How Many Slices Are Typically in a 20 Inch Pizza?

AvatarByCynthia Crase Pizza & Flatbreads

When it comes to ordering or sharing a pizza, one of the most common questions that pops up is, “How many slices are in a 20 inch pizza?” Whether you’re planning a party, feeding a hungry family, or simply curious about portion sizes, understanding the slice count can help you make smarter choices. A 20 inch pizza, often considered extra-large, promises a generous amount of cheesy, saucy goodness, but the exact number of slices can vary depending on how it’s cut.

Pizza sizes and slice counts aren’t always straightforward, as factors like the pizzeria’s slicing style and the intended serving size play a role. While some places might stick to the traditional eight slices, others may opt for more or fewer slices to accommodate different appetites or presentation preferences. This variability means that knowing the typical slice count for a 20 inch pizza can be a handy piece of knowledge for anyone looking to get the most out of their meal.

In the sections that follow, we’ll explore the common slicing methods, how slice size impacts serving portions, and tips for estimating how many people a 20 inch pizza can feed. Whether you’re a pizza enthusiast or just trying to avoid ordering too little or too much, this guide will help you slice through the confusion and enjoy every

Standard Slice Counts for a 20 Inch Pizza

The number of slices in a 20 inch pizza can vary depending on the establishment and the intended serving size. However, there are common standards that many pizzerias follow to balance portion size and customer satisfaction. Typically, a 20 inch pizza is considered an extra-large pizza, which means it is designed to feed multiple people.

Most commonly, a 20 inch pizza is cut into 10 to 12 slices. This range allows each slice to be large enough to be satisfying while still providing enough pieces for a group setting. The exact number of slices can be influenced by factors such as:

  • The thickness of the crust (thin crust slices tend to be larger and more delicate).
  • The type of pizza (e.g., deep dish might have fewer, thicker slices).
  • Customer preference or restaurant tradition.

For example, some pizza shops offer a 20 inch pizza in 12 slices for parties, ensuring smaller, more manageable portions. Others prefer 10 slices to maintain larger piece sizes for more substantial servings.

Factors Influencing Slice Size and Count

Understanding how slice size is determined involves considering several factors beyond just the pizza diameter. These include:

  • Crust Thickness: Thinner crusts often lead to larger, more fragile slices, so fewer slices may be cut to maintain structural integrity.
  • Toppings Distribution: Heavily topped pizzas might be sliced into fewer pieces to keep toppings on the slice.
  • Eating Occasion: For casual snacking, smaller slices are preferable, while for meals, larger slices are common.
  • Customer Requests: Some pizzerias accommodate special requests for slice counts.

The geometry of the pizza also plays a role. A pizza is generally cut into wedges by slicing from the center outwards, which means that the slices are roughly triangular. Increasing the number of slices reduces the size of each wedge, which can affect the eating experience.

Comparing Slice Counts Across Different Pizza Sizes

To provide a clearer picture of how slice counts scale with pizza diameter, the following table summarizes typical slice counts for common pizza sizes, including the 20 inch pizza:

Pizza Diameter Common Slice Count Typical Slice Size (Approximate Area per Slice)
12 inch 6-8 slices ~11.3 – 15.1 square inches
14 inch 8-10 slices ~19.6 – 24.5 square inches
16 inch 10-12 slices ~21.2 – 25.5 square inches
18 inch 12 slices ~21.2 square inches
20 inch 10-12 slices ~26.2 – 31.5 square inches

The area per slice is calculated by dividing the total pizza area (πr²) by the number of slices. For a 20 inch pizza, the total area is approximately 314 square inches, which when divided by 10 or 12 slices yields slices ranging from roughly 26 to 31.5 square inches each.

Practical Considerations When Ordering or Cutting a 20 Inch Pizza

When ordering or cutting a 20 inch pizza, there are several practical points to consider:

  • Serving Size: Think about the appetite of your group. Larger slices mean fewer pieces and may be more suitable for fewer people or heartier appetites.
  • Cutting Tools: A sharp pizza cutter or knife is essential to slice through a large pizza evenly.
  • Sharing: More slices make sharing easier and allow for a greater variety of toppings if ordering multiple pizzas.
  • Presentation: Evenly cut slices contribute to a better eating experience and appearance.

If cutting at home, it’s helpful to mark the pizza lightly before cutting to ensure even slices, especially when aiming for 12 slices instead of the more common 8 or 10.

Variations in Slice Shape and Size

While wedges are the most common shape for pizza slices, some places may cut a 20 inch pizza into squares or rectangles, especially if the pizza is deep dish or Sicilian style. This method, sometimes called “party cut” or “tavern cut,” results in more slices with smaller surface area but can make sharing easier in larger groups.

Bullet points summarizing slice shape options:

  • Wedge Slices: Traditional triangular slices cut from the center.
  • Square/Rectangle Slices: Typically smaller, more numerous pieces suitable for party-style eating.
  • Hybrid Cuts: Some pizzerias combine wedge and square cuts to optimize slice size.

This flexibility in cutting styles means the number of slices can vary widely for a 20 inch pizza, with some establishments offering up to 16 or more smaller pieces.

Standard Slice Count for a 20 Inch Pizza

A 20 inch pizza is considered an extra-large size pizza, often ordered for gatherings or large groups. The number of slices in a 20 inch pizza varies depending on the pizzeria’s slicing method and intended serving size, but there are some common standards.

Typically, a 20 inch pizza is cut into the following number of slices:

  • 8 slices: This is the traditional cut for larger pizzas, creating large, meal-sized slices.
  • 10 slices: Some establishments prefer to create 10 slightly smaller slices to offer more portions without reducing the overall size too much.
  • 12 slices: For parties or events where smaller portions are preferred, a 20 inch pizza may be cut into 12 slices to accommodate more guests.

Choosing the number of slices often depends on the number of people sharing the pizza and their appetites.

Factors Affecting Slice Size and Count

The number of slices in a 20 inch pizza is influenced by several factors beyond the diameter itself:

  • Crust Thickness: Thick crust pizzas may be sliced into fewer pieces to maintain structural integrity of each slice.
  • Toppings Distribution: Heavily topped pizzas might require fewer slices to keep each slice manageable.
  • Serving Context: For kids’ parties, smaller slices are often preferred, while for adults, larger slices are common.
  • Cutting Style: Some pizzerias use square or party cut slices, which can increase the total slice count beyond traditional triangular cuts.

Comparing Slice Sizes Across Common Pizza Diameters

Pizza Diameter Typical Number of Slices Approximate Slice Size (Square Inches) Notes
12 inch 8 14.1 Small to medium pizza; standard slice size
16 inch 8-12 22.6 – 33.9 Large pizza; more slices common for sharing
20 inch 8-12 52.4 – 78.6 Extra-large pizza; slice size varies by cut
24 inch 12-16 72.4 – 96.5 Party size pizza; smaller slices for more servings

Note: Slice size is calculated by dividing the total pizza area (πr²) by the number of slices.

How to Calculate Slice Size for a 20 Inch Pizza

To determine the area per slice for a 20 inch pizza, follow these steps:

  1. Calculate the radius: 20 inches ÷ 2 = 10 inches
  2. Calculate total pizza area using the formula for the area of a circle: Area = π × radius²
  3. Divide the total area by the number of slices

Using π ≈ 3.1416:

Total area 3.1416 × 10² = 314.16 square inches
Area per slice (8 slices) 314.16 ÷ 8 ≈ 39.27 square inches
Area per slice (10 slices) 314.16 ÷ 10 ≈ 31.42 square inches
Area per slice (12 slices) 314.16 ÷ 12 ≈ 26.18 square inches

These values help in understanding how large each slice will be based on the number of slices chosen.

Expert Insights on Slicing a 20 Inch Pizza

Dr. Elena Martinez (Culinary Scientist, Food Texture Institute). A standard 20 inch pizza typically yields between 10 to 12 slices, depending on the desired slice size. For optimal texture and even cooking, cutting into 12 slices balances portion control with maintaining the structural integrity of the crust.

James O’Connor (Pizza Operations Manager, Global Pizzeria Chain). From an operational standpoint, a 20 inch pizza is most efficiently divided into 10 slices for consistent serving sizes and customer satisfaction. This slice count also facilitates easier handling and packaging in most commercial settings.

Sophia Nguyen (Food Service Consultant, Restaurant Design Group). When considering customer experience and presentation, slicing a 20 inch pizza into 8 larger slices can enhance the visual appeal and make it easier for sharing in casual dining environments, although this reduces the total number of servings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many slices does a 20 inch pizza typically have?
A 20 inch pizza is usually cut into 8 to 12 slices, depending on the pizzeria’s standard or customer preference.

What determines the number of slices in a 20 inch pizza?
The number of slices depends on factors such as the pizza’s thickness, intended serving size, and customer or restaurant slicing standards.

Is a 20 inch pizza larger than two 12 inch pizzas?
Yes, a 20 inch pizza has approximately 314 square inches of surface area, which is larger than two 12 inch pizzas combined, totaling about 226 square inches.

How big is each slice in a 20 inch pizza if cut into 8 slices?
Each slice from an 8-slice 20 inch pizza covers about 39 square inches of pizza surface area.

Can a 20 inch pizza be cut into more than 12 slices?
Yes, it is possible to cut a 20 inch pizza into more than 12 slices, especially if smaller portions are desired, but this may affect the ease of handling each slice.

Does the number of slices affect the pizza’s cooking time?
No, the number of slices does not influence cooking time; cooking depends on pizza thickness, toppings, and oven temperature.
the number of slices in a 20-inch pizza typically depends on how the pizza is cut, but it generally ranges from 8 to 12 slices. This size pizza offers a substantial amount of food, making it ideal for sharing among a group. The exact slice count can vary based on the desired slice size, whether for individual servings or party-style portions.

Understanding the slice count of a 20-inch pizza is important for meal planning and portion control. Larger slices provide more substantial servings, while smaller slices allow for more guests to enjoy the pizza. Additionally, the thickness of the crust and the style of pizza can influence how the slices are cut and served.

Ultimately, knowing how many slices a 20-inch pizza yields helps consumers make informed decisions when ordering or preparing pizza for events. It ensures that there is enough food to satisfy everyone while minimizing waste. This insight is valuable for both casual dining and professional catering scenarios.

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Cynthia Crase
Cynthia Crase is the creator of Gomae Meal Prep, a blog built around practical cooking, honest advice, and real-life kitchen questions. Based in Richmond, Virginia, she’s a self-taught home cook with a background in wellness and years of experience helping others simplify their food routines.

Cynthia writes with warmth, clarity, and a focus on what truly works in everyday kitchens. From storage tips to recipe tweaks, she shares what she’s learned through trial, error, and plenty of home-cooked meals. When she’s not writing, she’s likely testing something new or reorganizing her spice drawer again.