Pizza Box Sizes and Dimensions: Small, Medium, Large and Frozen

Pizza boxes are sized by the pizza they hold. The standard sizes are 10 inches (small), 12 inches (medium), 14 inches (large) and 16 inches (extra large), with 8-inch personal boxes and 18-inch XXL boxes at either end. Most are about 1.5 to 2 inches deep. Frozen pizza boxes are a different product: retail cartons are usually around 11 to 13 inches square and only 1 to 2 inches deep.

Here’s the full chart, plus what to know if you’re ordering boxes for a pizzeria or a frozen pizza brand.

Pizza box size chart

The inside of the box matches the pizza size; the outside is a little larger because of the board thickness. Sizes vary slightly between pizzerias and suppliers, so measure your pans and finished pizzas before ordering.

Pizza box depth

Depth matters more than people expect. Too shallow and toppings stick to the lid; too deep and the pizza slides around and cools faster.

Frozen pizza box sizes

Frozen pizza boxes are folding cartons designed for supermarket freezers rather than hot delivery. They’re usually made from paperboard with a moisture-resistant coating, and the pizza is often shrink-wrapped inside.

Frozen boxes are also designed around freezer shelves and shipping cases, so retailers sometimes specify exact outer dimensions. Check with your buyer before finalizing a size. See our custom frozen pizza boxes for options.

Other pizza box styles

• Octagon boxes: corners cut off for a stronger, rounder box that uses less board. See our octagon pizza box.
• Rectangular boxes: for Detroit, Sicilian and sheet pizzas, often 8 x 10 or 10 x 14 inches. See Detroit-style pizza boxes.
• Slice boxes: triangle or clamshell boxes for single slices. See our pizza slice boxes.
• Mini boxes: for kids’ meals, sampling and personal pizzas. See mini pizza boxes.

What are pizza boxes made of?

Delivery boxes are almost always corrugated cardboard, because the fluted layer insulates and stiffens the box.

• E flute (about 1/16 inch): thinner, prints nicely, good for smaller pizzas
• B flute (about 1/8 inch): stronger and better insulated, good for large pizzas and stacking

Most pizzerias choose a white or kraft outer liner, with a food-safe, grease-resistant inside surface. Small vent holes let steam escape so the crust doesn’t go soggy. For more on board thickness, see how thick is cardboard.

How to choose the right pizza box size

1. Measure the finished pizza, not the dough ball or pan. Pizzas spread during baking.
2. Allow a small gap, about 1/4 inch, so the pizza goes in and out easily.
3. Choose depth by crust and toppings, using the depth table above.
4. Keep the number of sizes manageable. Most shops need three or four sizes.
5. Think about stacking. Delivery bags and ovens limit how many boxes you can stack.
6. Order samples before a big run, and test them with real pizzas.

Pizza box sizes and printing

Larger boxes give you more space for branding. Many pizzerias print a logo and phone number on the lid and use one or two colors to keep costs down. Full-color prints, menus inside the lid and QR codes for reordering are also popular. If you’re deciding how to print, read offset vs digital printing.

Custom pizza boxes from Apexio

We make custom pizza boxes in every standard size and custom sizes, in E or B flute corrugated with food-safe inks. With no minimum order, you can test a new size or design before ordering in bulk. And if your customers ask how to keep pizza hot, point them to our guide on keeping pizza warm in the oven.

Frequently asked questions