Wedding Cake Size Calculator
Calculate wedding cake tier sizes and total serving count from guest count and portion size.
Returns tier diameters for 2, 3, and 4-tier cakes.
Cake Size Recommendation
How Wedding Cake Size Is Calculated
Wedding cake sizing ensures every guest gets a proper serving without wasteful excess. The standard calculation is based on serving portions per tier.
Portions per Tier (standard 4" tall tier):
| Tier Diameter | Round (portions) | Square (portions) |
|---|---|---|
| 6 inch | 12 | 18 |
| 8 inch | 24 | 32 |
| 10 inch | 38 | 50 |
| 12 inch | 56 | 72 |
| 14 inch | 78 | 98 |
| 16 inch | 100 | 128 |
Standard wedding slice: approximately 1 inch wide × 2 inches deep × 4 inches tall.
Worked Example: 150 guests, round tiers:
- Option A: 6" + 10" + 14" = 12 + 38 + 78 = 128 portions ✓
- Option B: 8" + 12" + 14" = 24 + 56 + 78 = 158 portions (good buffer)
Planning Rules:
- Order for 10–15% more than guest count (late additions, extra helpings, staff)
- Not every guest will eat cake (children, dietary restrictions): order for ~85–90% of guests
- Cutting cake into smaller slices is common practice — 1"×2" portion per person
Tier Stability:
- 2 tiers: suitable up to 80 guests
- 3 tiers: 80–180 guests
- 4 tiers: 180–250 guests
- 5+ tiers: 250+ guests or decorative display (add sheet cake for serving)
Flavors by Tier: Offering 2 flavors (one per pair of tiers) satisfies more guests than a single flavor for the entire cake.