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Wedding cake portion calculator
Add your tiers to see roughly how many finger or dessert portions they give.
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How to use the wedding cake portion calculator
- Choose the shape of each tier, such as round or square.
- Select the diameter of every tier you want to add.
- Add each tier to your list one at a time.
- See your total finger and dessert portions for all tiers.
How much cake for your guests: a wedding cake size guide
Use this tool to work out how many portions your cake will give. Enter each tier's shape and size, then add them up. You will see a rough count for both finger portions and dessert portions.
Finger portions are smaller slices served at the drinks reception. Dessert portions are larger slices served with coffee later. Count both if you plan to serve cake at two points in the day.
- Round tiers usually give more portions than square tiers of the same size.
- Tall tiers give more slices than short tiers of the same diameter.
- A tall, slim cake may look impressive but can give fewer portions than a wider cake.
How many tiers does a wedding cake need?
There is no single rule for how many tiers you need. It depends on your guest list, how you serve the cake and how much you want to save for later.
Many couples choose two or three tiers for a wedding of up to 100 guests. Larger weddings may need more. Think about whether you want a showpiece cake, a cutting cake and a backup cake, or just one cake served in stages.
- Order a little extra if your guests are likely to take second pieces.
- Keep the top tier for your first anniversary if you like that tradition.
- Ask your baker for their portion guide, as their cut sizes may differ from ours.
Tips for planning wedding cake portions
Plan your cake around how you will serve it. If you cut slices at the reception and serve them on plates, count dessert portions. If you hand out small finger slices from a stand, count finger portions.
Some couples serve a small cutting cake for photos and a larger sheet cake from the kitchen to feed everyone. This can look elegant and avoid running out.
- Check your guest count close to the wedding date, as numbers can change.
- Remember that children and older guests may take smaller pieces.
- Ask your baker how they cut their tiers so your estimate matches reality.
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