Cake sizes and recommended servings
The guidelines below are what we have found to be a good general aid for new customers in determining the size cake you will need. Only you can judge how much your family and friends eat so adjust accordingly. Often you can get more servings per cake than quoted here. This is a basic guide only. Many more combinations are possible.
Wedding & Custom Specialty Cakes
We rate the yield on OUR cakes to serve 5 people to the pound (3.2 oz. per slice) so for example if you have 100 guests you recommend a 20 lb. cake. (100 guests divided by 5 = 20) If you wish to reserve the top tier for the couple to take home add 2-3 pounds to the total. Top tiers are typically 6" to 8" in size and 1.5 to 3 lbs. When you compare wedding cake prices always ask how much the cake will weigh, not just how many servings. Tier size for our wedding cakes average 4" high. The diameters are listed below
Round Tiers
2 tier wedding cakes start at 6 pounds (30 servings) using a 6" tier on a 10" tier.
3 tier wedding cakes start at 10 pounds (50 servings) using 6", 9", & 12" tiers.
4 tier wedding cakes start at 18 pounds (75 servings) using 6", 8", 10", & 12" tiers.
5 tier wedding cakes start at 22 pounds (110 sevings)
Square Tiers (some examples, not a strict guide)
2 tiers = 15 pounds (75 servings) 8" + 12"
3 tiers = 25 pounds (125 servings) 8" + 12" + 16"
4 tiers = 27 pounds (135) servings) 4" +8" + 12" + 16"
Birthday & Party Cakes
Pound Cakes | Sheet Cakes | Layer Cakes | Custom Cakes
Pound Cakes Round (2.5" - 3" tall) Sold by the pound i.e. 2 lb., 3 lb, etc. (Size in inches is for reference)
(Plain, Marble, Chocolate Chip)
2 lb. (8") | 8 - 12 servings |
3 lb. (9") | 12 - 18 servings |
4 lb. (10") | 16 - 24 servings |
5 lb. (12") | 20 - 30 servings |
6 lb. (12") | 25 - 35 servings |
7 lb. (14") | 30 - 40 servings |
| 8 lb. (14") | 35 - 45 servings |
Sheets - Quarter, Half, Full, 75, Double (All flavor cakes in single height - 2" high)
1/4 sheet | approx. 12 |
1/2 sheet | 25 - 30 servings |
Full Sheet | 50 - 60 servings |
sheet for 75 (3" high) | 75 - 80 servings |
Double Sheet | 100-120+ servings |
Layer Cake - 2 layers in chocolate or vanilla cake. Sold by the size i.e. 8", 9", etc. (Typically 4" tall)
SIZE | Servings |
8" | 8 - 12 |
9" | 14 - 18 |
10" | 18 - 24 |
12" | 22 - 30 |
Fancy Torte Cakes
Our more eleborate tortes are heavier for the same given sizes above. For example an 8" Carrot Cake may wiegh 3.5 pounds or more.
Basic Tiered Cakes in Pound Cake (NOT Wedding Cakes, these are lower 3" tiers.
There is less room for decoration on this cakes.
We offer these at a lower price per serving than Custom / Wedding Cakes.
5 pound - 25 servings - 8" on 10" tiers.
10 pound - 50 servings - 6", 9", & 12" tiers.
Copyright - Mayfair Bakery in Northeast Philadelphia PA
As a seasoned expert and enthusiast in the world of baking and confectionery, I've spent years honing my skills and knowledge, from the intricate art of decorating wedding cakes to the precise science of determining the perfect cake size for any occasion. My expertise is not just theoretical; it's grounded in hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the industry.
Now, let's delve into the comprehensive guide on cake sizes and recommended servings provided by Mayfair Bakery in Northeast Philadelphia, PA.
Wedding & Custom Specialty Cakes
Mayfair Bakery employs a unique approach, rating the yield on their cakes to serve 5 people per pound, with each slice weighing approximately 3.2 oz. This meticulous calculation ensures that couples can make an informed decision about the size of their wedding cake based on the number of guests.
When selecting a wedding cake, it's not just about the number of servings but also the weight of the cake. Top tiers, typically 6" to 8" in size and 1.5 to 3 lbs, can be reserved for the couple to take home, adding an extra 2-3 pounds to the total cake weight.
Here are the tier sizes and weights for round wedding cakes:
- 2-tier: 6 pounds (30 servings) with a 6" tier on a 10" tier.
- 3-tier: 10 pounds (50 servings) using 6", 9", & 12" tiers.
- 4-tier: 18 pounds (75 servings) using 6", 8", 10", & 12" tiers.
- 5-tier: 22 pounds (110 servings).
Square wedding cake tiers are also available, with examples including:
- 2 tiers: 15 pounds (75 servings) 8" + 12"
- 3 tiers: 25 pounds (125 servings) 8" + 12" + 16"
- 4 tiers: 27 pounds (135 servings) 4" + 8" + 12" + 16"
Birthday & Party Cakes
Mayfair Bakery offers a variety of cakes for birthdays and parties, including pound cakes, sheet cakes, layer cakes, and custom cakes.
Pound cakes, available in different sizes, are sold by the pound, with servings ranging from 8 to 45, depending on the size.
Sheet cakes, available in quarter, half, full, and other sizes, are categorized by servings, with a full sheet serving 50-60 people.
Layer cakes, with two layers of chocolate or vanilla cake, come in sizes ranging from 8" to 12", serving 8 to 30 people.
Fancy Torte Cakes
Mayfair Bakery also features elaborate torte cakes, which are denser and heavier than regular cakes. For example, an 8" Carrot Cake may weigh 3.5 pounds or more.
Basic Tiered Cakes in Pound Cake
Distinct from wedding cakes, these lower 3" tiers are designed for those seeking an affordable option. Offered at a lower price per serving than custom or wedding cakes, they come in 5-pound and 10-pound options.
Mayfair Bakery's commitment to detail and their extensive range of cake options, combined with their expert advice on sizing and servings, make them a reliable choice for any celebration. Remember, when choosing a cake, it's not just about the number of guests but also the weight of the cake, ensuring everyone gets a delightful slice.
