilton's industry-standard serving charts used by professional bakers worldwide.

Cake Shape

Size

Serving Size

Quick Reference: Party Servings

Round Cakes

Size (in / cm)	Party	Wedding
6" (15 cm)	12	16
7" (18 cm)	16	22
8" (20 cm)	20	24
9" (23 cm)	24	32
10" (25 cm)	28	38
12" (30 cm)	40	56
14" (36 cm)	54	78
16" (41 cm)	72	100

Square Cakes

Size (in / cm)	Party	Wedding
6" (15 cm)	18	36
8" (20 cm)	32	64
10" (25 cm)	50	100
12" (30 cm)	72	144
14" (36 cm)	98	196
16" (41 cm)	128	256

Real-World Cake Serving Examples

See how the calculator works in practice with these real scenarios from birthday parties, weddings, and special events.

Child's 5th Birthday Party — 20 Kids + 15 Parents

Sarah is planning her daughter's birthday party with 20 children and about 15 adults. She wants a character-themed round cake that's a showpiece, but isn't sure what size to order.

Event type: Birthday party (party servings)

Guests: 20 children (count as 0.5 each) + 15 adults = 25 servings needed

Shape preference: Round

Result: 10-inch round cake (28 party servings)

This provides 3 extra slices for seconds and the birthday girl's take-home piece

Pro tip: Kids often don't finish their slices—many parents cut children's portions in half. The extra 3 servings account for adults who want seconds.

150-Guest Wedding — 3-Tier Display Cake

Emily and Michael are getting married with 150 guests. They want an elegant 3-tier cake for the cutting ceremony but wonder if they need hidden sheet cakes in the kitchen.

Event type: Wedding reception (wedding servings)

Guests: 150 (plus 10% buffer = 165 servings needed)

Proposed tiers: 6" + 10" + 14" round

Tiered cake yield:

6" round: 12 wedding servings
10" round: 38 wedding servings
14" round: 78 wedding servings
Total: 128 wedding servings

Recommendation: Add one half-sheet (60 servings) in kitchen = 188 total servings

Pro tip: The display cake handles 85% of guests; the sheet cake covers the rest and staff. Many guests skip cake after a big meal—you'll likely have leftovers to box up.

Office Retirement Party — 45 Colleagues

HR manager David is ordering a cake for Janet's retirement party. 45 people RSVP'd yes, and the break room has limited counter space. He's deciding between multiple small cakes or one large sheet cake.

Event type: Office party (party servings)

Guests: 45 adults

Space constraint: Limited counter space

Option A: Half sheet cake (13" × 18")

Yields 36-54 party servings — covers exactly 45 guests

Option B: Two 12" round cakes

Yields 40 + 40 = 80 party servings — too much cake

Recommendation: Half sheet is most practical

Pro tip: Sheet cakes are easier to portion evenly, fit standard serving trays, and the bakery can write a message across the full surface. They're the office party workhorse for good reason.

Bridal Shower with Dessert Table — 25 Guests

Jessica is hosting a bridal shower with a dessert table that includes cookies, macarons, chocolate truffles, and a centerpiece cake. She needs to account for guests choosing multiple desserts.

Event type: Party with multiple desserts

Guests: 25 adults

Adjustment: Reduce cake servings by 25-35% due to other desserts

Calculation:

25 guests × 0.70 (30% reduction) = 18 servings needed

Result: 8-inch round cake (14 party servings) + cupcakes

Or: 8-inch square cake (16 party servings) alone

Pro tip: With dessert tables, the cake is more decorative than substantial. A smaller, beautifully decorated cake as a centerpiece works better than a large cake that competes with other sweets.

Home Baker — Scaling a Recipe for Two 8" Rounds

Maria is baking her grandmother's recipe that makes one 9" round layer. She wants to make a two-layer 8" round cake for 16 guests at her sister's graduation party. How much should she scale the recipe?

Original recipe: 9" single layer

Target: Two 8" layers (stacked 4" tall cake)

Guest count: 16 (party servings)

Volume calculations:

9" round area: π × 4.5² = 63.6 sq inches
8" round area: π × 4² = 50.3 sq inches
Two 8" layers = 100.6 sq inches total
Scale factor: 100.6 ÷ 63.6 = 1.58×

Result: Scale recipe to 1.6× original amounts

8" stacked round yields ~14 party servings (close enough for 16)

Pro tip: Use our Cake Pan Converter to calculate exact scaling factors between any pan sizes. Always round scaling factors to easy-to-measure amounts.

Quinceañera — 200 Guests with Traditional Multi-Tier

Rosa is planning her daughter Sofia's quinceañera with 200 guests. Tradition calls for an elaborate multi-tier cake with fountain and stairs, but she needs to balance display impact with practical servings.

Event type: Quinceañera (wedding-style servings)

Guests: 200 (plus 15% buffer for large family = 230 servings)

Style: Traditional elaborate display

4-tier combination:

6" round: 12 servings
10" round: 38 servings
12" round: 56 servings
14" round: 78 servings
Display cake total: 184 servings

Add: One half-sheet in kitchen (60 servings)

Grand total: 244 wedding servings

Pro tip: For quinceañeras, the cake is a major photo opportunity. Design the top tiers for visual impact (fondant, decorations) and use the bottom tiers and sheet cakes for serving. Many bakeries offer decorative "dummy" tiers to increase height without increasing cost.

How Many People Does a Cake Feed?

The number of servings a cake yields depends on three factors: size, shape, and serving style. A 10-inch round cake might feed 28 people at a birthday party — but the same cake could serve 38 guests at a wedding where slices are smaller.

Our calculator uses industry-standard serving sizes based on Wilton's cake serving charts, which professional bakers have relied on for decades. The Cake Decorating Company and the American Cake Decorating Magazine use these same standards.

Understanding Serving Sizes

There are two standard serving sizes in the baking industry:

Party servings (2" × 2"): A satisfying slice for birthday parties, casual celebrations, and events where cake is the main dessert. This equals approximately 4 cubic inches of cake.
Wedding servings (1" × 2"): A smaller, elegant portion for formal events where guests have already eaten a full meal. This equals approximately 2 cubic inches of cake.

The same cake yields about 35% more wedding servings than party servings. This is why a modest-looking wedding cake can feed a surprisingly large crowd.

Comprehensive Round Cake Serving Chart

Round cakes are the most popular shape for celebrations. This chart assumes a standard 4" tall cake (two 2" layers stacked).

Cake Size	Cake Area (sq in)	Party Servings (2"×2")	Wedding Servings (1"×2")	Best For
4 inch	12.6	4	6	Smash cakes, intimate dessert
5 inch	19.6	6	8	Small gatherings, top tiers
6 inch	28.3	8	12	Small parties, tier cakes
7 inch	38.5	12	18	Small to medium parties
8 inch	50.3	14	24	Standard birthday parties
9 inch	63.6	20	32	Medium parties, mid-tiers
10 inch	78.5	28	38	Large birthdays, showers
11 inch	95.0	34	46	Large events
12 inch	113.1	40	56	Large parties, base tiers
14 inch	153.9	50	78	Large events, wedding bases
16 inch	201.1	68	100	Very large events
18 inch	254.5	90	130	Major celebrations

Comprehensive Square Cake Serving Chart

Square cakes yield more servings than round cakes of the same dimension because you're not losing the corners. They're also easier to cut into even portions.

Cake Size	Cake Area (sq in)	Party Servings (2"×2")	Wedding Servings (1"×2")	Cut Pattern
5 inch	25	6	12	2×3 or 3×4
6 inch	36	9	18	3×3 or 3×6
7 inch	49	12	24	3×4 or 4×6
8 inch	64	16	32	4×4 or 4×8
9 inch	81	20	40	4×5 or 5×8
10 inch	100	25	50	5×5 or 5×10
11 inch	121	30	60	5×6 or 6×10
12 inch	144	36	72	6×6 or 6×12
14 inch	196	49	98	7×7 or 7×14
16 inch	256	64	128	8×8 or 8×16

Comprehensive Sheet Cake Servings Guide

Sheet cakes are the workhorses of large gatherings—they're economical, easy to transport, and simple to cut into even portions. Here's what you can expect from standard bakery sizes (based on Costco, Sam's Club, and Walmart Bakery sizing):

Sheet Size	Dimensions	Area (sq in)	Party Servings	Event Servings	Typical Price Range
1/8 Sheet (Personal)	6" × 9"	54	8-12	12-18	$10-$18
1/4 Sheet	9" × 13"	117	18-24	30-36	$18-$30
1/2 Sheet	13" × 18"	234	36-54	60-72	$30-$55
Full Sheet	18" × 24"	432	72-108	120-144	$50-$80
Double Full Sheet	24" × 36"	864	144-216	240-288	$100-$150

Cake Height Adjustments

Standard serving calculations assume a 4" tall cake (two 2" layers stacked with filling and frosting). If your cake differs, use these adjustments:

Cake Height	Layer Configuration	Serving Adjustment	Notes
2" (single layer)	1 layer	−50%	Snack cakes, brownies
3" (short)	1.5 layers or thin 2-layer	−25%	Cheesecakes, some European styles
4" (standard)	2 layers	Baseline	Standard American layer cake
5" (tall)	2 thick layers or 3 thin	+25%	Bakery-style tall cakes
6"+ (very tall)	3-4 layers	+50%	Dramatic wedding cakes, layer cakes

Tips for Maximizing Servings

Use a sharp, thin knife: A 10" offset spatula or long serrated knife works best. Dip the blade in hot water between cuts for cleaner slices.
Cut from the center: For large round cakes (12"+), cut a smaller circle 2" from the center first, then slice both rings. This prevents tiny center slices.
Plan your grid: For sheet cakes, mark cutting lines with toothpicks before slicing. A 13"×18" half sheet divides perfectly into a 6×9 grid (54 pieces) or 5×7 grid (35 larger pieces).
Pre-cut before the event: For large parties, slice the entire cake in the kitchen and plate individual servings. This speeds service dramatically.
Consider extras: Order 10-15% more servings than your guest count to account for seconds, staff, and the inevitable cake-lovers.

Popular Tiered Cake Combinations

For tiered cakes, calculate each tier separately and add them together. Here are popular combinations used by professional bakers:

Combination	Tiers (Round)	Party Servings	Wedding Servings	Ideal For
2-Tier Small	6" + 10"	36	50	Intimate weddings, showers
2-Tier Medium	8" + 12"	54	80	Small weddings (50-75)
3-Tier Classic	6" + 9" + 12"	72	100	Medium weddings (75-100)
3-Tier Large	6" + 10" + 14"	86	128	Medium-large weddings
4-Tier Standard	6" + 9" + 12" + 16"	140	194	Large weddings (150-200)
4-Tier Grand	6" + 10" + 14" + 18"	176	258	Large formal weddings
5-Tier Showpiece	6" + 8" + 10" + 12" + 14"	140	208	Grand celebrations

Many professional bakers recommend a separate "cutting cake" displayed on top (usually 4" or 6"), with additional sheet cakes in the kitchen for very large events. This approach combines visual impact with practical serving efficiency.

Specialty Cake Servings Guide

Not all cakes follow standard round or square formats. Here's how to calculate servings for specialty shapes and styles:

Bundt & Ring Cakes

Bundt Size	Cup Capacity	Servings	Notes
Mini (4")	1 cup	1-2	Individual serving size
Small (6")	3-4 cups	6-8	Small family dessert
Standard (9-10")	10-12 cups	12-16	Most common size
Large (10-12")	14-16 cups	16-20	Large gatherings

Cupcakes & Mini Cakes

Type	Diameter	Equals Party Servings	Per Guest
Mini Cupcakes	1.5"	0.5	Plan 2-3 per guest
Standard Cupcakes	2.5"	1.0	Plan 1-1.5 per guest
Jumbo Cupcakes	3.5"	1.5	Plan 1 per guest
Cake Pops	1.5" ball	0.25	Plan 3-4 per guest

Specialty Shapes

Shape	Equivalent	Party Servings	Calculation Method
Heart (10")	≈ 9" round	18-20	≈75% of same-size round
Hexagon (10")	≈ 9" round	20-22	≈85% of same-size round
Oval (10" × 14")	≈ 12" round	35-40	π × (L/2) × (W/2) ÷ 4
Petal (10")	≈ 9" round	18-22	≈80% of same-size round

Quick Reference: What Size Cake Do I Need?

Here's a quick lookup table to find the right cake size for your guest count:

Guest Count	Party Servings Option	Wedding Servings Option
10-15	8" round or 8" square	6" round or 1/4 sheet
20-25	10" round or 9" square	8" round or 8" square
30-40	12" round or 1/2 sheet	10" round or 9" square
50-60	14" round or 1/2 sheet + 1/4 sheet	12" round or 2-tier (6"+10")
75-100	Full sheet or 2-tier (10"+14")	3-tier (6"+9"+12")
125-150	3-tier (8"+12"+16") or 2 full sheets	3-tier (6"+10"+14") + 1/2 sheet
200+	4-tier + full sheet	4-tier (6"+9"+12"+16") + sheet

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people does a 10-inch cake feed?

A 10-inch round cake feeds 28–38 people depending on serving size. For party servings (2" × 2"), expect 28 slices. For wedding servings (1" × 2"), expect 38 slices. Our calculator adjusts these numbers for square and sheet cakes too.

What's the difference between party and wedding cake servings?

Party servings are 2" × 2" slices — a satisfying portion when cake is the main dessert. Wedding servings are 1" × 2" slices — smaller because they're often part of a larger dessert course or guests are full from dinner. The same cake yields about 35% more wedding servings than party servings.

How many people does a quarter sheet cake feed?

A quarter sheet cake (9" × 13") feeds 18–24 people for party servings, or up to 30–36 for small event servings. Half sheet cakes (13" × 18") feed 36–54 people. Full sheet cakes (18" × 24") feed 72–108 people.

How do I calculate servings for a tiered cake?

Add the servings from each tier separately. A 3-tier cake with 6", 9", and 12" rounds yields approximately 12 + 32 + 56 = 100 wedding servings, or 8 + 24 + 40 = 72 party servings. Many couples also add a small cutting cake and sheet cakes in the kitchen for larger events.

Does cake height affect servings?

Yes. Standard servings assume 4" tall layers (two 2" layers stacked). If your cake is 3" tall (single layer), reduce servings by about 25%. If it's 5-6" tall, increase by about 25%. Very tall cakes (6"+) may need taller, thinner slices.

How much cake should I order per person?

For dessert-only events, plan for 1 party serving per adult and ½–¾ serving per child. For weddings, 1 wedding serving per guest works since portions are smaller. For events with multiple dessert options, reduce by 25%.

What size cake do I need for 50 people?

For party servings: A 14" round or 12" square feeds about 50. A half sheet (13" × 18") also works. For wedding servings: A 12" round plus 8" round, or a 14" round alone, covers 50 guests.

How do I cut a round cake for maximum servings?

For large round cakes (12"+), cut a smaller circle 2" from the center first, then slice both rings. This yields more even portions. For smaller cakes, cut straight across the center, then slice each half into portions. Always use a thin, sharp knife dipped in hot water between cuts.

What size cake do I need for 100 guests?

For 100 party servings, you'll need approximately a 16" round cake, or a 14" square, or a full sheet cake (18" × 24"). For wedding servings at 100 guests, a 12" + 10" + 8" tiered cake works perfectly, yielding about 100-110 servings total.

Should I order extra cake for a wedding?

Yes, plan for 10-15% extra servings. Not all guests will eat cake, but some will want seconds, and you'll want to account for the cutting slice, staff portions, and any mishaps. If you're doing a dessert table with multiple options, you can reduce to just 65-75% of guest count.

How many cupcakes equal a cake serving?

Standard cupcakes (2.5" diameter) equal about one party serving each. Mini cupcakes (1.5" diameter) count as half a serving — plan 2 mini cupcakes per guest. Jumbo cupcakes (3.5" diameter) equal about 1.5 party servings.

Can I freeze leftover wedding cake?

Yes! Wrap the top tier tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to one year. According to the USDA, properly wrapped cake stays safe indefinitely but tastes best within 2-4 months. Thaw in the refrigerator for 24 hours before serving.