Cody Casey
Sheet pans, also known as baking trays, baking sheets, or baking pans, are flat, rectangular metal pans used for baking pastries, cookies, sheet cakes, and pizzas. They come in various sizes, with the most common being the half-sheet pan, measuring 18 x 13 with a 1 rim. To calculate the surface area of a rectangular sheet pan, simply multiply the length of the two sides. For example, a 9 x 13 pan has a surface area of 117 square inches (9 x 13 = 117). Smaller sheet pans, such as the quarter sheet pan (13 x 9) and the jelly roll pan (10 x 15), are also popular for home baking and smaller batch cooking. When choosing a sheet pan, it's important to consider the volume capacity and the type of food being baked, as some recipes may require a specific size or shape.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common sheet pan types | Full-sheet, half-sheet, quarter-sheet, jelly roll |
| Jelly roll pan dimensions | 10″ x 15″ or 12″ x 17″ |
| Half-sheet pan dimensions | 18″ x 13″ |
| Quarter-sheet pan dimensions | 13″ x 9″ |
| Full-sheet pan dimensions | 26″ x 18″ |
| Volume calculation for rectangular pans | Length x width x depth |
| Volume calculation for round pans | Radius x radius x pi x depth |
| Rigidity | Important for placing directly on a flat heat source; contributed to by rims and ridges |
| Common materials | Aluminum, aluminized steel, sheet steel, sheet iron |
| Common features | Flat edges, raised edges, contiguous rim, handles, insulation, perforations |
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What You'll Learn
Calculating surface area
To calculate the surface area of a sheet pan, you will need to know the length and width of the pan. If the pan is rectangular, simply multiply the length and width together to get the surface area in square units. For example, a half-sheet pan measures 18 inches by 13 inches, so the surface area is 18 x 13 = 234 square inches.
If your sheet pan has a rim, you may also want to calculate the total surface area, including the sides. To do this, you will need to know the height of the rim, as well as the length and width of the base. Multiply the length and width together to find the surface area of the base, then multiply the length by the height to find the surface area of one long side. Do the same for the width to find the surface area of one short side. Finally, add the surface areas of the base and the four sides together to get the total surface area.
For a circular sheet pan, the calculation is slightly different. First, you need to find the radius of the circle, which is half of the diameter (the distance across the circle, through the centre point). Once you have the radius, multiply it by itself and then by pi (approximately 3.14) to get the surface area. For example, if the radius of your circular pan is 9 inches, the surface area is 9 x 9 x 3.14 = 254.34 square inches.
It is worth noting that sheet pans come in a variety of sizes, including full-sheet, half-sheet, quarter-sheet, and jelly roll pans. A full-sheet pan typically measures 26 inches by 18 inches, while a half-sheet pan measures approximately 18 inches by 13 inches. A quarter-sheet pan is half the size of a half-sheet pan, measuring 13 inches by 9 inches. Jelly roll pans, commonly used for cakes, vary in size but are typically smaller than half-sheet pans, with dimensions of around 15.5 inches by 10.5 inches.
Calculating the surface area of a sheet pan can be useful when adapting recipes to different pan sizes or when trying to ensure even cooking. By knowing the surface area, you can adjust the amount of batter or ingredients used and make informed substitutions.
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Quarter sheet pans
The standard dimensions of a quarter sheet pan are 13 by 9 inches, with a rim of about 1 inch. This makes the area of the pan 117 square inches. This is the same size as a typical baking dish, meaning they can hold a lot of food. They are perfect for small batch cookie baking, as well as portioning cookie dough for freezing. They are also great for roasting vegetables, making small meals, and even baking bread.
The Nordic Ware brand is a popular choice for quarter sheet pans, known for its affordability, durability, and consistent recommendations from bakers. Their aluminum construction does mean they need to be hand-washed to avoid a film caused by oxidation, but they are sturdy, produce even cooking results, and are easy to clean.
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Half sheet pans
Half-sheet pans are a common kitchen tool, used for everything from baking cookies to roasting vegetables. They are also used for sheet cakes, bars, brownies, and more.
Half-sheet pans are exactly half the size of full-sheet pans, measuring 18-by-13 inches, with sides about one inch high. They are the go-to pan for sheet-pan dinners, make-ahead breakfasts, and desserts. The larger surface area of a half-sheet pan is ideal for roasting vegetables, giving them room to brown and cook evenly.
When choosing a half-sheet pan, it's important to consider the material. Aluminum, stainless steel, and silicone-coated pans are all popular options. Some pans may also have a non-stick coating, which can make cleanup easier. It's also important to ensure that the pan is durable and warp-resistant. Warping can affect the end result of your baking, as a warped pan is no longer a flat surface.
Some popular brands for half-sheet pans include Nordic Ware, Chicago Metallic, and Williams Sonoma. The Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker's Half-Sheet Pans are a top-rated option, known for their superior heat conductivity and even browning. The Williams Sonoma Traditional Touch Corrugated Half Sheet Pan is another option, although it is significantly more expensive and may be more awkward to handle due to its weight.
In conclusion, half-sheet pans are a versatile and essential tool for any kitchen. They can be used for a variety of tasks, from baking to roasting, and their larger surface area makes them ideal for certain dishes. When choosing a half-sheet pan, consider the material, durability, and brand to ensure you get a high-quality product.
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Full sheet pans
A full-sheet pan is a flat, rectangular metal pan used for baking. It is typically made of aluminium or sheet steel and has a raised lip around the edge. Full-sheet pans are a common kitchen tool, especially for commercial use. They are too large for most home ovens, however, measuring 26 inches by 18 inches (660mm by 460mm). They are often used by caterers and restaurants, where they are useful for high-volume baking.
Full-sheet pans are significantly larger than the half-sheet and quarter-sheet pans that are more commonly used in home kitchens. A half-sheet pan measures 18 inches by 13 inches, while a quarter-sheet pan is 13 inches by 9 inches. These smaller pans are more manageable for home bakers and can be useful for a range of tasks, such as small-batch cookie baking, roasting vegetables, and portioning out cookie dough for freezing.
The raised lip on a full-sheet pan is typically about one inch high. This feature, common to all sheet pans, is useful for retaining food and shallow liquids. Sheet pans may also have handles to assist in moving them in and out of the oven, and some have a flat edge to make it easier to remove food once baked.
When investing in sheet pans, it is important to consider the size of your oven and the scale of your baking needs. For commercial use or high-volume baking, a full-sheet pan is ideal. However, for home bakers, a half-sheet or quarter-sheet pan is likely to be more practical, as it will fit more comfortably in a standard home oven.
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Jelly roll pans
The unique dimensions of jelly roll pans are important for achieving the right structure in rolled cakes. If a recipe calls for a jelly roll pan, using a half-sheet pan instead could result in a cake that is too thin and prone to cracking, crumbling, or burning. Jelly roll pans are designed to produce cakes that are about 1" tall, providing enough substance to hold fillings without breaking.
When choosing a jelly roll pan, it's important to consider the size that is appropriate for your recipe. If no specific dimensions are given, you may need to use your best judgment based on the quantity and type of batter or dough you are working with. Additionally, selecting a pan made from sturdy materials with good heat distribution will help ensure even baking and reduce the likelihood of warping.
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Frequently asked questions
To find the surface area of a rectangular sheet pan, multiply the length of the two sides. For example, a half-sheet pan is 18 inches by 13 inches, so its surface area is 234 square inches.
A quarter sheet pan is 13 inches by 9 inches, so its surface area is 117 square inches.
Jelly roll pans vary in size, but a common size is 10.5 inches by 15.5 inches, so its surface area is 162.75 square inches.
To calculate the surface area of a round pan, multiply the radius by itself and then by pi.
