How full should I fill a cake tin?

As a general rule, fill a cake tin no more than two-thirds full. This allows room for the cake to rise without overflowing. The usable volume shown by this calculator is based on this two-thirds guideline.

Why is volume important for cake baking?

Knowing the volume tells you how much batter a tin can hold, which is essential when scaling recipes or substituting one tin for another. If your batter exceeds the usable volume, you risk overflow in the oven.

How do I measure my cake tin?

Measure the inside dimensions. For round tins, measure across the top from one inside edge to the other (the diameter). For depth, measure from the base to the top rim on the inside. Don't include any lip or rim overhang.

Can I convert the volume to cups?

Yes. 1 litre equals approximately 4.2 US cups or 4 UK metric cups (250ml each). So a 2-litre tin holds about 8 metric cups of batter.

What size tin should I use for a standard Victoria sponge?

A classic Victoria sponge uses two 20cm (8 inch) round sandwich tins, each about 4cm deep. The total volume needed is roughly 2.5 litres split between both tins. For a single deeper cake, a 20cm tin at least 7cm deep would be needed.

BakeCalcs

Cake Tin Volume Calculator

Calculate the volume of round, square, and rectangular cake tins in litres.

Tin Shape

Diameter

Depth

How We Calculate This

The calculator determines the volume of your tin by multiplying the base area by the depth. The result is given in cubic centimetres and converted to litres (1 litre = 1,000 cm³).

Volume Formulas

Round: Volume = π × (diameter ÷ 2)² × depth
Square: Volume = side² × depth
Rectangular: Volume = length × width × depth

Usable Volume

Usable volume is calculated as two-thirds of the total volume
This accounts for the rise during baking

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are based on standard ratios and conversions. Results may vary with specific ingredients, equipment, and conditions.