Pizza Sizes Explained: A Complete Guide

Pizza is great, but understanding the sizes that they come in isn’t so great. As with humans, pizzas come in “all shapes and sizes.” (Okay, maybe not the shape part, but you get the point)

Even as someone who used to have pizza frequently, I never understood how pizza sizes work or how many pizzas should be ordered. However, after reading this article, you won’t have to worry about all of this.

A fun fact: A 14-inch pizza contains 4x more pizzas than a 7-inch one does. I’ll do the math in the end.

I’ll be covering how many servings are there in different pizza sizes, how large are different pizza sizes and how many slices are there in different pizzas.

Note: The smallest pizza size has two names: pan and personal. So, don’t get confused if I use two names for the same size; it’ll be the same thing.

Standard Pizza Sizes

Here is the table for better understanding of different sizes of pizza:

	Size (Diameter)	Area	Slices
Personal	7-8 “	38.5 square inches	4
Small	8-10 “	50-78.5 square inches	6
Medium	12 “	113 square inches	8
Large	14 “	153.9 square inches	10
Extra Large	16-18 “	201.1 – 254.5 square inches	12

1. Personal Pizza

The personal pizza size is 6 to 9 inches in diameter, depending on where you are ordering from. That gives you around 28 to 64 square inches of cheesy goodness. Most of the time, this pizza is cut into four slices.

Slice size and number can vary slightly depending on the crust thickness and the pizza’s style. For example, Pizza Hut’s pizza is 6 inches with four smaller slices, prepared just for one person. Types of pizza crusts can also change things up. 

A thin-crust personal pizza will give you a lighter, crispier bite, while a deep-dish pizza is deeper and more filling. The personal pizza size is meant to satisfy the appetite of one adult.

This smaller size makes personal pizzas the best choice at spots like Domino’s and Little Caesars, where they are a quick, affordable option for single servings. 

2. Small Pizza – Best for Quick Dinners

A typical small pizza, usually about 8-10 inches across, is often sliced into 6 pieces—though sometimes, you will see 8 slices, depending on the crust thickness and the restaurant’s cutting style.

I have noticed that thicker crusts result in fewer, larger slices, which can be more satisfying if you are craving a heartier bite. It is great for lunches, quick dinners, or a side option for smaller groups who want portion control without sacrificing variety. 

In my experience, a small pizza is perfect when I’m looking for a light yet filling meal without leftovers cluttering my fridge.

3. Medium Pizza – Best For Movie Nights

A standard medium pizza is about 12 inches in diameter and typically cut into 8 slices. That gives you roughly 113 square inches of pizza just right for sharing among 2-3 people.

It is the perfect portion for casual get-togethers, like movie nights or lunch meetings, where you want something tasty but manageable. Unlike a personal pizza, it is big enough to share but will not overwhelm anyone.

Also, medium pizzas are a great choice for gatherings where people have different appetites, or you are watching the budget. 

4. Large Pizza

A large pizza typically measures 14 to 16 inches across and is sliced into 8 pieces—but there is some room for creativity.  From my experience, take Domino’s, for example; they are all about consistency with 8 standard slices. 

I have found that when I have hosted family gatherings, Pizza Hut’s approach of cutting their large pizzas into 10 slices makes sharing much easier, especially with kids. 

Now, if you want to stretch the slice count (think lunch meetings or buffet-style gatherings), consider a thinner crust, like those used in artisan pizza, or even a square-cut style.

 I have tried this method for office events. It can yield up to 12 smaller, more manageable pieces.

5. Extra Large Pizza

Looking to feed a crowd with a small budget? An extra large pizza usually about 16-18 inches with 12 slices is the option. In my experience, it is perfect for office meetings or family get together, comfortably feeding 3 to 5 people. 

I remember organising a game night where Costco’s 18-inch pizza was a huge hit. Its generous size ensured that everyone was satisfied without breaking the bank. Take Costco’s pizza or Domino’s large New York-style option, for example both hit that sweet spot of affordability and fullness. 

I have found that an extra-large pizza makes sure no one leaves hungry, and there is usually a slice or two left for breakfast the next morning, which is always a bonus!

Servings per Pizza

The amount of pizza one can eat depends on a lot of factors like:

• Appetite
• Physique
• Pizza’s Taste

However, I won’t take all of those into account for the sake of this article. One serving here will mean what an average adult can eat comfortably at one time. For children, you can consider three of them to be equal to two adults.

How to Choose the Right Pizza Size

Consider the following factors when deciding the right pizza size;

1. Consider the Number of People

Figuring out how many people you are feeding is super important. For instance, the size of a pizza matters a 12-inch pizza usually serves about 2-3 people, while a 16-inch pizza can satisfy 3-5 diners.

Knowing this helps you order enough without drowning in leftovers.

2. Consider the Occasion

The type of pizza size also depends on the occasion. For a casual get-together or family dinner, a large pizza size like 16 inches or more is both budget-friendly and hassle free. 

But if it is a business meeting or something a bit more formal, multiple 12-inch pizzas paired with different pizza sauce recipes are the way to go.

3. Appetite & Eating Habits

It’s important to know your guests’ appetites. If you have a crowd with hearty appetites, you will probably go for larger pizzas or extra sides. However, if your guests are lighter eaters or more health-conscious, choose smaller sizes or thin-crust options. 

For example, a thin crust Margherita pizza can be a great choice for those watching their calorie intake while still enjoying a flavorful meal. Remember to factor in those pizza measurements. 

What strategies do you use to plan the right pizza size for your gatherings? Share your tips!

4. Custom Slicing

Customising slice sizes is best for mixed crowds. When catering children’s birthday parties, I have found that cutting a large pizza into smaller slices is perfect for kids or those with smaller appetites, similar to what you’d find at Chuck E. Cheese. 

Similarly, standard slices work just fine for adults. With this, everyone is happy, and you do not risk over-ordering. 

Compared to other brands, Domino’s offers boxes with reinforced edges that accommodate varying slice sizes. Likewise, with the right large pizza box dimensions, you will have space to accommodate these different slice sizes without any issues.

How Many Pizzas to Order Based on Group Size?

Following table will help you to understand how many pizza to order based on group size:

Pizza Size	Serving
Personal	1
Small	2
Medium	2-3
Large	4-5
Extra Large	5-6

How Many People Can a Personal Pizza Serve? (6-8 inches)

A personal pizza, 6 to 8 inches across, is made for you guessed it just one person. It is perfect if you are looking for a quick lunch or simply dining solo with some portion control.

A 7-inch pizza has about 38 square inches of cheesy goodness, making it a solid meal for one. Think of it as the normal pizza size for a person’s appetite.

How Many People Can a Small Pizza Serve? (8-10 inches)

Small pizzas, coming in at 8 to 10 inches, slice into 6 pieces and can be enough for 1 to 2 people. It is a good choice if you are sharing with a friend or feeling moderately hungry.

A 10-inch pizza gives you around 79 square inches of pizza joy, which works well for a light couple’s lunch or even a kid’s regular pizza-size portion.

How Many People Can a Medium Pizza Serve? (12-14 inches)

A medium pizza, from 12 to 14 inches, offers 8 slices. It is enough for 2 to 3 people. It is the perfect size for a casual Friday night in just enough to share without feeling stuffed. It is best for small get-togethers or family dinners when you do not want to overorder. 

A 12-inch pizza covers about 113 square inches, roughly the same as the surface area of a standard dinner plate, making it just the right size for sharing with a couple of friends or family members..

How Many People Can a Large Pizza Serve?

A large pizza is around 14 to 16 inches in diameter and usually gets sliced into 8 pieces. It is perfect for about 3 to 5 adults. It also depends on how starved your crowd is and whether you have got some side dishes to go with it.

How Many People Can an Extra-Large Pizza Serve?

An extra-large pizza stretches between 16 to 18 inches and is divided into 10 to 12 slices. That is enough to keep 5 to 6 adults happy perfect for when you have a slightly bigger crowd to feed.

For example, in a business meeting with six people, everyone gets two slices each.

Pizza Sizes FAQs

Conclusion

Having the perfect pizza size can genuinely make or break your event, whether you are enjoying a solo slice or hosting a whole group. If it is just for one, stick with a personal or small pizza.

But larger sizes are the way to go for families, meetings, or any crowd with a serious appetite. And do not forget think about how hungry your guests are and the occasion itself.