Round Cake Sizes Explained
Here's a straightforward breakdown of standard round cake sizes and how many coffee-style portions (slim slices, roughly 2.5 cm wide) each one yields.
| Diameter | Coffee Portions | Visual Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| 10 cm | 1–4 | A bento cake, fits in a lunch box |
| 14 cm | 4–8 | About the size of a dessert plate |
| 18 cm | 8–15 | Roughly a large dinner plate |
| 22 cm | 15–20 | Comparable to a bicycle wheel hub |
| 26 cm+ | 25+ | Similar to a vinyl record |
The 18 cm cake is our best seller, ideal for birthday parties and family get-togethers. For 20+ guests, go with 22 cm or 26 cm+, or consider a tiered cake.
These are coffee portions. If you're serving cake as dessert after dinner, expect 30–40% fewer portions per cake since dessert slices are wider. Not sure which size? Use our cake calculator.
Tiered Cakes: Combining Sizes
Tiered cakes let you serve a large group while making a visual statement. Each tier is its own cake, so you add up the portions.
2-Tier Cakes
| Combination | Coffee Portions | Dessert Portions |
|---|---|---|
| 14 cm + 18 cm | 12–23 | 8–15 |
| 18 cm + 22 cm | 23–35 | 15–24 |
| 18 cm + 26 cm+ | 33–40+ | 22–28+ |
3-Tier Cakes
| Combination | Coffee Portions | Dessert Portions |
|---|---|---|
| 14 cm + 18 cm + 22 cm | 27–43 | 18–28 |
| 14 cm + 18 cm + 26 cm+ | 37–48+ | 24–32+ |
| 18 cm + 22 cm + 26 cm+ | 48–60+ | 32–40+ |
4-Tier Cakes
| Combination | Coffee Portions | Dessert Portions |
|---|---|---|
| 14 cm + 18 cm + 22 cm + 26 cm+ | 52–68+ | 34–46+ |
You can offer different flavours per tier, and it's a practical way to handle dietary needs (e.g. one gluten-free tier). Each tier needs at least a 5 cm diameter difference from the one above for stability.
Round vs Heart-Shaped
We offer round and heart-shaped cakes. Round is the versatile default for birthdays, corporate events, and tiered designs. Heart-shaped cakes suit romantic occasions: Valentine's Day, anniversaries, and engagements.
Transport tip: round cakes are slightly easier to box and carry. Heart-shaped cakes have a pointed end that needs extra care. If picking up yourself, take a steady hand on the drive home.
How Many People Actually Eat Cake?
Your guest count is not the number of portions you need. Here's the realistic breakdown:
| Occasion | Realistic Eating % | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Birthday (adults) | 85–95% | Cake is the star; most people eat a slice |
| Children's party | 60–70% | Kids grab, nibble, and run off to play |
| Wedding with dessert table | 60–75% | Many guests fill up on other desserts first |
| Wedding (cake only dessert) | 80–90% | Higher when there's no competing sweet option |
| Borrel / drinks reception | 50–70% | Cake competes with savoury snacks |
| Corporate event | 75–85% | Depends on time of day and other catering |
The Formula
Total guests x eating percentage = portions needed
Example: 40 adults at a birthday (90%) = 36 coffee portions. Add a 10% buffer for safety. Use our cake calculator to get it right.
Common Ordering Mistakes
After years of baking for events across Rotterdam and Vlaardingen, we see the same mistakes. Here's how to avoid them:
- Ordering for guest count, not eaters. Use the eating percentages above. A wedding with 50 guests and a dessert buffet needs 35–40 portions, not 50.
- Forgetting the occasion type. A koffietafel cake and a dessert course cake are different orders. Tell us when and how cake will be served.
- Not accounting for other sweets. A candy bar or dessert table reduces cake consumption. Mention everything you're serving.
- Last-minute changes. Changing sizes two days before isn't possible; we need at least one week's notice.
The golden rule: communicate openly with your baker. Start your order here or use our cake calculator to figure out the right size.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big should a cake be for 30 people?
What is the difference between dessert and coffee portions?
How much cake do I need for a wedding with 80 guests?
Do you offer different cake shapes?
Can I order cupcakes instead of a large cake?
How far in advance should I order a cake?
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Whether you are planning a birthday, wedding, corporate event, or any celebration, LittleCakesNL creates custom cakes that make every occasion unforgettable.
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