Home / Portion guide
DESSERT PORTION
2″ × 1″
A more generous slice, ideal when cake is served as dessert.
Based on the full height of a tier, approximately 5″.
FINGER PORTION
1″ × 1″
A smaller slice, often served at weddings and parties.
Based on the full height of a tier, approximately 5″.
| Cake diameter | Dessert portions | Finger portions |
|---|---|---|
| 4″ | 6 | 12 |
| 5″ | 8 | 19 |
| 6″ | 14 | 24 |
| 7″ | 19 | 32 |
| 8″ | 26 | 48 |
| 9″ | 30 | 63 |
| 10″ | 38 | 76 |
| 12″ | 56 | 112 |
| 14″ | 76 | 156 |
These are approximate servings for edible tiers around 5″ high, cut to the portion sizes above. Cake design and cutting method affect the number of portions. I’ll confirm a suitable size for your plans when you enquire.
TIERED CAKES · APPROXIMATE SERVINGS
Find your tier combination.
Tier diameters are listed from top to bottom. The totals add together the single-tier figures above and assume every tier is edible. A decorated dummy tier adds height, but no servings.
TWO TIERS
4″ + 6″
20Dessert portions
36Finger portions
TWO TIERS
6″ + 8″
40Dessert portions
72Finger portions
TWO TIERS
8″ + 10″
64Dessert portions
124Finger portions
THREE TIERS
4″ + 6″ + 8″
46Dessert portions
84Finger portions
THREE TIERS
6″ + 8″ + 10″
78Dessert portions
148Finger portions
THREE TIERS
6″ + 9″ + 12″
100Dessert portions
199Finger portions
THREE TIERS
6″ + 10″ + 14″
128Dessert portions
256Finger portions
FOUR TIERS
6″ + 8″ + 10″ + 12″
134Dessert portions
260Finger portions
FIVE TIERS
6″ + 8″ + 10″ + 12″ + 14″
210Dessert portions
416Finger portions
MAKE THE MOST OF EVERY SLICE
How to cut your cake.
Work through one tier at a time. Remove non-edible decorations, supports and boards before serving. These diagrams show the cutting method; they are not to scale.
01
Cut a 1″ slab.
Support the side of the cake with a clean cutting board as you cut a slab approximately 1″ thick.
02
Lay it flat and divide.
Gently lower the slab onto your board. Cut at approximately 2″ intervals for dessert portions, or 1″ intervals for finger portions.
03
Repeat and serve.
Continue across the rest of the cake, keeping your chosen portion size consistent. Edge pieces will vary in shape and size.
Serving an extra-tall cake?
Extra-tall cakes can be divided through their height for smaller portions. Ask me for cutting advice for your particular cake; the serving estimates above are based on tiers around 5″ high.
