Hi guys,
So I know this may be a stupid question, but I've simply never had to make this type of cake. How big is a 1/2 sheet cake? Length, width, and depth? Also, this is for 50 people. If I make a 2-layer 1/2 sheet cake, would that be enough?
Also, I have to make a chocolate on chocolate cake that she wants to be colorful - any ideas? It's hard for me to figure out what colors look best with brown.
Thanks so much!!!!!
-Kellie
Hi guys,
So I know this may be a stupid question, but I've simply never had to make this type of cake. How big is a 1/2 sheet cake? Length, width, and depth? Also, this is for 50 people. If I make a 2-layer 1/2 sheet cake, would that be enough?
Also, I have to make a chocolate on chocolate cake that she wants to be colorful - any ideas? It's hard for me to figure out what colors look best with brown.
Thanks so much!!!!!
-Kellie
This is a question that does not seem to have one particular answer. I think it all depends on where you live, the grocery store or the bakery in your area. I recently saw an 11x15 cake at a grocery store that was labelled as a 1/2 slab.
Because there does not seem to be any one standardized size. I try to stay away from half sheet, 1/4 sheet full sheet etc. I go by the actual size of The pan I use. For instance, 11x15 or 12x18. This way there is no confusion everyone is on the same page.
Here is an article on another site that you might want to take a look at.
[url]
http://www.baking911.com/cakes/sheet.htm[/url]
Also what type of even is the cake for? You Can do a retro look with brown and lime green, or pink of tiffany blue etc
Hmmm... didn't realize the size depends on location too! lol I've seen different sizes though like you said, hence the confusion. I may be able to sway her from that and decide on another size (it's a friend, so easier to ask these questions to). It's for a 50th birthday party, and I like the idea of the Tiffany blue or the retro green. I also thought about pink - I've seen brown and pink cakes and they look pretty cool.
Thanks for the tips!!!!!!!!!
I agree 1/2 sheet to be 12 x 18 and you can get 40 - 48 pieces.
It depends on you. What do you normally use for a 1/4 sheet? I use a 9 x 13, so 1/2 sheet for me would be two 9 x 13's put together.
I really like the look of pink on brown. Another color that might look good on brown is yellow.
If you are going to do two layers....make sure you have a very sturdy board as it will be a very heavy cake.
Good luck!
See what I mean when I say there does not appear to be standardized sizes? Two different people post their ideas of what a 12x18 is. One is a half sheet the other 3/4 sheet.
I would rather just use the actual pan size and then there is no confusion as to what size you are going to be delivering.
On "Ladycakes Place" website, they list the 11x15 as 1/3 sheet! Too bad the industry can't come up with standards so we are all on the same page (like sewing patterns - all companies use the same measurements for each size). But listing pricing according to pan size, not sheet or partial sheet size, and # of servings, should be better. I use the servings numbers from "Ladycakes" also as the pieces are more reasonably sized.
deb
I asked a similar question here recently. The general concensus was that a half sheet pan could be either the 11X15 or the 12X18.
I checked with the local bakeries, and found them to be in agreement with the info received here.
Of course pricing between chains and independents.... 
Thanks so much for all of your help! I was at a complete loss. I'm going to talk to the customer, and since she's a friend, I think we'll be able to decide something based on the measurements you all gave me.
Man, I gotta say - LOVE these forums. So many helpful people out there.
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Will let you all know how it turns out! lol) 
I just found this online and thought it might help you....
Quarter Sheets, Half Sheets, and Full Sheets Explained
The retail baking industry developed standard sizes for rectangular sheet cakes, beginning with their standard sheet pan size of 16 by 24 and dividing it into halves (half-sheet) or quarters (quarter-sheet). The manufacturers who supply paper and plastic items to the baking industry use these standard sizes to create a variety of cake boards, boxes, and domes.
In an effort to develop a unique market share, some manufacturers began promoting pans of slightly different sizes, selling mainly to home bakers through hobby and specialty stores. Since home bakers do not have the volume purchasing power of retail bakers, most of the paper and plastics manufacturers have not created boards or boxes to accommodate these sizes.
The bottom line: Boards and containers for sheet cakes will always be easier to find if you use the retail baking industry's standard size pans. You will save yourself a lot of frustration by sticking with the standards.
Baking and Paper Industry Standards. The sizes below are recognized as industry standards.
Quarter Sheet Cakes: 8 x 12 pan, 10 x 14 cardboard
Half Sheet Cakes: 12 x 16 pan, 13.5 to 14 x 18.5 cardboard
Full Sheet Cakes: 16 x 24 pan, 19 x 27 cardboard
Non-standard Sizes. These sizes are not standard sizes. Suitable boards and containers can be very difficult to find.
9 x 13 pan: We call it the large quarter size. Very few of the paper suppliers carry the boards (11 x 15) and boxes (12 x 16) for cakes made in 9 x 13 pans.
10 x 15 pan: Use the standard half sheet boards and boxes
11 x 15 pan: Use the standard half sheet boards and boxes
12 x 18 pan: We call it the large half size. This size pan will not fit in most home ovens. Wiltonâ sells a set of 14 x 20 boards that can be used with this pan, but they sell no boxes. If you cannot locate a large half board (14 x 20) and box (14.5 x 20.5), you will have to use full sheet boards and boxes.
Wow Smoochiefrog - thank so much! I'm glad to see that I wasn't such an idiot when trying to figure out the standard sizes. 
I really appreciate you finding that info and sending it along to me!!!!
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