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Cake Board & Cake Box Size Guide for Bakeries
A cake that slides, cracks or gets crushed in its box costs you the cake and the customer. The fix is simple: the right board and the right box for the size and weight of each cake. Here is how bakeries size them.
Rule 1: the board is larger than the cake
A common rule is to choose a board about 2 inches (5 cm) larger than the cake, which leaves roughly an inch of border all round for piping and handling. For example, an 8-inch cake usually sits on a 10-inch board. If you want the board hidden under the cake for a tiered build, use a board the same size as that tier.
Rule 2: thickness follows weight
- Thin boards (about 1/4 inch or thinner): single-tier cakes, cheesecakes, tortes and pastries. Scalloped boards are popular for display and retail.
- Cake drums (about 1/2 inch): heavy cakes, carved cakes and the base of tiered cakes. Drums are rigid and do not flex when the cake is lifted.
Beta Shop carries Enjay cake boards and drums in round and square shapes, white, silver and gold, from 7 inches up to 16 inches, plus scalloped boards in packs of 100 and more.
Rule 3: the box fits the board, not the cake
Choose a box whose base is at least as large as the board, so the board cannot slide. For height, allow at least an inch above the tallest decoration. A 10-inch board needs a 10 × 10 inch box or larger; a tall layer cake may need a 5- or 6-inch high box rather than a standard 4-inch one.
Quick sizing table
| Cake size | Typical board | Box base |
|---|---|---|
| 6 in round | 8 in | 8 × 8 in |
| 8 in round | 10 in | 10 × 10 in |
| 9 in round | 10–11 in | 12 × 12 in |
| 10 in round | 12 in | 12 × 12 in |
| 12 in round | 14 in | 14 × 14 in or larger |
| Quarter sheet | about 9¾ × 13¼ in | 14 × 10 in or larger |
Always measure your own pans and decorations; this table is a starting point.
Cupcakes, pies and pastries
- Cupcakes: use boxes with inserts (1, 2, 4, 6 or 12 cavities) so cupcakes do not tip over.
- Pies and tarts: window pie boxes in 8, 9 and 10 inch sizes show off the product.
- Slices and desserts: clear dessert containers and dessert cups work well for display fridges and grab-and-go.
Buying tips
- Standardize on a few sizes so you can buy by the case at a lower unit price.
- Keep boards and boxes flat and dry; humidity warps cardboard.
- Order boards, boxes, ribbons and liners together to reach free delivery thresholds.
Shop bakery and cake boxes, cake boards and the full bakery packaging range.
Stocking up for your bakery or café? Beta Shop ships 3,500+ bakery and café supplies from North York to every Canadian postal code. Free GTA & Golden Horseshoe delivery on orders over $500. Shop bakery supplies or open a wholesale account.