A skillet is your go-to pan for frying, searing, and sautéing. These pans come in a wide range of sizes and each can be used to cook up something different – from a personal dessert to a full traditional breakfast, and many things in between. We’ll break down the most common skillet dimensions and sizes to help you choose the right pieces for your cookware lineup.

Tip!

Not sure exactly what a skillet is? Brush up on your cookware basics with our handy guide: What Is a Skillet? Find the Skillet That Suits Your Needs.

Skillet Dimensions

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When choosing a skillet you’ll want to consider a few different dimensions. These skillet sizes will help determine things like what you can cook and where you can store it. Here are some important measurements:

• Diameter: The diameter of a skillet is the measurement across the cooking surface of the pan. Average skillet diameters range from 8" – 14", although you can find smaller or bigger specialty skillets. We’ll break down the possible uses for different sized skillets below.
• Height: A skillet’s height refers to the wall height of the outside rim of the skillet. Typical skillet heights range from 1.5" – 3" high. Skillets with a shorter wall height are great for frying eggs, bacon, or sautéing vegetables or meat. If you’re cooking something with a larger volume, like a stir-fry or a recipe with a lot of sauce or liquid, a taller skillet will do a better job of keeping everything contained.
• Handle Length: The length of the handle depends on the size of the skillet itself, but they typically range from 7.5" – 9". Skillets with a larger diameter will typically have a longer handle to help distribute the weight more easily to assist with lifting the pan.

Skillet Sizes

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Mini (Under 6")

Mini skillets are used for personal servings and can be used as serveware to enhance the presentation of a meal. Fry a single egg or mini omelette with this tiny skillet for a perfectly round single serving. Use a cast-iron skillet to make a decadent personal dessert, like a mini cast-iron cookie or brownie.

Tip!

Wow your guests by serving each a personal cast-iron skillet dessert after dinner. Some of our favorite mini cast-iron desserts include cookies, brownies, peach cobblers. Don’t forget that the cast iron will be very hot when it comes out of the oven!

Small (6" – 9")

These skillets can be used to cook a single serving or a small amount of food, but aren’t typically used for presentation like mini skillets are. You can cook small pancakes, a couple of eggs, or a single grilled cheese in a small skillet. Small skillets are also great for toasting nuts or spices for a recipe.

Medium (10" – 12")

Medium-sized skillets are best used when cooking a meal for 3–4 people. This size skillet can cook multiple pieces of meat at a time or a side of vegetables that can serve a small group. These skillets are also great for cooking larger pancakes or frying eggs and bacon in the same skillet.

Large (13" – 15")

Large skillets are best for cooking a generously sized family meal – they’re also ideal for cooking one-pan meals like shrimp scampi or stir fry. Choose one with higher walls to avoid sauces and solids from going over the sides. This size skillet is perfect for cooking dinner for small to medium gatherings.

Extra Large (16" & Up)

Extra-large skillets can cook a lot of food at once, making them ideal for meal prepping, serving a lot of guests, or cooking specialty recipes like a paella. If you have an extra-large cast-iron skillet, you can take it from the stove top to the oven, making it the perfect pan for casseroles or pot pies. These skillets will be heavier and often have a handle on both sides to help you lift it safely.

Tip!

Now that you know all about skillet sizes check out our favorite picks: The Best Skillets to Level Up Your Cooking Skills.

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