How Many Slices Are In a Large Pizza? | A Definitive Guide
Cravings for pizza got you down? Our go-to dinner when we can’t decide what else to eat, how many of us have wondered what the exact number of slices has in a large pizza? Whether you get your pizzas from a local restaurant or from your favorite chain store, understanding exactly how many slices come in each size is key to ordering correctly. With that said, let’s dive right into answering the question: how many slices are in a large pizza?
Contents
What Is A Pizza?
Pizza is a popular dish that originated in Italy, but has become a beloved staple in many parts of the world. It typically consists of a round dough base, topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and various toppings such as meats, vegetables, and herbs. Pizzas come in different sizes to cater to different appetites and group sizes. From small personal pizzas to large family-sized ones – there’s a size for every occasion.
Pizza Sizes and Slices
Let’s start with the basics – pizza sizes and how they relate to the number of slices. There are typically four main pizza sizes offered by most pizzerias:
- Small pizza
- Diameter: 8-10 inches
- Slices: 4-6
- Good for: One person
- Medium pizza
- Diameter: 10-12 inches
- Slices: 6-8
- Good for: 2 people
- Large pizza
- Diameter: 14-16 inches
- Slices: 10 (can vary based on pizzeria and cutting style)
- Good for: 2-3 people
- Extra-large pizza
- Diameter: 16-18 inches
- Slices: 12-16
- Good for: 4+ people
As you can see, a large pizza generally ranges from 14-16 inches in diameter and is cut into around 10 slices. However, the exact slice count can vary a bit based on factors like the pizzeria’s cutting style and preferences.
Some pizzerias may cut a large pizza into 8 generous slices, while others may make 12 thinner slices. Hand-tossed, New York style pizzas also tend to have more irregular slices compared to uniformly cut pan pizzas.
See more : How Many Calories Are In A Slice Of Pizza? | Pizza Facts
So while 10 is a good ballpark estimate for the number of slices in a large pizza, feel free to request more or fewer slices depending on your group’s preferences. The pizzeria staff can happily customize the slicing.
Choosing the Right Pizza Quantity
Beyond just counting slices, it’s also helpful to think about how many pizzas you need to order in the first place. Here are some tips for choosing the right quantity of pizzas for your gathering:
- Consider the number of people – Adults tend to eat 2-3 slices each, while children may eat 1-2. Estimate accordingly.
- Factor in other foods – If you’re also serving salads, appetizers, desserts etc., you may need fewer pizzas.
- Time of day – People eat more at dinner than lunch. Plan for extra slices at night.
- Activity level – Guests doing active sports or yardwork have bigger appetites.
- Pizza type – Deep dish and toppings-heavy pizzas may fill people up faster.
- Budget – Premium toppings and gourmet pizzas add up quickly. Save money with veggie or cheese.
If you’re expecting 10 hungry adults for dinner, ordering 2-3 large pizzas (so 20-30 total slices) is a good starting point. You can always order more later or save leftovers.
For big events like birthday parties, I recommend having a couple pizzas as appetizers first, then bringing out the main pizza delivery mid-party when everyone has worked up an appetite.
Selecting Toppings
The fun part – picking perfect toppings for your pizza party. Some tips:
- Check for dietary restrictions – Ask guests if they have food allergies or preferences like gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegetarian. Provide options.
- Gather input on favorites – Send out a poll for the most popular toppings. Though offer some crowd-pleasers too.
- Consider split pizzas – Order halves or quarters with different toppings to satisfy picky eaters.
- Mind the budget – Lots of premium meats and seafood quickly add up. Maybe splurge on just one special pizza.
See more : How Many Carbs In A Slice Of Pizza? | Nutrition Every Day
To please crowds with diverse preferences, I like to order 2-3 cheese pizzas as a baseline, then get creative with 1-2 specialty pizzas like Hawaiian, meat-lovers, or veggie.
Splitting a large pizza half & half with different toppings on each side is another easy way to satisfy both pepperoni purists and experimental flavor lovers in your group.
Additional Tips
Here are a few more helpful tips and tricks for your next pizza party:
- Strategize for leftovers – Refrigerate or freeze extra slices to enjoy later in the week.
- Mix up shapes – Order squares, rectangles, and circles for visual variety.
- Add shareable starters – Garlic knots, wings, and salads make great pre-pizza appetizers.
- Don’t forget dessert – Mini cannolis or tiramisu are perfect sweet finishes to a savory pie feast.
- Match the theme – Heart-shaped pizzas for Valentine’s Day, green pizzas for St. Patrick’s Day, etc.
- BYOP (Bring Your Own Pizza) – For large groups, assign people to bring pre-ordered pies.
No matter the occasion, with proper planning and a variety of toppings you can satisfy all your pizza-loving guests.
Conclusion
Ordering the perfect amount of pizza for a party takes a bit of planning, but the effort is worth it to keep your guests happy and well-fed. To recap:
- A large pizza is typically 14-16 inches wide and cut into 8-12 slices, with 10 being the most common.
- Estimate 2-3 slices per adult and 1-2 slices per child. Adjust amounts based on other menu items and appetite levels.
- Gather topping preferences from guests and order crowd-pleasers like pepperoni and cheese pizzas alongside specialty pies.
- Save extra slices for later or order more pies mid-party if needed.
- Add shareable appetizers, salads, and desserts to complement the main pizza course.
- Most importantly, enjoy time with loved ones while savoring a delicious, fresh-baked pizza pie.
The key is being flexible – don’t stress about pizza math being perfect. With a variety of toppings and quantities, you’re sure to give everyone a great dining experience.
Harmony Saunders is the CEO and founder of Bamboo Wok, a family-owned and operated Chinese restaurant that has been serving the Manvel, Rosharon, and Alvin communities for more than nine years. Our delicious dishes are made from scratch with the best ingredients, vegetables are fresh cut daily in our kitchen, and poultry is delivered every two days.
So whether you’re craving Chinese food for the family or need catering for your next event, please give us a try! We know you won’t be disappointed with our fresh, authentic Asian fare.