Cake Advice: What Size Cake Board Do I Need?

A cake board is a presentation essential. And while it's easy to get caught up in choosing what the board looks like, there's something even more important. Choosing what size cake board you need for each individual cake is key! So, we've created this guide to help you make the right decision for every bake.

While there is a simple formula to follow, there is a little more to it. From the size and weight of the cake, to the decorating you want to do, we'll go through everything you need to consider when figuring out what size cake board to use.

Contents

Cake Boards Size - A Beginner's Guide Does the shape of your cake affect cake board size? Is a round or square cake board better? What size of cake box do I need for my cake board?

Cake Board Size - A Beginner's Guide

To help you figure out what cake board or cake drum you need at a glance, we've created this simple table. We've shown even number cakes between 4" and 18", but the formula is clear! You require a cake board that is a minimum of 2" wider than the cake itself each time.

Why do I need a cake board bigger than my cake?

There are a couple of reasons why you need your cake board to be at least two inches bigger than the cake you're baking. Some are more obvious than others!

1. Stability: remember that a cake board is there to offer stability. Choosing a board larger than the cake itself offers better support. A cake positioned on a board of the same size is much more likely to tip over.
2. It's Easier to Carry: having space around the cake makes carrying it much easier! You'll have a free section of board to hold on to that is not in danger of messing up your beautifully decorated cake.
3. It's Easier to Transport in a Box: this also applies to putting your cake into a cake box. The wider board will help to stop the sides of the cake touching your cake.
4. Space for decorating: Your cake board is as much a part of your design as the piping, decorations and toppers. So a larger board allows space around the cake for piping and adding decorations.

2 inches wider is a good rule of thumb if you're simply looking to add stability or use it for ease of carrying. If, however, it is a really heavy cake, or you want to do a lot of decorating, go bigger. For example, an 8" cake with a lot of decoration around the bottom may require a 12" cake board.

What size is a standard cake board?

A standard cake board is approximately 3mm deep. In terms of width, these boards are available in a wide range of sizes, starting from around 3 inches and going all the way up to 20+ inches.

These boards are perfect for lighter, single tier cakes, or for using as extra support between cake tiers. If, however, you are making a larger, heavier cake, you'll need a cake drum board. A drum board is approximately 12mm deep, and available in just as extensive a range of widths.

If you want to learn more about the difference between cake boards and drums, check out our guide!

Does the shape of your cake affect cake board size?

You may be wondering if the shape of your cake impacts on the size you should choose. So, for example, should you choose a larger cake board for a square cake than a round cake?

Overall, no, the shape of the cake itself isn't what you're looking at. Regardless of the shape, what you want to do is measure your cake at its widest point. So, if it's a round cake or square cake, this is easy! An oblong cake, you want to measure the longest side, and a heart shape cake you need to measure the widest point across the middle, etc.

In every case, you want to add a minimum of 2" to that width when figuring out what size cake board or drum you need. If it is a particularly heavy, detailed cake, go for 3"+.

Is a round cake board or square cake board better?

There are so many options when it comes to cake boards, it can be easy to be overwhelmed. If you are asking whether a round or square board is better, however, stop! Neither is better, it all comes down to aesthetic preference!

Take it cake by cake and decide what looks best with your design. As long as you know what size cake board to choose, the shape is more of a bonus! Obviously for a rectangle cake, you'll want a rectangle board for stability. But, for example, for a heart shaped cake, you could choose a round, square or heart shaped board and all would work just as well.

Pastel Yellow Round Masonite Board

Black Gloss Square Cake Board

Silver Heart 3mm Cake Board

What size of cake box do I need for my cake board?

Choose a cake box the same size as your cake board. While you want your board to be wider than the cake itself, the board should fit snugly in the box. This means it won't slip or slide around inside the box while transporting. Your cake will be kept stable and secure, which is the priority!

We have a wide range of cake boxes for you to browse, so you'll always find the right fit for your next bake!

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Looking for more cake decorating tips and tricks?

How to Decorate Cake Boards and Drums

What is the Difference between Cake Boards and Drums

The Ultimate Guide to Food Colourings for Cake Decorating!