This may sound really dumb, but I have to ask. How many different sizes of sheet cakes are there? And what size is a 1/2 sheet, 1/4 sheet and so on. I have seen different listing for prices and sizes of sheet cakes, but one persons 1/2 sheet may be anothers full sheet. So can somebody please help me with this. Hope I haven't confussed everyone.
Different brands such as Magic Line and Wilton come in different but very close sizes. For instance, I have the Magic Line 12 X 16 and Wilton has the 11 X 15. I think they both sell a 9 X 13 though. I prefer the quality of Magic Line pans. A local bakery has a 7 X 11 cake. Some bake 2 12 X 16 and put them together for a full sheet.
From what I understand a full sheet pan won't fit in most home ovens.
darkchocolate
Here are "official" sizes from a bakery in my town:
7"x11" (1/4)
9"x13"
11"x15"
12"x18" (1/2)
18"x26" (Full)
However -- you are so right about there being no consistency in what people consider "a sheet". One person calls a full sheet 12x18 while another calls an 11/15 a 1/3 sheet.
The very best thing to do is not use these terms at all. Always ask your customer how many servings they need and then tell them the size of cake they will be getting (9x13, 12x18, etc).
kelly's advice about asking how many people they want to serve is great advice. A lot of people use the terms 1/2 full etc.. but they dont' know how big it actually is.
ALso call your local bakeries to find out what their sizes are so you know what they are in your area. In one area a 12x18 might be a half but I have seen that same size called a 3/4 sheet in other areas of the country.
There is no standard that is why it gets so confusing!
Agree with Kelley .... I refuse to recognize the terms "Half" or "full" sheet because cake civilians use the terms but have no idea what it is.
Here's a link with add'l info on this topic: http://forum.cakecentral.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&p=3245473#3245473
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