To convert a round cake pan to a square one, match the volume: a 9-inch round (8 cups) goes into an 8×8 square (8 cups), a 10-inch round (11 cups) goes into a 9×9 square (10 cups) or a 10×10 (12 cups), and an 8-inch round (6 cups) matches an 8×8 square only when the square is 1 1/2 inches deep. The chart lists the best match for each round pan.
Round to Square Pan Chart
| Round pan (2 inches deep) | Volume | Closest square pan | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 inch | 6 cups | 8 x 8 x 1 1/2 inch | 6 cups |
| 9 inch | 8 cups | 8 x 8 x 2 inch | 8 cups |
| 10 inch | 11 cups | 9 x 9 x 2 inch (smaller) or 10 x 10 x 2 inch (larger) | 10 or 12 cups |
Volumes are approximate and measured to the brim. If your pans differ, measure them with water.
The Rule of Thumb
The best swap keeps the same floor area and the same depth, so you do not have to change the baking time or temperature. A 9-inch round has about 63.5 square inches and an 8×8 square has 64, which is why that pair is interchangeable. Other pairs are only close, so expect to adjust.
How to Adjust When the Match Is Not Exact
- Square pan holds a little more: the cake is shallower and bakes sooner. Start testing early and consider a slightly higher oven.
- Square pan holds a little less: the batter is deeper. Bake longer at a slightly lower temperature, and fill the pan no more than two-thirds.
- Use leftover batter: bake it as cupcakes.
Layer Cakes
A recipe for two round layers does not convert to a single square pan without scaling. Two 9-inch rounds hold about 16 cups together, so a 13 x 9-inch pan at about 14 cups is the closest single pan, with the batter slightly shallower than the layers.
Differences in the Finished Cake
Corners of a square pan bake faster and can dry out, so check there first. Round cakes cook more evenly at the edge. Square cakes cut easily into portions, while round cakes are better for frosting and decorating.
Preparing the Pan
A pan swap also changes how easily the cake releases, so prepare it well.
Grease and line the base of the pan with parchment, cut to fit. For a square pan, let the paper hang over two sides to lift the cake out easily. For a round pan, cut a parchment circle to fit the base.
Quick Answers
What square pan equals a 9-inch round? An 8×8 pan.
What square pan equals a 10-inch round? A 9×9 holds a bit less and a 10×10 holds a bit more, at about 10 and 12 cups against 11.
Does the oven temperature change? Not if the batter depth is the same.
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