If you've ever stood in a wholesale aisle staring at a stack of aluminum foil pans wondering which size you actually need — you're not alone. Most pan packaging shows dimensions in inches, but caterers call them "full tray" or "half tray," steam table racks fit specific sizes only, and home cooks just want to know if the lasagna will fit.
This guide breaks down every standard aluminum foil pan size — what they're called, what they fit, and what each one is actually used for. Whether you're running a catering operation, prepping food trucks, stocking a commercial kitchen, or just feeding a family event, this is the chart you need.
Aluminum foil pans range from small round and oblong containers to half-size catering pans and full-size steam-table trays. Choose the footprint first, then select shallow, medium, or deep based on serving volume. Use the chart below to compare approximate dimensions, capacity, and common applications.
Quick Reference: Aluminum Foil Pan Size Chart
Here's the at-a-glance chart most people are looking for. All dimensions are approximate — actual pans vary by 1/4" depending on manufacturer.
| Pan Name | Dimensions (inches) | Approx. capacity | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Size (Full Tray) | 21" x 13" x 3" | 200–250 oz | Catering, steam tables, large events |
| Half Size (Half Tray) | 12.75" x 10.5" x 2.5" | 100–120 oz | Catering sides, restaurant prep, sterno setups |
| Quarter Size Reference size—not currently stocked |
8.5" x 6.5" x 1.75" | 30–40 oz | Individual portions, food trucks, condiments |
| Third Size Reference size—not currently stocked |
12.75" x 6.875" x 2.5" | 75–90 oz | Buffet lines, narrow steam tables |
| Loaf Pan Reference size—not currently stocked |
8" x 4" x 2.5" | 32 oz | Bread, meatloaf, single portions |
| 9" x 9" Square Reference size—not currently stocked |
9" x 9" x 2" | 64 oz | Brownies, casseroles, baked sides |
| 9" x 13" Rectangle | 13" x 9" x 2" | 104 oz | Lasagna, casseroles, sheet cakes |
| Round 7" | 7" diameter | 16 oz | Pies, tarts, individual desserts |
| Round 9" | 9" diameter | 32 oz | Pies, cakes, larger rounds |
| Steam Table Pan (Deep) | 21" x 13" x 3.5"+ | 300+ oz | Heavy catering, all-day buffets |
Ready to order? Shop commercial aluminum pans by size.
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Covering full-size pans? See the 18-inch heavy-duty foil option.
Full Tray vs Half Tray: What's the Real Difference?
The most common question we get: "Do I need a full tray or a half tray?" Here's the honest answer.
A full-size aluminum pan measures roughly 21" x 13" and feeds 30–50 people depending on what's in it. A half-size pan is exactly that — half the length at about 12.75" x 10.5" — and feeds 15–25 people. If you're catering for 25 or fewer, a half tray is plenty. For 30+, go full.
One thing nobody tells you: full trays are harder to handle. They need two hands, they're awkward to fit in standard ovens, and they don't always slide into smaller chafing racks. Half trays fit virtually any rack, oven, and warmer. For most operators, two half trays are more flexible than one full tray — even though they cost slightly more per ounce.
Sterno Pan Sizes (Chafing Dish Setups)
"Sterno pan" usually refers to half-size pans that fit in a standard chafing rack heated by sterno fuel canisters. The pan size that fits a sterno rack is the half size — 12.75" x 10.5" — and most caterers stock these by the case for buffet service.
If you're new to chafing setups, here's the basic rule: a chafing rack holds one full pan or two half pans, with sterno cans underneath. Half pans give you more flexibility (you can offer two dishes per rack) which is why they're the catering default.
Steam Table Pans: Standard, Deep, and Extra Deep
Steam table pans come in three depths:
- Standard depth — about 2.5" deep. Good for sides, rice, vegetables.
- Deep — about 3" deep. Standard for most catering hot food.
- Extra deep — 4" or more. Used for heavy soups, stews, and high-volume buffets.
Pan footprints (length and width) are standardized, so a half-size deep pan fits the same rack as a half-size standard. Only the depth changes. This matters because if you're prepping for a long event and want food to stay hot longer, deeper pans hold more heat.
Deeper pans also make covering harder. A 4" deep full pan needs real overhang to crimp a seal that survives a car ride — another reason 18 inch foil is the catering standard rather than 12 inch.
Home Cooking Sizes: 9x9, 9x13, Loaf, and Round Pans
Most home recipes call for one of four pan sizes:
- 9" x 9" square — brownies, cornbread, smaller casseroles
- 9" x 13" rectangle — lasagna, sheet cakes, baked ziti
- Loaf (8" x 4") — banana bread, meatloaf, pâté
- Round (7" or 9") — pies, single-layer cakes, quiche
Disposable aluminum versions of all four are sold in bulk, which is the smart move for anyone hosting holidays, doing meal prep, or running bake sales. No washing, no scrubbing, no stuck-on residue.
How to Pick the Right Pan Size for Your Operation
Here's the simple decision framework we recommend to commercial customers:
For catering operations:
- Default to half pans (12.75" x 10.5") — most flexible, fit every chafing rack
- Stock full pans (21" x 13") for events of 30+ people
- Keep quarter pans on hand for sauces, condiments, and small sides
- Run 18" foil for pan covering and transport sealing
For restaurants and food trucks:
- Half pans for prep and steam table service
- Quarter pans for portion control and to-go orders
- Loaf pans for breakfast prep, meatloaves, and individual servings
- Run 12" foil for portion wrapping and line covers
For home use:
- 9" x 13" for almost any casserole or main dish
- 9" x 9" for sides, brownies, smaller bakes
- Half pans for hosting events of 10–20 people
Choose the case pack that fits your operation.
Why Buy Aluminum Foil Pans in Bulk
Single-pack aluminum pans at grocery stores cost 3–4x what bulk cases cost per unit. A 30-pack of half pans at retail might run $25 — that's roughly $0.83 per pan. The same pans bought by the case (typically 100 count) run about $0.50–0.60 per pan.
If you're a caterer, restaurant, food truck, or even a frequent home host, bulk buying pays for itself in 2–3 events. Plus you stop running out at the worst possible moment.
The same logic applies to foil. A roll bought by the case costs a fraction of grocery-store pricing per square foot, and unlike food, foil stored dry doesn't degrade — a case bought today performs identically in six months.
Shop Aluminum Foil Pans by Size
Rhino Aluminum carries every standard pan size in commercial-grade thickness, sold by the case at wholesale pricing — direct from the manufacturer, with free shipping and 24-hour order processing. No middleman markups. No minimums.
Shop All Aluminum Foil Pans Compare Half, Full, Round & Specialty Sizes
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a half tray aluminum pan? A half tray (also called a half size pan or sterno pan) measures approximately 12.75" x 10.5" x 2.5" deep. It feeds 15–25 people and fits standard chafing racks.
How big is a full tray aluminum pan? A full tray (full size pan) measures approximately 21" x 13" x 3" deep. It feeds 30–50 people and is the standard size for large catering events.
What's the difference between a quarter pan and a half pan? A quarter pan is 8.5" x 6.5" — exactly half the size of a half pan. Quarter pans are used for individual portions, condiments, and food truck service. Half pans are the catering standard for sides and main dishes.
Can aluminum foil pans go in the oven? Yes. Commercial-grade aluminum foil pans are oven-safe up to 400°F+ and freezer-safe down to -40°F. They work in conventional ovens, toaster ovens, and even on grills.
Do aluminum pans fit in standard chafing racks? Half-size pans (12.75" x 10.5") fit virtually every standard chafing rack on the market. Full-size pans fit full-size racks only. Always check rack dimensions before ordering for an event.
What width foil do I need to cover a full size pan? 18 inch. A full-size pan is roughly 21" x 13", so 18 inch foil width lets you cover and seal it in a single sheet with overhang on all sides. 12 inch requires two overlapping sheets, which leaks steam and dries out product in hot hold.
How many pans come in a case? It varies by size. Half-size pans typically ship 100 per case, full-size pans 50 per case, and smaller pans in higher counts. Case quantity is listed on each product page along with per-unit pricing.