Ever argued over whether a medium is enough for dinner, or if you should “just get the large”?
I know, at times pizza sizes can be confusing, and to make it trickier, they don’t mean the same thing at every chain. One pizzeria’s “large” might be another’s “extra-large.”
This guide breaks it all down: how big each pizza size really is (in inches and area), how many slices you can expect, and what those mysterious “mediums” and “XLs” mean at Domino’s, Pizza Hut, and beyond.
Whether you’re feeding yourself or planning for friends, here’s how to make sense of pizza math once and for all.
Pizza Sizes at a Glance
For the most part, these are the standard pizza sizes you’ll find at most U.S. chains and pizzerias. Exact measurements can vary slightly by brand, crust style, or region, but this chart gives a reliable baseline for what to expect when you order small, medium, large, or extra-large.
| Size | Diameter / Slices | Feeds / Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 8–10″ • 4–6 slices (≈ 50–80 sq in) | 1–2 adults • Solo meals or kids |
| Medium | 12″ • 6–8 slices (≈ 113 sq in) | 2–3 adults • Couples or small families |
| Large | 14″ • 8–10 slices (≈ 154 sq in) | 3–4 adults • Family dinners |
| Extra-Large | 16–18″ • 10–12 slices (≈ 200–250 sq in) | 4–6 adults • Parties or groups |
| Sheet / Party | Varies • 20–30+ pieces (250–400 + sq in) | 10+ people • Events or catering |
Fun fact: Each 2-inch jump in pizza diameter increases total area by about 50%. That means a 14″ large pizza is almost twice as much pizza as a 10″ small, even though it sounds just a little bigger.
Small Pizza (8–10″)
Small pizzas, often called personal pizzas, are perfect for one person or two light eaters. At around 8–10 inches, they usually have 4–6 slices and roughly 50–80 square inches of cheesy real estate.
Small Pizza Sizes by Chain
| Chain | Pizza Size | Slices |
| Domino’s | 10-inch Small | 6 |
| Pizza Hut | 6-inch Personal Pan | 4–6 |
| Pizza Hut | 9-inch Small | 6 |
| Little Caesars | 10-inch Small | 6 |
| Papa Murphy’s | 10-inch “Mini Murph” | 6 |
Best for: solo lunches, kids, or picky eaters who want their own toppings.
Pro tip: If you’re ordering for kids, ask your pizzeria to cut smaller slices, many will happily turn a 10″ pizza into 8 thinner slices for easier sharing.
Medium Pizza (12″)
The medium is the happy middle ground, enough for two hungry adults or three lighter eaters. With 8 slices and about 113 square inches of pizza, it’s the “Goldilocks” of pizza sizes.
Medium Pizza Sizes by Chain
| Chain | Pizza Size | Slices |
|---|---|---|
| Domino’s | 12-inch Medium | 8 slices |
| Pizza Hut | 12-inch Medium | 8 slices |
| Papa Johns | 12-inch Medium | 8 slices |
| Little Caesars | 12-inch Medium | 8 slices |
| Papa Murphy’s | 12-inch Medium | 8 slices |
Best for: couples, small families, or game nights where everyone wants a few slices without going overboard.
Geometry check: A 12″ pizza is roughly 40% bigger than a 10″ pizza, even though it’s only 2 inches larger across. (Area grows by radius, not diameter, the secret math behind why pizza always disappears faster than you expect.)
Large Pizza (14″)
Now we’re in family territory. A large pizza, usually 14 inches wide, gives you 8–10 slices and roughly 154 square inches of pizza. That’s nearly double a small!
Why it’s the sweet spot:
- Best cost per square inch (more pizza for your money)
- Fits most home ovens and pizza stones
- Feeds 3–4 adults comfortably
Large Pizzas by Chain
| Chain | Pizza Size | Slices |
|---|---|---|
| Domino’s | 14-inch Large | 8 slices |
| Pizza Hut | 14-inch Large | 8–10 slices |
| Papa Johns | 14-inch Large | 8 slices |
| Papa Murphy’s | 14-inch Large | 8 slices |
Math moment: A large (14″) pizza gives you almost 75% more pizza than a medium (12″) for only about $2 more, one of the best-value upgrades in fast food.
Extra-Large Pizza (16–18″)
When you’re feeding a crowd, go extra-large. These pizzas range from 16–18 inches, offering 10–12 slices and a whopping 200–250 square inches of cheesy goodness.
Great for:
- Parties, office lunches, movie nights
- Families of 5–6
- Anyone who hates running out of slices
Extra-Large Pizzas by Chain
| Chain | Pizza Size | Slices |
|---|---|---|
| Domino’s | 16-inch XL Brooklyn Style | 6 big slices (foldable NY-style) |
| Pizza Hut | 16-inch New Yorker / Big New Yorker | 6 large slices |
| Papa Johns | 16–18-inch XL | 10–12 slices |
| Papa Murphy’s | 16-inch XL | 10–12 slices |
Perspective check: A single 18-inch pizza is the same as two 12-inch mediums combined. That’s why one XL can often replace multiple smaller pies.
Specialty Shapes: Sheet, Square & Party-Cut Pizzas
Not all pizzas are round. Sheet or “party” pizzas are rectangular, baked in large trays, and designed for easy sharing, perfect for school events, family gatherings, and office lunches.
| Style | Size (inches) | Serves (Adults) |
| Half Sheet | 18×13″ • ~20–24 slices | 8–10 people |
| Full Sheet | 26×18″ • ~30–40 slices | 15–20 people |
Tip: Sheet pizzas are great when you need easy serving and less mess, their square slices make portioning simple for big groups.
Fun fact: The “party-cut” (also called tavern-cut) style, where round pizzas are sliced into squares, started in Chicago bars so everyone could grab a smaller bite without needing a plate.
Pizza Geometry: Why Two Smalls Don’t Equal One Large
Here’s where pizza math gets fun.
Pizza grows by area, not diameter. So doubling the diameter doesn’t just give you twice as much, it gives you four times the pizza.
| Size | Diameter | Area (sq in) |
|---|---|---|
| 8″ | 50 | — |
| 10″ | 79 | +58% |
| 12″ | 113 | +43% |
| 14″ | 154 | +36% |
| 16″ | 201 | +30% |
So while two smalls sound like they’d equal one large, they actually give you less pizza, and usually cost more too. The math always favors the bigger pie.
Crust and Cut Styles That Change Slice Count
A 14-inch pizza isn’t always 8 slices, sometimes it’s 10, 12, or even 16.
It all depends on how it’s baked and how it’s cut.
- Thin Crust: Often sliced into 10–12 smaller triangles for easy handling.
- Deep Dish / Stuffed Crust: Denser, heavier pies cut into 6–8 large slices.
- Square or “Party Cut”: Cut into 12–16 smaller squares, great for sharing or events.
The takeaway: Slice count ≠ pizza size.
If you want to know how much pizza you’re actually getting, always check the diameter, not just how many slices are listed on the box.
The Takeaway: Think in Inches, Not Names
So next time you’re deciding between “medium” and “large,” skip the guesswork.
Think in inches, and in math.
A “large” from one place might equal a “medium” somewhere else, and a few extra inches can mean nearly double the pizza for just a couple bucks more.
Once you know the geometry behind your pie, ordering becomes simple:
- Small (8–10″): You-sized.
- Medium (12″): Couple-sized.
- Large (14″): Family-sized.
- XL (16–18″): Party-sized.
You’ll never wonder “is that enough?” again.
Ready to become a pizza pro? Dive into our full Pizza Hub for charts, calculators, and guides to ordering like a pro.
