How to Measure a Skillet

Most people have one skillet that they use for almost everything that gets cooked on the stovetop. The size of that skillet usually does not matter until you want to make a recipe like this frittata recipe which calls for a 10-inch skillet. Suddenly, skillet size matters because the amount of ingredients and the cooking time are tailored to that specific skillet size.

Your skillet may seem the right size but you don’t know until you measure it. Doing that sounds easy enough but there is a correct way to measure a skillet. We asked experts to explain how it’s done.

How to Measure Skillet Size

Occasionally you’ll get lucky and the skillet size will be stamped on the bottom of the pan. When your pan isn’t clearly labeled and you need to know how to measure a skillet, Kristin Billingsley, Senior Director of Product Management at Meyer Corp. says to follow “the industry standard and 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 or tape measure 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.

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:

• Small skillet = 6 inches
• Medium skillet = 8 inches
• Large skillet = 10 inches
• Extra-large skillet = 12 inches

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 and 12-inch skillets. I would consider both of these skillets large. Extra-large would be anything north of 12 inches,” Stubblefield says.

Why Skillet Sizes Matter

“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 don’t already keep a tape measure in your kitchen for tasks like measuring a skillet and rolling out dough, it’s about time to get one.