I've used fondant before ( make my own), but have never really thought of how much covers what size cake, until resently after reading a cake decorating book.
How exactly do you measure 1lb fondant? Is it the yeild of 1 recipe (which calls for 2lb confectionery sugar) or do you use a scale to measure?

It is sold by weight so I would use a scale to measure it.

OH YES..one of the MOST valuable lessons i learned. I was buying my powdered sugar in bulk. The first time i made fondant i used the 2 pound bag then a couple of times after, I bought a four pound bag. I made about 6 cakes where my fondant was totally messed up and couldnt figure out what i was doing wrong. I made the mistake of using the conversion of pounds to cups online. Well turns out i was 4 cups short and my fondant was comiing out too soft. YES YES YES use a scale..!!!

I cannot stress to you how you cannot go wrong with it. I bought a digital scale from Target Chefmate brand..for 35 dollars..best investment. My fondant has been coming out perfect since. I was very close to giving up on cakes becuase i couldtn figure out why my fondant was too soft.

Here's a chart by pound. I just roughly estimate my fondant lb (MMF) by how much powdered sugar I add (per pound). I never run out of fondant. I love how Earlene breaks it down into how much you need versus how much you will actually use.


http://www.earlenescakes.com/Fondantchart.html

Invest in a good kitchen scale. I weigh all ingredients as it's more accurate. You'll find your recipes will always turn out great!!