How to Determine How Many People Does a Sheet Cake Feed

Sheet cakes are used commercially and for personal occasions to serve a large amount of people. But, how many people does a sheet cake feed specifically?

Well, that will depend upon several factors, but is easy enough to figure out. Use this article to make the correct amount of cake to make your event a success.

Things You'll Need

• Calculator

Instructions

1. 

   DETERMINE THE SIZE OF THE SHEET CAKE - Typically, sheet cakes come in three standard sizes. How many people a sheet cake feeds depend on which size it is.

   If it is 1/4 Sheet Cake or 9x12 inches, it will typically serve 12-28 people (depending on the next two factors.)

   If it is 1/2 Sheet Cake or 11x15 inches, it will typically serve 18-40 people (depending on the next two factors).

   If it is a whole Sheet Cake or 18x24 inches it will typically serve 48-108 people. (depending on the next two factors).

2. 

   CONSIDER THE LAYERS OF CAKE - The number of layers a cake has will determine how much the guest will want to eat. If it is a two layered cake, the guests will need smaller serving sizes and the cake will feed more.

   Go to the next step to get a better idea of how many people your your sized sheet cake will feed considering the serving size.

3. 

   CONSIDER THE SERVING SIZE - The serving size you choose will be based upon the guests you are serving, the layers of cake and the occasion at hand.

   Consider the guests you will be serving. Will your guests be big cake eaters? Young men will typically eat the most cake, while women and people dieting will try for smaller serving sizes. Take this into consideration when choosing your serving size.

   If you are serving a sheet cake at a casual family get together, you will have a bigger serving size (such as 3x3), if you are serving the cake at a Wedding, the typical size is 1x1, or for a large portion 2x2.

   Also consider, the number of layers a cake has when deciding the serving size. If it is a two layered cake, the guests will need smaller serving sizes as it will be more filling.

4. 

   CALCULATE HOW MANY PEOPLE YOUR SHEET CAKE WILL SERVE - Now that you have determined your approximate sheet cake size and your approximate serving size you will do some math.

   Do a diagram if you still need help determining what you want your cake to look like.

   To find how many people a sheet cake will feed, divide the area of the cake by the area of the serving. (to find the area, multiply width x height).

   For example: a half sheet cake at 11x15 inches will be area = 165inches
   If the serving size is 2x3, area = 6. Divide the area of the cake by the area of the serving. 165/6 = 27.5 Your cake will serve about 28 people.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are ordering from a bakery, make sure to call and ask what they recommend for your cake size.

• Remember that some people will want larger pieces of cake and some people will not want cake at all. Erring on the side of caution is always the best idea. If you have left over cake you can send it home with a friend or eat it later. If you run out of cake, you are in an uncomfortable situation.

Resources

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