A 9-inch round pan holds 63.6 sq. in. of baking space, while an 8-inch square pan holds 64 sq. in. Nearly identical amounts of space for baking goodies.

A 6-inch round pan can easily be swapped with a 9-inch round pan by multiplying the ingredients by a factor of 2.25 to account for the nearly double amount of baking batter that will fill the larger pan.

Baking Pans: Sizes, Kinds and Uses

Baking pans come in a variety of different shapes and sizes. From round cakes to loaves, there are many varieties of pans. The most important aspect of baking pans is that the different shapes hold varying amounts of batter.

The 9×13-inch baking pan is one of the most common baking pans found in kitchens across the country. It holds 3 quarts of batter and is used to cook everything from brownies and lasagna to sheet cakes, casseroles, roll cakes, and bread.

Baking sheets are another category of baking pan that is widely used in kitchens. Depending on the pan, baking sheets can be used to cook cookies, roasted vegetables, sheet-pan meals, dry-brined birds, resting meat, or even just to move ingredients between stations.

Flats with no sides are used for cookie sheets. Roasting pans have tall sides. Inserts for brownie or cake recipes can turn these pans into brownie pans or cake pans when used with cakes or brownie recipes. It all depends on what kind of recipe is being cooked in the pan.

Shallow baking pans are those with a depth of no more than two fingers. Deep baking pans reach up to the width of a person’s hand from the bottom of the pan. Muffin pans hold 12 cups of batter and are all of the same size.

Nordic Ware is a brand of bakeware that might cost more when purchased. However, they last years and bake delicious results. The same can be said for Williams Sonoma’s Goldtouch line of bakeware.

It bakes evenly and is much easier to clean than other brands and has more substance to it. USA Pan makes bakeware from aluminized steel. This brand gained its reputation for making excellent cookie, loaf, and muffin pans. Its nonstick bakeware works well when first used but wears down with frequent baking use.

Bakeware that costs a relative bargain will not provide the same quality as the more expensive brands.

Cheap half sheet pans will warp at 350°F while the higher quality brands are worth the extra cost. Commercial half sheet pans with aluminum wrapped around the steel pan will last longer and bake better.

Pain de mie or Pullman pans are straight-sided loaf pans with a lid that will slide out of the pan while the baking item has cooled. These pans come in two sizes: 9x4x4 inches and 13x4x4 inches. These pans will cook perfectly square loaves with even tops.

Springform pans are the most common pans used for cheesecake. Adjustable pans are available at inexpensive prices at locations like IKEA. When oiled with cooking spray and lined with parchment paper on a baking board these pans will come out of the baking sheet with ease for various kinds of baking items.

Nonstick baking pans will easily be cleaned and will last for a while.

Pyrex baking pans will heat evenly and will be as easy to clean and look as good out of the oven as you would want to serve to guests at your table. Cake stands made of glass can be found at thrift stores for a fraction of the price of the brand name products.

Wilton baking pans are available at locations like Michaels. Discount retailers will offer bakeware items for reduced prices after the big holidays.