A dinner plate is typically 26–28 cm, a lunch plate 20–22 cm and a side plate (cake/dessert) 15–19 cm. A deep plate for soup and pasta is often 22–24 cm. Choose sizes that suit your cupboard space and the food you serve most often – and stick to the same series if you want a calm, cohesive table.
Whether you're buying a new dinner set – or just want to get to grips with what you already have – plate sizes are easier to understand than they look. Most plates fall into a few fixed categories, and once you know the measurements, it's easy to set a table that looks harmonious and suits the food. Here are the typical measurements and a simple guide to choosing right.
Dinner plate
The dinner plate is the workhorse of the table and is used for the main course. It typically measures 26–28 cm in diameter – big enough for meat, potatoes and veg without it all running together. If you like serving beautifully plated dishes, a slightly larger plate can give the food some breathing room, making it look more inviting.
Lunch plate
The lunch plate is the smaller version at 20–22 cm. It's perfect for open sandwiches, lunch, starters and lighter dishes – and it also works well as an extra "layered" plate on top of the dinner plate for festive occasions.
Deep plate
The deep plate is used for soup, pasta and anything with sauce. It's often 22–24 cm wide with a clear hollow. Many modern series instead make a deep bowl with a flat rim, which does the same job while looking elegant on the table.
Side plate & cake plate
A side plate is the small plate at 15–19 cm that you use for dessert, cake, cheese or a small starter. Cake plates come in the same size. They take up little space in the cupboard and are easy to have several of – and they're perfect when the table needs to be set festively with multiple sizes per place setting.
Tip: Always measure the plate across its widest point, including the rim. The manufacturer's measurement is the diameter – not the inner surface you plate food on.
Overview of sizes
| Plate | Typical diameter | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Dinner plate | 26–28 cm | Main course |
| Lunch plate | 20–22 cm | Lunch, starter, open sandwiches |
| Deep plate | 22–24 cm | Soup, pasta, sauce dishes |
| Side plate / cake plate | 15–19 cm | Dessert, cake, cheese |
The measurements are a guide and vary slightly between brands and ranges. Always check the manufacturer's measurements if space in the cupboard is tight.
How to choose
Start with what you eat most often: if you make a lot of pasta and soup, prioritise deep plates; if you host a lot of dinners, several dinner and lunch plates are worth their weight in gold. Choose a base set in one colour or range, and spice things up with a few colourful or handmade plates for decoration. That way you get a table that's both practical and full of personality.
Tip: If you want to mix colours and patterns without it looking chaotic, keep the shape and size the same and let only the colour vary. That ties the table together.
Frequently asked questions
How big is a dinner plate?
A dinner plate is typically 26–28 cm in diameter and is used for the main course.
How big is a lunch plate?
A lunch plate usually measures 20–22 cm and is used for lunch, starters and open sandwiches.
What is a side plate?
A side plate is a small plate of 15–19 cm for dessert, cake, cheese or a small starter.
How big is a deep plate?
A deep plate is often 22–24 cm wide and is used for soup, pasta and dishes with sauce.
How do you measure a plate?
Measure across the widest point, including the rim. That's the diameter the manufacturer states.
Summary
Dinner plate 26–28 cm, lunch plate 20–22 cm, deep plate 22–24 cm and side plate 15–19 cm – these are the sizes you'll come across time and again. Choose based on the food you serve most often, stick to one range as your base, and play with colours in the same shape. Then you'll have a table that's both functional and beautiful.
Read also
- How big are lunch plates?
- The difference between a platter and a bowl
- Table setting: how to lay a beautiful table
Find your new dinnerware set among our plates – from calm classics to colourful favourites.
