Cake Sizes & Portions Guide: How Big a Cake Do You Need?
Key takeaways
- 6" round ≈ 10 servings, 8" ≈ 20, 10" ≈ 30, 12" ≈ 45.
- Tiered cakes serve 40+ and suit weddings and large parties.
- Cupcakes are sold in boxes of 6, 12 and 24 — ideal for offices and gifts.
- When in doubt, size up: leftover cake is rarely a complaint.
One of the most common questions we get is 'what size cake do I need?'. The answer depends on your guest count and whether the cake is the main dessert or one of several. Use this as a quick reference.
How many people does each cake size serve?
- Small (6"): serves around 10 people
- Medium (8"): serves around 20 people
- Large (10"): serves around 30 people
- X-Large (12"): serves around 45 people
- Tiered cakes: serve 40 or more, depending on tiers
These are dessert-portion guides. If the cake is the only sweet and you expect big appetites, size up. If it's part of a wider spread, you can size down slightly.
What size cake for a birthday party?
For a typical birthday of 15–25 guests, an 8" or 10" cake is ideal. For larger gatherings, a 12" cake or a tiered design gives you both the servings and the wow factor.
How many cupcakes should I order?
Cupcakes come in boxes of 6, 12 and 24. Allow 1–2 per guest. Boxes of 12 or 24 are popular for offices, parties and gifting because they travel well and need no cutting.
Browse cakes by sizeFrequently asked questions
How many does an 8-inch cake serve?
An 8-inch round cake serves around 20 dessert-sized portions.
What size cake do I need for 30 people?
A 10-inch cake serves roughly 30 people. For a little extra, choose a 12-inch or a two-tier cake.
How many cupcakes per person?
Allow 1–2 cupcakes per guest. Boxes of 12 and 24 are the most popular for parties and offices.
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