A half sheet pan measures 18 x 13 inches, and a quarter sheet pan measures 9 x 13 inches. The quarter sheet is nominally half the size of the half sheet, and the two share the 13-inch side. The half sheet is the one most home recipes mean when they say “sheet pan”.
Half Sheet vs Quarter Sheet: Sizes
| Pan | Common US size (outer) | Metric |
|---|---|---|
| Full sheet | 26 x 18 inches | 660 x 460 mm |
| Two-thirds (three-quarter) sheet | 21 x 15 inches | 530 x 380 mm |
| Half sheet | 18 x 13 inches | 460 x 330 mm |
| Quarter sheet | 9 x 13 inches | 230 x 330 mm |
Sizes are approximate and vary with the rim and style of the pan. A full sheet is too large for most home ovens.
Is a Quarter Sheet Exactly Half a Half Sheet?
Not always. Some makers sell quarter sheets that are half the half sheet in outer dimension, and others sell quarter sheets closer to half in flat baking area. Because of that, two quarter sheets will not necessarily fit side by side in a half sheet pan, whether in the oven or in storage. Measure your own pans before you buy accessories such as racks or liners.
What Each Size Is Good For
- Half sheet: roasting vegetables, sheet-pan dinners, large batches of cookies, sheet cakes and focaccia.
- Quarter sheet: small batches of cookies, roasting for one or two, toasting nuts, and a single-layer rectangular cake. A regular box of cake mix, which makes about six cups of batter, fits a quarter sheet.
Which One Should You Buy?
Most home cooks do best with a half sheet, and it is the size most baking recipes assume. If you have a small oven or cook for one or two people, a quarter sheet heats up faster and is easier to wash and store. Many people end up with both.
Another Common Home Size
A 10 x 15-inch pan is also popular for home baking. It is traditionally used to make a jelly roll cake and is bigger than a quarter sheet but smaller than a half sheet.
Using a Quarter Sheet Instead of a Half Sheet
Cut the recipe roughly in half, or bake in two rounds. Do not crowd the pan, because crowded food steams instead of browning. For vegetables, spread them in a single layer with space between pieces.
The baking time usually stays similar if the food is spread to the same depth, so start checking at the early end of the range.
Quick Answers
What size is a standard baking sheet? A half sheet, 18 x 13 inches.
Will a quarter sheet fit in a toaster oven? Often yes, but check your oven’s inside dimensions.
Is a jelly roll pan a half sheet? No. A 10 x 15-inch jelly roll pan is smaller.