i am a new baker and i have decided to make my sister a 3 tier birthday cake for 18th birthday. i have already came to the conclusion that i am going to use a 12 in cake for the bottom tier, a 9 in cake for the middle tier, and a 6 in cake for the top tier. the only problem i have is that im not really sure how many layers of cake i should use for each tier? somebody please help...any suggestions????

For tiered cakes we typically use 3 layers in each tier, but if you wanted shorter tiers you could use 2 layers instead.

FYI that cake will probably serve around 75 people.

Two 2" tall layers are typical, but you can use as many as you like that equal 4 inches if you're going for typical, or more layers if you're going for another look... keep in mind that you need a support system for every 4" of cake height.

http://www.wilton.com/cakes/making-cakes/baking-wedding-cake-2-inch-pans.cfm

i do 2 just about 2in cakes cut in half for each tier, so 4 layers cake 3 layers filling

Interesting responses...we've found that 4" tall tiers tend to look a little skimpy. We still do 2 layers for party cakes but for wedding cakes our tiers are closer to the 5" range.

Same here, Two X 2" cakes torted = 4 layers of cake and 3 layers of filling/frosting for each tier. And yes....make sure you add support as mentioned above!

Mine would probably a little taller than 4in. I torte both layers and have three layers of filling, which adds a little height.