Cake Boards & Box Sizes: What Size Board To Choose For Your Cake

It is important for a cake to be on the right-sized board; otherwise, it doesn’t look right. The general rule is that a cake board should be 2 inches larger than the cake. You can go even larger to accommodate writing or other decorations. Definitely go larger! What you don’t want is a cake sitting on a small board, as it simply doesn’t look right. Don’t forget: presentation is everything. These guidelines apply to buttercream and novelty/celebration cakes. Remember to use thick cake boards, not thin ones, as the latter won’t support the cake properly.

The box should always be the same size as the board.  This will prevent the cake board from moving during transportation.  Cake boxes also come in different heights.  If your cakes are high make sure you use the right boxes.

Round Cakes

1. 6-inch Cake (15 cm): Use an 8-inch (20 cm) cake board.
2. 8-inch Cake (20 cm): Use a 10-inch (25 cm) cake board.
3. 9-inch Cake (23 cm): Use an 11-inch (28 cm) cake board.
4. 10-inch Cake (25 cm): Use a 12-inch (30 cm) cake board.
5. 12-inch Cake (30 cm): Use a 14-inch (35 cm) cake board.

Square Cakes

1. 6-inch Cake (15 cm): Use an 8-inch (20 cm) cake board.
2. 8-inch Cake (20 cm): Use a 10-inch (25 cm) cake board.
3. 10-inch Cake (25 cm): Use a 12-inch (30 cm) cake board.
4. 12-inch Cake (30 cm): Use a 14-inch (35 cm) cake board.

Rectangular Cakes

1. Quarter Sheet Cake (9x13 inches / 23x33 cm): Use a 10x14-inch (25x35 cm) cake board.
2. Half Sheet Cake (12x18 inches / 30x45 cm): Use a 14x20-inch (35x50 cm) cake board.
3. Full Sheet Cake (18x24 inches / 45x60 cm): Use a 20x26-inch (50x65 cm) cake board.

Tiered Cakes

• For tiered cakes, each tier should sit on a board the same size as the cake. The bottom tier should sit on a cake board 2 inches (5 cm) larger than the base tier for stability and decoration space.