Scale a recipe for a round or square baking pan
Compare the base areas of two pans and adjust the ingredient amounts to keep the batter about the same depth.
How to adjust ingredient amounts for your pan ↓Result
- Base area of the original pan
- Base area of the pan you’re using
- Scaling factor
- Adjusted amount (in the unit you entered)
How to adjust ingredient amounts for your pan
Measure the base on the inside
Measure across the center of a round pan’s base or along one side of a square pan’s base. Use the same unit for both pans. This method assumes straight sides and the same starting depth of batter. Pans with flared sides or a central tube need a different method.
Switch from a 20 cm round pan to a 20 cm square pan
The round base covers about 314.16 cm², and the square covers 400 cm². Divide the new pan’s area by the original pan’s area to get a factor of about 1.2732. If the recipe calls for 200 g of flour, you’ll need about 254.65 g. Start with the original recipe amount for each ingredient. The display rounds the result, but the calculation uses the full factor.
Check the depth before baking
Compare the usable depth of both pans and leave the room the recipe calls for so the batter can rise. If the new pan is too shallow, choose another one or divide the batter between pans. Use the recipe’s cues for doneness and keep an eye on the bake. The factor adjusts the amounts. Judge baking time and temperature separately.
A○ = π × (d ÷ 2)² · A□ = c²
Sources and method
- King Arthur Baking, The essential alternative baking pan sizes (Accessed November 9, 2026)
- King Arthur Baking, Why the size of your baking pan matters so much (Accessed November 9, 2026)