How many slices in a pie?
A 9 inch pie is usually cut into 8 slices, and an 8 inch pie into 6 — the cuts the Clay County, Minnesota quantity table uses (7 pies of 9 in, or 8 of 8 in, for 50 guests). Cut thin for a dessert buffet, a 9 in pie gives 10.
How to work it out
- 8 adults × 1 slices × 1 extra = 8 slices
- 8 slices ÷ 8 per pie ÷ 1 kinds = 1, rounded up = 1 pie of each → 1 pie
The slice count is a cutting choice, but quantity-cooking tables settle on 8 for a standard 9 inch pie. That is the number to plan with — and the one to adjust if your crowd likes slivers or wedges.
Adjust for your project
More options: Kids · Extra
- Of each kind
- 1 pie
- Slices needed (incl. extra)
- 8 slices
- Spare slices
- 0 slices
- Cream, custard and pumpkin pies are perishable: keep them in the fridge until serving and do not leave them out more than 2 hours.
Pies by number of guests (slices, cut and kinds as above)
| Guests | Pies | Of each kind | Spare slices |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 1 pie | 1 pie | 0 slices |
| 12 | 2 pies | 2 pies | 4 slices |
| 16 | 2 pies | 2 pies | 0 slices |
| 20 | 3 pies | 3 pies | 4 slices |
| 30 | 4 pies | 4 pies | 2 slices |
| 50 | 7 pies | 7 pies | 6 slices |
| 100 | 13 pies | 13 pies | 4 slices |
Slices by pie size
| Pie | Usual slices | Serves (one slice each) | Pies for 50 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 in | 6 | 6 | 8 (Clay County table) |
| 9 in | 8 | 8 | 7 (Clay County table) |
| 9 in, thin slices | 10 | 10 | 5 to 6 |
| 10 in or deep dish | 10 to 12 | 10 to 12 | 5 |
A slice of a 9 in pie cut in 8 is a standard dessert portion. At a holiday with several pies, many hosts cut into 10 so guests can try two kinds; at a pie social or bake sale, 6 big wedges is normal. Deep-dish and 10 in pies go further — 10 to 12 slices — because each slice is taller or wider.
Cutting tips
- Cut cold for custard and cream pies; the slices hold their shape.
- Mark first: score the top into halves, quarters and eighths before cutting through.
- Wipe the knife between cuts for clean slices.
For a whole party, see how many pies for 20 people. Cake instead? How many servings in an 8 inch round cake. The holiday timeline is in the Thanksgiving dinner planner.
Different size? Use the full Pie Calculator.
What you’ll need
- Heavy-duty paper plates (bulk)Budget price
Sturdy plates that do not fold under a scoop of baked beans. Get small ones too for dessert.
See options on Amazon (opens in a new tab) - Plastic cutlery set (bulk)Budget price
Heavyweight forks that will cut brisket and ham. Pre-rolled sets with a napkin speed up a buffet line.
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Frequently asked questions
How many slices in an 8 inch pie?
Usually 6 — the Clay County table plans 1/6 of an 8 in pie per serving.
How many pies for 50 people?
7 pies of 9 in, cut in 8, at one slice each — the Clay County table’s figure.
How many pies for 10 people?
2 pies of 9 in at one slice each with 10% extra.
Other common sizes
- How many pies for 20 people — 6 pies
Sources
- Clay County, Minnesota — Amounts of food to serve fifty (cooking for large groups) (opens in a new tab) — Quantity table for 50 servings, built on a 3 oz cooked meat serving; sides, rolls, desserts, punch and lemonade.