Baking Pan Conversion Cheat Sheet – Printable
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Ever start making a recipe and realize you don’t have the right pan? You’re not alone! Our baking pan conversion cheat sheet will help you use the pans you already have without buying new ones or skipping recipes you want to try.
This guide shows you which pans can be swapped for others, how to adjust your baking time, and which pans are worth having in your kitchen.
We have a printable PDF below so you can keep this handy cheat sheet in your kitchen!
How to Use This Baking Pan Conversion Chart
The chart below shows you which pans hold the same amount of batter so you can swap them without ruining your recipe.
The numbers show how many cups each pan holds when filled all the way to the top. For most cakes and brownies, you’ll only fill your pan about halfway to two-thirds full. This leaves room for your batter to rise without spilling over.
Quick tip: Not sure how much your pan holds? Fill it with water and pour that water into a measuring cup. That’s your pan’s volume!
Baking Pan Conversion Chart
Our recipes will always tell you which pan we used. If you don’t have that exact pan, use this chart to find a substitute. Still not sure? Just reach out and ask us!
How to Adjust Baking Time When Changing Pan Size
When you change pan sizes, you’ll almost always need to adjust your baking time. Here’s what to watch for:
Larger, shallower pans bake faster because the batter spreads thinner. Start checking for doneness 5-10 minutes before the recipe says. Look for golden edges and use a toothpick to test the center.
Deeper pans take longer because the batter is thicker in the center. Add 5-15 minutes to the baking time. You might want to lower your oven temperature by 25°F to prevent the edges from burning before the center cooks through.
Same volume, different shape? If your pan holds the same amount as the recipe but has a different shape (like using an 8×8 square instead of a 9-inch round), your baking time will stay close to the original. Always test for doneness with a toothpick in the center—it should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a 9×13 pan instead of two 9-inch round pans? Yes! A 9×13 inch pan holds about the same amount of batter as two 9-inch round pans. Your baking time will be similar, but always check for doneness a few minutes early since the batter will be spread differently.
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What happens if I use a larger pan than the recipe calls for? Your batter will spread thinner and bake faster. The edges might get too brown before the center is done. Start checking 5-10 minutes earlier than the recipe says and watch for golden edges.
Do I need to change the oven temperature when I change pan sizes? Usually no, but if you’re using a much deeper pan, lower the temperature by 25°F and bake longer. This prevents the outside from burning before the center cooks through.
Can I substitute a glass pan for a metal pan? Yes, but reduce the oven temperature by 25°F. Glass holds heat differently and can cause over-browning on the bottom and sides.
How do I know if my pan is the right size? Measure across the top of the pan from inside edge to inside edge. Don’t include the thickness of the pan sides in your measurement.
What if I have extra batter after filling my pan? Pour the extra into a muffin tin or small cake pan. These bonus treats bake faster, so check them after 15-20 minutes. Who doesn’t love a baker’s treat?
Must-Have Baking Pans for Every Kitchen
We have more pans than most people, but we know not everyone needs a huge collection! These are the workhorses that earn their keep:
- 9×13 baking dish – This is the most-used pan in our kitchen. We bake cakes, casseroles, and brownies in this dish. It’s perfect for taking food to potlucks because it comes with its own lid.
- Baking Sheets – These sheet pans are durable and we have four of them so we can bake everything at once. We also use them under bundt pans to catch any drips and make it easier to move pans in and out of the oven.
- Muffin pan – These pans aren’t just for muffins and cupcakes! We make egg cups and mini quiches in them. We also fill the cups with sprinkles when the kids want to help decorate cookies. It keeps sprinkles from rolling everywhere.
- Loaf pan – Perfect for quick breads like banana bread and zucchini bread. We also love making meatloaf in this pan because it cooks evenly and looks nice when sliced.
For more tips on measuring ingredients and other baking basics, check out our Complete Guide to Basic Baking Techniques.
Great Pans to Add to Your Collection
Once you have the basics, these specialty pans open up even more baking possibilities:
- Bundt pan – This is a basic bundt pan that we use most often. They come in all kinds of decorative shapes. The important thing is to know how many cups your bundt pan holds. You can under-fill it, but never over-fill it or the batter can spill over the sides. TIP: We always set our bundt pans on a baking sheet while they bake. The flat surface makes it easy to take the bundt pan in and out of the oven safely.
- Springform pan – Perfect for cheesecakes and cakes that you want to remove from the pan before cutting, like our Chocolate Coffee Cake.
- 8-inch baking dish – Great for smaller desserts like our Rhubarb Dessert or small casseroles when you’re not feeding a crowd.
- Pie plate – Every baker needs at least one good 9-inch pie plate. If you’re ready to make amazing pies from scratch, try our All-butter Pie Crust Recipe.
Download Your Free Printable
There’s no need to print this entire page. This PDF can be printed for your personal use.
Our baking pan conversion sheet is copyright protected and cannot be resold or used for commercial use.
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Originally published: September 7, 2021. Updated: January 28, 2028 – Enhanced with more detailed instructions, tips, and serving suggestions.
Great but for one detail. How big is a cup? There’s quite a range of sizes including US 236ml or UK 284ml so 6 US cups = 5 Imperial cups. Why not simply use globally understood metric units?
I’m with you, Bill. I recommend weighing for accurate measurement but no everyone’s on board with this yet. Thank you for your comment and stopping by.