If you're anything like me, you have that one skillet that gets used for most everything that gets cooked on the stove top. It's your go-to pan for a number of reasons. My skillet of choice earned its position as most-loved because it's a large skillet, has decently-tall sides, and is lightweight. What size is my skillet? Um, is that something I was supposed to know? It's not small, I'm certain of that. When I recently made a frittata recipe that called for a 10-inch skillet, I hesitated when grabbing for my usual skillet. It certainly seems larger than that, but I wasn't yet certain how to measure a skillet. I went to the experts to be sure I did it correctly.
Carson Downing
How to Measure Skillet Size
Occasionally you'll get lucky and the skillet size will be stamped on the bottom of the pan. Turns out I had a skillet clearly labeled as 10.5-inch in my kitchen (close enough for frittata purposes, I figured) so I didn't even need to get out a tape measure or ruler.
When your pan doesn't list the size and you need to know how to measure a skillet, here's what Kristin Billingsley, Senior Director of Product Management at Meyer Corp. (they make brands like Anolon, Circulon, and Farberware) says to do. "The industry standard is to measure the skillet across the top. So when a recipe calls for an 8-, 10-, or 12-inch skillet, measure it across the top rim to rim," she instructs.
A simple ruler ($2, Walmart) or tape measure ($6, Target) will do the job. "Based on design differences, it is common to have different cooking surface measurements for the same size skillet," Billingsley adds. Meaning the base measurement could differ from the rim to rim measurement.
Measuring Cast-Iron Skillets
If you own cast-iron cookware, you've likely noticed a different numbering system marked on the pans. Kris Stubblefield, chef at Lodge Cast Iron explains their system: "Lodge's numbering system dates back to the days of woodstoves." At that time, pots and pans were numbered to fit corresponding openings (called "stove eyes") on the stove. For example, Stubblefield says, "Number 10 in our L10SK3 refers to the #10 stove eye." The L10SK3 measures 12 inches across the top and, hence, is a 12-inch cast-iron skillet.
So yes, you can measure cast-iron skillets the same way. "Skillets are measured across the top of the cookware, not including handles. Lodge's skillets are measured across the top from outside rim to outside rim," says Stubblefield.
Blaine Moats
What's a Large Skillet, Extra-Large Skillet, etc?
Other recipes may not specify an inch measurement but instead call for a medium skillet, large skillet, or extra-large skillet. It varies a bit from brand to brand here. Our Better Homes & Gardens Test Kitchen defines skillet size like this:
Billingsley says Meyer Corp. defines a large skillet as any skillet 12 inches or larger rim to rim.
"Lodge's two most popular skillet sizes are our beloved 10.25-inch ($25, Target) and 12-inch ($30, Target) skillets. I would consider both of these skillets large. Extra-large would be anything north of 12 inches," Stubblefield says.
Why Skillet Sizes Matter
Yes, I have my favorite skillet, but that doesn't mean its large size is best suited to every recipe I make. "The prevention of overcrowding should be the first consideration when it comes to deciding between sizes," Billingsley says. And our Test Kitchen agrees. An overcrowded pan will cause food to steam instead of brown, resulting in an inferior texture and possibly flavor.
Billingsley continues, "A smaller, 8-inch skillet produces more evenly distributed heat and the ability to reach high temperatures. A 10-inch pan offers more room without overcrowding and minimal sacrifice of heat retention. A 12-inch skillet means large amounts of food can be cooked at once and greater heat retention simply because there is more material to maintain heat." It really all comes down to how full the pan will be with all your ingredients added.
Burner size is also a consideration in choosing the best skillet size. "If the skillet is too large for the burner, you are likely to see uneven heating. Conversely, if the skillet is too small, you're wasting energy," says Stubblefield.
If you didn't already keep a tape measure in your kitchen exclusively for tasks like measuring a skillet and rolling out dough, it's about time to get one.
How do you decide which frying pan sizes are right for you? When determining which frying pan sizes are a good choice for your kitchen, you will want to consider the number of people you regularly cook for, the types of foods that you prepare and the skillet material that you prefer among other factors.
Different frying pan sizes offer versatility in the kitchen, allowing you to choose the best option for your cooking preferences and needs. We searched the most popular frying pan sizes to discover the best skillets for everything from your personal morning omelette to a roast dinner for the whole family.
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One of the best frying pan sizes for small-batch cooking, the Ballarini Parma Plus 8” Aluminum Non-Stick Fry Pan makes cooking a breeze with its innovative features. Scratch-resistant granitium coating for easy release and clean-up combines with Thermopoint technology that signals when your pan is hot or cool for safe and efficient cooking. It's one of the best pans for eggs, too!
Available in multiple skillet sizes, we chose the 8.5” Hestan ProBond Stainless Steel Skillet for its sleek, ergonomic design. This comfortably-weighted skillet offers a quick-heating cooking surface for consistent browning that is ideal for everyday use.
via Hestan
The impressive Demeyere Atlantis Proline 9.5” Stainless Steel Frying Pan is a utilitarian piece made with an innovative seven-layer material that is suitable for use on all types of cooking surfaces as well as in the oven. The versatile 9.5” skillet size is small enough to manage with multiple pots and pans, and large enough to provide even browning and searing without overcrowding. As far as the best stainless steel cookware goes, this one is hard to beat.
As beautiful as it is functional, the Finex Cast Iron Skillet & Lid Set is a versatile pan with innovative details and design features. This 10” skillet is one of the best cast iron pans for a variety of dishes (like Marry Me chicken) and one of the most popular frying pan sizes. This high-quality pan can go from stovetop to oven and is perfect for searing, steaming, braising or roasting with self-basting rings, quick-cooling handle and a hefty lid to lock in heat and protect from splatter. For more details, check out our Finex cast iron review.
Price: $250
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The Staub Traditional 11” Skillet offers durability and versatility with a time-honored design. The 11” cast iron skillet size provides plenty of cooking area to help prevent overcrowding and achieve consistent heating and browning in each dish. This traditional pan is one of the best size cast iron skillets for one-pan family dinners or easy weekly meal prep.
Price: $179.99
With its increased cooking surface and sleek design, the Hestan NanoBond Titanium 11” Stainless Steel Skillet Fry Pan is another top choice for the 11” frying pan size. This pan balances its large cooking area with quick heating for efficient browning and searing. The scratch and stain-resistant pan is oven and broiler-safe, dishwasher-safe and compatible with induction stovetops. It's a true workhorse type of pan for any kitchen.
Price: $310
With a wide cooking surface, even heat distribution and an ultra-durable non-stick coating, the Zwilling Clad CFX Ceramic Non-Stick Fry Pan is our choice for the best 12 inch frying pan. The unique Ceraforce XTREME ceramic coating also makes this the best 12" non-stick skillet thanks to its long-lasting, scratch-resistant coating. One of the most popular frying pan sizes for everyday use, this pan is ideal for everyone from individuals or couples to small families.
Price: $87.95
The elegant Hestan CopperBond Induction Copper Skillet is available in a variety of frying pan sizes, but we love the 12.5” skillet size for its large cooking surface, even heating and exceptional temperature control. This induction compatible skillet is sleek, durable and oven-safe, the perfect choice for weeknight family dinners or large batch cooking.
On the larger end of frying pan sizes, this piece doubles as one of the best paella pans. The Staub 13” Fry Pan/Paella Pan stands out for its functionality and timeless design. This skillet size is an excellent choice for large family meals, dinner parties and potlucks. The sturdy cast iron combined with an enameled interior offers even heat distribution while dual handles provide easy transfer from stove to tabletop.
Price: $269.95
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Investing in a set with multiple frying pan sizes is a great way to enhance your cookware collection. The Ballarini 2-Pc Non-Stick Fry Pan Set includes two popular frying pan sizes with innovative design features. Both the 10” and 12” skillet sizes in this best cookware set are reinforced with ceramic particles for easy release and clean-up. In addition, theThermopoint technology signals when the pan is hot or cool, letting you know when it is ready to cook or safe to clean.
Price: $89.99
Chosen for its seamless blend of function and style, the Anolon Nouvelle Copper Luxe 8.5” and 10” Frying Pan Set in Onyx combines two popular frying pan sizes for an elegant addition to your kitchen collection. With a copper midlayer base for exceptional heat conduction, aluminum body and non-stick finish, you will want to reach for this high-quality set to prepare every meal.
Price: $69.99
Whether you most often cook for yourself or an entire family, choosing the frying pan sizes that are right for you can enhance both your food and enjoyment of cooking. When adding the right frying pan sizes for your favorite dishes to your cookware collection, look for pans that provide even heating and prevent overcrowding with features that suit your cooking preferences and needs.
For even more ways to elevate your kitchen, check out chef-recommended cookware in the Cozymeal Shop.