How Many Slices in a Large Pizza? (Pizzaiolo’s Answer)

When it comes to pizza, size really does matter. It’s not just about the number of toppings or the quality of cheese—the size of your pie can make all the difference when it comes to satisfying hunger. This is especially important when ordering pizza for a large group of people. If you don’t get enough pizza for everyone, people are going to be pissed.

The go-to pizza size for a group of more than 3 people is the large one. But what exactly does “large” mean? How many slices should you expect from a large pizza? And how much pizza do you actually need to feed a big group at a party?

In the USA, a large pizza is anywhere between 14-18 inches and has 8 slices, depending on the pizzeria. 3 slices per adult and 2 slices per kid is the general rule of estimation I follow when calculating the number of pizzas I need to order for a party.

Curious to find out how large is a large pizza in popular pizza chains across the country? I’ll get to it in some time, but before that, let’s go over the basics once.

Pizza Size Variations

Pizza size varies by region. And it’s not just the number of slices but the diameter and thickness of each slice that differ. In some regions, large pizzas are even bigger than 18″. 

Some places also offer extra-large or jumbo pizzas with over 20 slices with customized toppings. Below is a comprehensive list of commonly available pizza sizes where I live:

• Small: A small pizza is typically around 8-10 inches in diameter, has 4-6 slices, and serves 1-2 people. It is a good size for individuals or couples who wants an individual serving or wish to share it with a friend.
• Medium: A medium pizza would be around 12 inches in diameter, has 6-8 slices, and is enough to feed 2-3 people. It is a popular choice for small families or groups of friends for obvious reasons.
• Large: A large pizza is usually 14-18 inches large, usually cut up into 8-10 slices, and can feed 3-4 people. It is a good option for larger families or groups of friends. It’s the go-to order for small house parties or family get-togethers.
• Extra Large: Measuring approx 18-20 inches, it can easily satisfy the hunger of 4-6 people.
• Party Size: As quite evident by the name, a party-size pizza can be as large as 26 inches and is ideal for feeding a group of 8-12 people.
• Specialty Sizes: Some pizzerias offer specialty sizes such as “gigantic” or “giant” that can be even larger than a party-size pizza. These sizes are suitable for very large groups or events.

Note that with large rectangular pizzas, you will get 12-14 rectangular slices/cuts per pizza.

That said, figuring out how many people a large pizza feed is not as straightforward as it seems. The answer depends on a number of factors, such as how hungry your guests are and the type of pizza you order. For example, a large 14-inch thick-crust pizza is much more filling than a 14-inch thin-crust NY pizza.

The number of toppings will also come into play. Pizzas loaded with toppings are likely to be more filling than simple cheese pizzas. I like to err on the side of caution, so I always order one extra 18-inch pie, just in case. 

It’s better to have too much pizza than not enough. I don’t mind the leftovers. I’ll just heat it up nicely and have it for breakfast and lunch the next day. Life is good!

An Easy Guide to Calculating How Many Pizzas to Order

Number of People

The internet has taught me that the best way to determine how many pizzas to order for a group is by following the 3/8 rule. Here’s how it works:

Medium pizza:

• 2 pizzas for 5 individuals
• 4 pizzas for 10 individuals
• 6 pizzas for 15 individuals
• 8 pizzas for 20 individuals
• 10 pizzas for 25 individuals
• 12 pizzas for 30 individuals
• 14 pizzas for 35 individuals
• 15 pizzas for 40 individuals
• 17 pizzas for 45 individuals
• 19 pizzas for 50 individuals

Large pizza:

• 2 pizzas for 6-8 individuals
• 4 pizzas for 10-12 individuals
• 5 pizzas for 15 individuals
• 7 pizzas for 20 individuals
• 9 pizzas for 25 individuals
• 11 pizzas for 30 individuals
• 13 pizzas for 35 individuals
• 14 pizzas for 40 individuals
• 16 pizzas for 45 individuals
• 18 pizzas for 50 individuals

Extra large pizza:

• 1 large pizzas for 5 individuals
• 2 pizzas for 10 individuals
• 4 pizzas for 15 individuals
• 5 pizzas for 20 individuals
• 7 pizzas for 25 individuals
• 8 pizzas for 30 individuals
• 9 pizzas for 35 individuals
• 10 pizzas for 40 individuals
• 11 pizzas for 45 individuals
• 12 pizzas for 50 individuals

As you might have already figured out, I haven’t applied the 3/8 rule for a large and extra-large pizza because one slice of a large or extra-large pizza will fill up much faster than a slice of a medium pizza. So, you will need to rely on a ballpark figure here and hope for the best.

I’d suggest you also consider the following factors before placing your order to avoid any mishaps:

• How many kids and adults are you going to serve? Kids naturally have a lesser appetite than adults.
• Will there be other dishes served alongside pizzas?
• If everyone is famished, consider ordering an extra slice or two per head.

Pizza Calculator for Party

Types of Toppings and Crusts

Types of toppings and the type of crust you choose will also play a crucial role in determining how many slices to order. For example, if you’re going for a meat lover’s pizza with extra meat toppings ad cheese, each slice will be quite filling, irrespective of the thickness of the crust. 

On the other hand, if you want a vegetarian pizza with fresh veggies and Brooklyn-style thin crust, you might be able to squeeze in more slices per head.

Drinks

Alcohol activates the hunger mode – that’s common knowledge. If you are serving liquor at your party, consider ordering extra pizza to compensate for the extra consumption. On the other hand, aerated drinks like soda tend to make you feel full after two glasses. 

If there are lots of non-alcoholic beverage options at the party, you may get away with serving 2-3 slices per head, provided there are other food options at the party.

Budget

Pizzas aren’t super expensive unless you’re ordering from a fancy place. A 14-inch pizza can easily serve up to 5 people. If your friends are going to split the bill, consider ordering individual-serving pizzas. Each pizza contains 4 slices.

Pizza Size Chart at Popular Pizza Stores

It’s worth noting that the number of slices in each size of pizza can vary depending on the specific pizzeria and the shape of the pizza. For ease of understanding, I’m using round pizzas as a reference point here. Most pizzerias offer a small pizza with 8 slices, while others may offer fewer or more slices.

If you have any specific concerns about the number of slices in a particular size of the pizza, it’s always a good idea to check with the pizzeria or refer to their menu for more information.

In general, a small pizza is a good option for individuals or couples who want a personal pizza, while a medium pizza is a popular choice for small families or groups of friends. 

A large pizza would be a good option for larger families or groups of friends who want to share, while an extra-large or party-size pizza is best suited for large gatherings. Below, I’ve listed the serving size of the most well-known pizza places in the country to give you a headstart:

1. Domino’s

At Domino’s, USA, the number of slices in a small, medium, and large pizza is as follows:

• Small: 6 slices, 10 inches, serves 1-2 people
• Large: 10 slices, 14 inches, serves 4-5 people

2. Pizza Hut

At Pizza Hut, it goes like this:

3. Papa John’s

At present, Papa John’s serves small, medium, large, and extra-large pizzas. The number of slices for each size is the following:

4. Little Ceasars

At present, Little Ceasars offers only large round and rectangular Detroit-style pizzas.

• 16 slices in 12-inch round pizza (can serve 3-4 people)
• 8 slices in 12″ rectangular deep-dish Detroit-style pizza (can serve 2-3 people)

5. Casey’s Pizza

The popular pizza store offers pizza in three sizes:

• Small: 6 slices, 10 inches, serves 1-2
• Medium: Also 6 inches, serves up to 3 people
• Large: 12 slices, 14 inches, serves up to 6 people

6. Jet’s Pizza

The sizes and number of slices at Jet’s Pizza are as follows:

• Small: 6 slices, 8-10 inches ( depending on the crust), serves up to 2 people
• Medium: 8 slices,12 inches, serves up to 3 people
• Large: 10 slices, 14 inches, serves 4-5 people
• X-large: 15 slices, 16-18 inches (signature deep dish crust), serves 6-7 people
• Party Tray: 30 slices, 20 inches, serves 8-10 people

7. Papa Murphy’s

Here’s all you need to know to determine what size of pizza and how many pizzas you need when you’re at Papa Murphy’s: 

• Medium: 8 slices, 12 inches, serves 2-3 people
• Large: Also 8 slices, 14 inches, serves 3-4 people
• Family Size: 12 slices, 16 inches, serves 4-6 people

8. Marco’s Pizza

Planning to order from Marco’s? Here’s a quick overview of their serving size:

9. Round Table Pizza

One of the most popular pizza chains from the Western United States, Round Table Pizza offers 5 size options:

• Personal: 6 slices, 7.5 inches, serves 1
• Small: 6 slices, 9.5 inches, serves 2
• Medium: 8 slices, 12 inches, serves 3-4
• Large: 12 slices,14 inches, serves 4-5
• Extra-large: 16 slices, 16 inches, serves 6-7

10. Costco Pizza

Craving for a quick bite on a shoestring budget? Head to Costco and try their cheesy, gooey goodness with your choice of toppings. Their pizzas come in only one size – 18 inches, containing 12 slices. You can order a single slice at Costco for $1.99 only. It’s quite filling and tastes quite alright for the price. 

11. Mellow Mushroom Pizza

This famous eatery doesn’t exclusively make pizzas, but they definitely make some of the crunchiest pizzas in town. Their pizzas are available in three sizes:

12. Hungry Howie’s

Hungry Howie’s has plenty of pizza size options for kids and adults, small and big groups alike. 

• Junior: 4 slices, 8 inches, ideal for one kid
• Small: 6 slices, 10 inches, serves 1-2 people
• Medium: 8 slices, 12 inches, serves 3 people
• Large: 8 slices, 14 inches, serves 4 people
• Extra-large: 8 slices, 16 inches, serves up to 5 people

How to Cut a Pizza Into Slices?

The easiest way to cut a pizza is by using a pizza cutter. This tool has two wheels that come together to slice through the crust and cheese. To use one, place it on top of your pizza and roll it back and forth until you’ve cut off all the slices. You can also use a regular knife for thick crusts and a scissor for Neapolitan-style pizzas.

Related FAQs

Conclusion

It seems like “how many people does a large pizza feed?” is a question that doesn’t have a clear answer. It will mostly depend on how hungry the people are and, to some extent, the type of pizza you are having. 

Just to be on the safer side of things, I like to order one or two slices extra per head when ordering for a group. Pizza leftovers can double as your the next day’s breakfast, lunch, and dinner in disguise. Just heat it up and enjoy!

Tim Anderson

Tim Anderson is the founder of pizzapeopleaz® and has been in the pizza industry since 1998. Since then, his mission has been to make a pizza lover’s guy into a personal pizzaiolo. And each year, he continues to help more people with Pizza chemistry, pizza Crust, pizza oven, and oven troubleshooting.