2 Medium vs. Large Pizza: Which Is Bigger?

2 Medium vs. Large Pizza Which Is Bigger pin

If you are a pizza lover, you probably know the answer to this question. But if you rarely eat pizza or seldom order one for delivery, you may need a little help. Which makes the most sense — 2 medium vs large pizza?

Let’s get technical

Let's get technical.

Mathematicians state that ordering one large pizza is a better deal than ordering two medium-sized pizzas. Surprisingly, one 18-inch pizza has more pizza than two 12-inch pizzas.

Just to confirm the number of slices per pizza by size:

  • Small pizza: 8-10 inches, six slices
  • Medium pizza: 12 inches, eight slices
  • Large pizza: 14 inches, ten slices
  • Extra-large pizza: 16-18 inches, 12 slices
Pizza Size Diameter (inches) Area (in²)
Small 8-10 50 – 78
Medium 12 113
Large 14 154
Extra-Large 16-18 201 – 254

A 12-inch medium pizza is typically cut into eight slices and serves three to four people.

A 14-inch larger pizza is usually cut into eight or ten slices and typically serves three to five people.

A 16-inch extra-large pizza is cut into six to 12 slices and serves five or six people.

An 18-inch extra-large pizza is normally cut into six to 12 slices and will serve six to seven people.

Actually, 2 medium pizza is bigger than a large pizza. So rather than spending approximately $9.99 on the larger pizza, you will spend about $9.98 on two medium pizzas, which will provide an additional 46% food.

2 medium pizza is bigger than a large pizza

There is nothing better than having a nice, hot pizza for dinner. And how about game nights, sleepovers, and movie nights? Pizza is the food for these activities. Pizza lovers probably have a standard pizza order memorized for the pizza parlor of their choice. But there are some things you may not be aware of.

Pizza Ordering Hacks

To make sure you get the most for your money, here are some tips for you to follow.

1. You can get extra sauce for free

You can get extra sauce for free

While you need to pay for any additional toppings you add to your pizza; you can get extra sauce on your pie for free. Pizza restaurants with an app or a website will allow you to add it to your order for no charge.

2. Order a meal deal, then freeze the other pizza

Order a meal deal, then freeze the other pizza

Most of the large pizza chains have running specials enabling you to save money if you purchase multiple pizzas in the same order. This may not work if you have a small household. But take advantage of this deal anyway and freeze the second pizza for the next time you need to satisfy your pizza craving.

3. Order a large pizza rather than two small ones

Order a large pizza rather than two small ones

If you aren’t fussy about the toppings on your pizza, ordering a large pizza is a better deal. An expert pointed out that an 18-inch pie has more surface area than two 12-inch pies. So you will be getting more food for less money!

On the other hand, if you’re considering two small pizzas, bear in mind that even two 10-inch pies would give you less total area than a single 16-inch pie. If the prices are comparable, keep that in mind.

4. Order extra seasonings

Order extra seasonings

The pizza restaurants that add seasonings to their crust usually put it on the ends. But ask them to put it all over the crust. The extra flavor will be great.

5. Don’t forget to ask for grated cheese and red peppers

Don't forget to ask for grated cheese and red peppers

Some places have these packets setting out for free. Make sure you get all the packets you need to make your pizza even more flavorful. Some places offer seasoning packets for 25 cents, which could be used later to make an Italian dressing.

6. Order well-done pizza

Order well-done pizza

On some websites, you have the choice of ordering your pizza with a “normal bake” or “well-done.” So if you like your pizza extra crispy, order it well done.

7. Join a rewards program

Join a rewards program

You can earn points for all your pizza purchases. You can earn points towards a free pizza with every purchase, no matter how much or how little you buy on each visit.

8. Order extra pepperoncinis and more

Order extra pepperoncinis and more

One pizza chain has the edge over the others for one reason. Each pizza comes with pepperoncini on the side. You can add more of these for an additional charge. You can also purchase other sides, such as banana peppers or jalapeño peppers, which are great on a pizza!

9. Try spicing things up with garlic sauce

Try spicing things up with garlic sauce

Most pizza chains today have garlic dipping cups. Some have spicy dipping cups as well. But add a dash of hot sauce to a regular cup for an extra bit of spice.

10. Think beyond the box

Think beyond the box

Most of the major pizza chains in the country are known for their pizza. But branch out and try some of their other great menu items for a change from pizza. Some offer wings, lava cakes, and papadias which are terrific.

11. Order an uncut pizza

Order an uncut pizza

If you have a pizza cutter in your kitchen, try ordering your pizza uncut. Many pizza experts say that an uncut pizza crust does not get soggy. It may be worth trying.

12. Try different sauces

Try different sauces

The classic marinara is always everyone’s favorite sauce. But pizza chains have other options you may not be aware of. Some have creamy garlic Parmesan, buffalo sauce, barbeque, Alfredo, ranch. An entire ranch pizza? This pizza lover is not sure about that!

13. Try a different crust

Try a different crust

If you have decided to try a new pizza sauce, why not try a new crust as well? Try a stuffed crust for something different. Every cheese lover is guaranteed to find a new favorite in the stuffed crust. If you normally order a deep dish, try hand-tossed. If you typically order thin crust, try a deep dish.

Here is a video you can watch if you aren’t sure how to order a pizza.

Ordering pizza for a large group

Here are more ideas to help you decide what size pizza you need for your gathering.

  • How many people will be eating?
  • How many adults and how many children will be eating?
  • Is pizza the only item you will serve, or will you have other foods to eat?
  • Are you thinking of sending a few slices home with the guests or have enough leftovers for yourself?

Consider everyone’s appetite. If Uncle John could eat half of a medium pizza, you need to understand that one single pizza will not be enough for your gathering. While it is difficult to guess how many slices people will eat, you do not want to miscalculate either.

Perhaps a good rule of thumb may be three slices for each adult and two slices for each child as a base from which to start when estimating how many pizzas to order. If you know ahead of time, there will be major pizza appetites at your gathering, allow for one or two additional slices per person, just to be safe. If you order thin crust, or if the pizzas are on the smaller side, take that into account as well.

Here is another way to estimate the number of pizzas you will need. I am using a medium pizza size of eight slices as an example.

  • Multiply the number of people you will serve by three slices for each adult or two slices for each child.
  • Then divide this number by how many slices you expect to get from the pizza size you are ordering.
  • Using this formula, if you are serving five adults who will eat three slices of pizza, you need to order two medium pizzas.

It is also essential to consider the time of day you will be having the meal. If you plan a pizza-only lunch for two to four people, one large pie should be enough. But if you are having a Sunday sports day with chips, dips, wings, and an assortment of other finger foods to feed eight people, think about ordering two, three, or four pizzas to round out the menu, especially if the gathering is expected to last all afternoon.

Pizza purists will say that the toppings on a pizza can be a source of debate, and no one wants an argument over anchovies or mushrooms. Perhaps to avoid pizza wars in your home, have everyone give you their preference prior to ordering.

If cheese, pepperoni, and sausage are all you have to work with for feeding three people, then one pizza should be plenty. You could also divide a large pizza into one-third plain pepperoni, one-third cheese, and one-third sausage.

Don’t forget about those who only want plain cheese pizza. If you are ordering multiple pizzas for your group, don’t forget about them. Children especially love cheese pizza.

For family gatherings and parties with twelve or more people, consider ordering multiple pizzas of the largest size they offer, bearing in mind that each 18-inch pizza serves about seven to eight people. While an extra-large pizza will cost more than a medium, the cost per slice will be less than pizzas of a smaller size. The result will be a lower total cost for your order.

Make sure you order enough for planned leftovers. Can anything top a slice of cold pizza for breakfast the next morning?

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