Quick Pan Conversion Chart
| Original Pan | Best Substitute | Time Adjust | Temp Adjust |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9×13 inch rectangle | Two 9" rounds | -5 to -10 min | Same |
| 9" round | 8×8" square | +5 to +10 min | Same |
| 8" round | 8×8" square | Same time | Same |
| 10" Bundt | 9×13" rectangle | -15 to -20 min | Same |
| Two 8" rounds | 9×13" rectangle | +10 to +15 min | Same |
🔥 Using glass or dark metal? See adjustments below!
Critical: Your Pan Material Changes Everything
🥈 Light Metal (Standard)
- ✓ Use recipe temp as-is
- ✓ Use recipe time as-is
- ✓ Even browning
- Best for: Everything!
🔷 Glass/Ceramic
- ⚠️ Reduce temp by 25°F
- ⚠️ May need +5-10 min
- ⚠️ Holds heat longer
- Best for: Casseroles, pies
Need help? Temperature converter
⚫ Dark/Nonstick
- ⚠️ Reduce temp by 25°F
- ⚠️ Check 5-10 min early
- ⚠️ Browns faster
- Risk: Burnt edges!
Pan Volume Visual Guide
Understanding Pan Capacity (in cups)
💡 Rule: Stay within 10-15% of original volume for best results
Baking Pan Emergency Room 🚑
🌋 "My cake erupted like a volcano!"
Diagnosis: Pan too small. Batter had nowhere to go but UP.
Fix: Never fill pans more than 2/3 full. Extra batter? Make cupcakes!
🍪 "Edges burnt, center raw!"
Diagnosis: Dark pan + wrong temp = disaster.
Fix: Dark pans need -25°F. Also try the altitude adjuster if you're above 3,000 feet.
💔 "My cheesecake cracked!"
Diagnosis: Dark springform = too much edge heat.
Fix: Use light-colored springform. Try our foolproof cheesecake recipe.
Complete Pan Size Conversion Reference
| Pan Type | Dimensions | Volume | Substitutes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Round | 6×2" | 4 cups | 8×4" loaf | Mini cakes |
| Round | 8×2" | 6 cups | 8×8" square | Most common |
| Round | 9×2" | 8 cups | 8×8" square, 11×7" rect | Layer cakes |
| Square | 8×8×2" | 8 cups | 9" round | Brownies |
| Square | 9×9×2" | 10 cups | Two 8" rounds | Larger batches |
| Rectangle | 9×13×2" | 15 cups | Two 9" rounds | Sheet cakes |
| Bundt | 10×3" | 12 cups | Two 8×4" loaves, 9×13" | Pound cakes |
| Loaf | 8×4×2.5" | 4 cups | 6" round | Quick breads |
| Loaf | 9×5×3" | 8 cups | 8×8" square | Yeast breads |
| Springform | 9×3" | 10 cups | 9×9" square | Cheesecakes |
💡 Pro tip: When in doubt, use our baker's percentage calculator to scale recipes properly.
The Science of Baking Time Adjustments
Why Shape Changes Time
Shallow = Faster
More surface area exposed to heat. Think of it like a thin pizza vs thick crust.
Example: 9×13" sheet cake bakes faster than two 9" rounds because it's shallower.
Deep = Slower
Heat must travel further to the center. Like cooking a thick steak vs thin.
Example: Bundt cakes take forever because of the thick ring shape.
🎯 Quick Rule: For every inch deeper, add 25% more time. For every inch shallower, reduce by 25%.
Pro Baker Secrets
📏 The 2/3 Rule
Never fill pans more than 2/3 full. Cakes need room to rise without overflowing. Extra batter? Perfect for cupcakes!
🌡️ Toothpick Test
Different pans = different doneness cues. Shallow pans: toothpick clean. Deep pans: few moist crumbs OK (carryover cooking).
🧈 Grease Smart
Light pans: butter + flour. Dark pans: just butter (flour burns). Glass: always use parchment paper!
Your Pan Questions Answered
What's a good substitute for a 9×13 inch pan?
Best substitute: Two 9-inch round pans (16 cups total vs 15 cups). Reduce baking time by 5-10 minutes since the batter will be slightly shallower. Also works: two 8-inch square pans.
How do I convert 8 inch to 9 inch cake pan?
9-inch pan holds 33% more than 8-inch. If using 9-inch instead of 8-inch: reduce time by 5-10 minutes. If using 8-inch instead of 9-inch: use only 2/3 of batter or increase time by 5-10 minutes.
Do I need to adjust time for glass pans?
Yes! Glass heats slowly but retains heat. Reduce temp by 25°F and may need 5-10 minutes extra time. Use our temperature converter for precise adjustments.
Can I convert bundt cake to regular pan?
Yes! A 10-12 cup bundt converts to: 9×13 rectangle (reduce time 15-20 min) or two 9-inch rounds (reduce time 20-25 min). The decorative shape is lost but the recipe works fine.
Complete Your Baking Success:
🎂 Never Guess Pan Sizes Again!
With this guide, you'll nail every recipe regardless of pan size. Remember: right volume + right time + right temp = perfect bake!