Foil Pan Size Guide
Aluminum foil pans have many uses and can withstand freezer, food warmer, and oven temperatures. They're also disposable, enabling quick cleanup and efficient service in busy catering or retail operations.
Most aluminum food pans follow standard Gastronorm (GN) sizes to fit steam tables, while other pans are designed for baking and selling products in the same container, eliminating the need to repackage them. Read this guide to understand the main foil pan sizes available and their top uses.
Foil Pan Sizing Chart
| Size | Dimensions (in.) | Common Products | Foodservice Application(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| GN Full | 203/4 L x 1213/16 W | Entrees, bulk sides | Standard GN pan applications (cold storage, chafing dish, steam table, ingredient storage) |
| GN Half | 123/4 L x 103/8 W | Premade salads, dishes, proteins | Standard GN pan applications |
| GN Third | 125/8 L x 61/2 W | Side dishes or fresh ingredient storage | Standard GN aluminum pan applications |
| GN Quarter | 10 L x 61/8 W | Toppings, dips, sauces | Standard GN aluminum pan applications |
| Loaf Pans | Range from 61/10 L x 33/4 W x 2 H to 85/8 L x 41/5 W x 21/2 H | Pound cakes, fruit and nut breads | Bake loaves for selling in-pan |
| Round Pans | 4- to 11-in. dia. | Pies, tarts, quiches, pizza | Bake and merchandise products |
| Cake Pans | 8 L x 8 W to 175/8 L x 1213/16 W | Sheet cakes, brownies, bars | Dessert catering |
Foil Pan Sizes Explained
Gastronorm Pan Sizes
Available in full, half, third, and quarter sizes, foil food pans fit in mobile steam tables and chafing dishes. Aluminum food pans have varying heights, typically around 2 to 4 inches. Lightweight and disposable, they're especially useful in catering service or food drop-off. They can also be used to store large batches of product or leftovers.
Types of GN Pan Lids:
- Standard Foil Lids: Aluminum sheets with tabs folded over the ends to seal the container and protect product
- Vented Foil Lids: Small holes on top prevent contents from becoming soggy
- Dome Plastic Lids: Clear covering for visibility and moisture retention
Loaf Pans
Foil loaf pans enable baking, merchandising, and selling in the same container, saving labor and money on dishwashing. Standard loaf pan sizes are 1 pound, 11/2 pounds, and 2 pounds, and they have the following dimensions:
- 1-lb. Pan: 61/10 in. L x 33/4 in. W x 2 in. H
- 11/2-lb. Pan: 8 in. L x 43/10 in. W x 23/10 in. H
- 2-lb. Pan: 85/8 in. L x 41/5 in. W x 21/2 in. H
Round Pans
Commonly seen in retail bakery sections or dessert shops, pie pans are convenient for baking and selling pies, tarts, or quiches. Some pans are large enough to fit entire pizzas, working well in take-and-bake operations. Common sizes are as follows:
- Tart Pans: 41/4-53/4 in. dia. x 9/10-11/4 in. H
- Pie Pans: 6-11 in. dia. x 1-12/5 in. H
- Pot Pie Pans: 5-53/4 in. dia. x 11/5-11/2 in. H
- Pizza Pans: 10 in. dia.
Cake Pans
Cake pans are typically used for large sheet cakes, bars, or brownies. They work well in cafeterias or for dessert catering. Standard sizes include:
- Square Pans: 77/8-8 in. L x 77/8-8 in. W x 13/10 in. H
- Quarter-Size Pans: 123/4 in. L x 83/4 in. W x 11/4 in. H
- Half-Size Pans: 175/8 in. L x 1213/16 in. W x 11/4 in. H
How to Choose the Right Foil Pan Size
When selecting a foil pan, consider:
- Application: Use food pans for warming or holding; loaf or pie pans for baking
- Product volume: Full-size food pans hold over 8 quarts of product, while quarter-size pans hold about 2 quarts
- Quantity needed: Food pans typically come in cases of 50-200; loaf and pie pans often come in cases of 500-1000
Foil Pan Sizing FAQ
How big is a standard foil pan?
Full- and half-size pans are the most common foil pan sizes. Full-size pans measure 203/4 inches long by 1213/16 inches wide, and half-size pans are 123/4 inches long by 103/8 inches wide.
How are foil pans measured?
Foil food pans use Gastronorm pan sizes, an international sizing standard that includes full, half, third, and quarter pan sizes. Loaf pans are measured by the weight of their loaf, while pie and cake pans are typically measured in inches and match standard baked goods sizes.
How many people does a large foil pan feed?
2-inch-deep full-size pans hold about 8 quarts of product when filled to the top. To estimate the number of people you can feed, determine a portion size; for example, if the product is lasagna and your portion size is 1 cup, one pan will serve about 32 people. Other meals like roasted chicken are harder to estimate, since they won't take up the whole pan. In that case, estimating by weight instead of volume is more precise.
Shop All Foil Pan Sizes at KaTom
Whether you need disposable food pans, loaf pans, pie pans, or cake pans, KaTom offers foil pans that suit any need. Shop all aluminum containers to find single-use storage, heating, or serving pans in numerous sizes.
