A half catering tray is about 12.75 x 10.38 inches, 2.5 to 4 inches deep.
If you have ever asked what size is a half tray of food, you’re not alone. I plan events, teach food service teams, and stock chafer lines often. In this guide, I’ll break down what size is a half tray of food, how much it holds, how many people it feeds, and how to order with confidence. You’ll get clear numbers, real examples, and pro tips you can use today.
What a “half tray” means in catering and restaurants
Most caterers and restaurants follow standard steam table pan sizes. A half tray is the half-size hotel pan used in chafers and warming racks. It is the workhorse for pasta, rice, salad, and proteins.
Here is the standard you will see:
- Dimensions. About 12.75 inches long by 10.38 inches wide at the top rim.
- Depths. Common depths are 2.5 inches, 4 inches, and 6 inches.
- Materials. Stainless steel hotel pans or disposable aluminum foil pans mirror the same size.
- Compatibility. Fits in full-size chafers two across, or in hot holding units.
Small variations exist by brand. Foil half trays may range from 12.5 to 13 inches by 10 to 10.5 inches. The point is fit, not perfection. If you are searching what size is a half tray of food, this is the size 99% of caterers mean.
Exact dimensions, depths, and how much a half tray holds
Let’s pin down what size is a half tray of food in practical terms. Depth drives capacity, so match the depth to your crowd.
- Half tray, 2.5 inches deep. Holds about 4.5 to 6 quarts. Great for sides, salads, or lighter mains.
- Half tray, 4 inches deep. Holds about 7 to 9 quarts. Ideal for hearty mains like baked ziti or pulled pork.
- Half tray, 6 inches deep. Holds about 10 to 12 quarts. Best for big crowds, stews, or rice dishes.
Weight varies by recipe. As a rule of thumb, 1 quart of most cooked foods weighs 1.5 to 2 pounds. That means a 4-inch half tray can weigh 12 to 18 pounds when full. Plan your transport and table strength.
When clients ask me what size is a half tray of food, I also check oven and fridge space. A standard home oven cannot hold a half tray lengthwise on the rack if handles are attached. Foil pans fit better than rigid steel pans at home.
How many people does a half tray feed?
Serving size matters. So does depth.
- 2.5-inch half tray. Feeds about 10 to 12 as a side. Feeds 6 to 8 as a main.
- 4-inch half tray. Feeds about 15 to 20 as a side. Feeds 8 to 12 as a main.
- 6-inch half tray. Feeds about 20 to 25 as a side. Feeds 12 to 15 as a main.
These are safe planning ranges for mixed menus. If your crowd skews hungry, size up. If you serve many options, size down a bit. I still ask guests two simple questions: How many total dishes? How many kids? This keeps portions real, and it keeps the answer to what size is a half tray of food aligned with your exact event.
Half tray vs half sheet pan vs casserole dish
“Tray” can mean different tools. Do not mix them up.
- Half tray, hotel pan. About 12.75 x 10.38 inches. Depth 2.5, 4, 6 inches.
- Half sheet pan, baking. About 13 x 18 inches. Very shallow, about 1 inch deep.
- 9 x 13 casserole dish. Glass or ceramic. Close in footprint to a half tray, but curved edges and less rim space.
If your bakery tells you half tray, they may mean a half sheet pan. If your caterer says half tray, they almost always mean the hotel pan. When clarity counts, ask them what size is a half tray of food in inches and depth. That removes all guesswork.
Ordering, packing, and transport tips from real events
I have loaded hundreds of half trays into cars and chafer lines. Small moves make big wins.
- Order the right depth. Saucy mains love 4 inches. Delicate sides prefer 2.5 inches.
- Double-pan hot foods. Place a foil half tray inside a sturdy one for support.
- Use tight-fitting lids. Heat stays in, spills stay out.
- Label every tray. Dish name, allergens, and reheat notes on blue painter’s tape.
- Stagger timing. Prep cold trays a day ahead. Fire hot trays close to service.
When clients ask what size is a half tray of food for transport, I recommend 4-inch for big events. It holds more, stacks better, and keeps shape during the drive.
Portion planning by dish type
Here is a quick planner I use on walk-throughs.
- Baked ziti or mac and cheese, 4-inch half tray. About 8 to 12 mains. About 15 to 18 sides.
- Pulled pork or shredded chicken, 4-inch half tray. About 8 to 10 mains on buns. Add more if no sides.
- Rice or grains, 2.5-inch half tray. About 18 to 22 side portions at 4 ounces each.
- Green salad, 2.5-inch half tray. About 12 to 16 side salads, dressed lightly just before service.
- Roasted vegetables, 4-inch half tray. About 15 to 18 sides. Roast on sheet pans first, then transfer.
Each kitchen is different. If you wonder what size is a half tray of food for hearty teens after a game, go 4-inch and add bread. For a light brunch with many dishes, 2.5-inch works.
How to measure a half tray you already have
Not sure what you own? Measure it fast.
- Measure the top rim length and width in inches.
- Measure the depth from the inside bottom to the top rim.
- Fill with water using a 1-quart pitcher to learn true capacity.
- Note handle style. Some add length and affect oven fit.
Write the numbers on the pan with a marker. Next time someone asks what size is a half tray of food, you will have the exact answer from your own gear.
Food safety and holding temps
Food safety is non-negotiable. Keep hot foods at 135°F or higher. Keep cold foods at 41°F or lower. Use chafers with water in the pan. Add lids between serves. Stir every 20 minutes for even heat.
For travel, preheat or prechill the half tray. Pack in insulated carriers. Check temps on arrival and before service. This matters more than what size is a half tray of food because safe food beats big food every time.
Frequently Asked Questions of what size is a half tray of food
What size is a half tray of food in inches?
A half tray is about 12.75 x 10.38 inches at the top rim. Depths are 2.5, 4, or 6 inches.
How many people does a half tray feed?
A 2.5-inch tray feeds 10 to 12 as a side, 6 to 8 as a main. A 4-inch tray feeds 15 to 20 as a side, 8 to 12 as a main.
Is a half tray the same as a half sheet pan?
No. A half sheet pan is about 13 x 18 inches and only 1 inch deep. A half tray is smaller but deeper for holding cooked food in chafers.
How much does a 4-inch half tray hold in quarts?
It holds about 7 to 9 quarts, depending on brand and wall shape. Always allow headspace for stirring and lids.
Will a half tray fit in a home oven?
Foil half trays often fit, but handles and racks can limit space. Measure your oven and the tray before you load a heavy dish.
What size is a half tray of food for pasta?
For pasta as a main, choose a 4-inch half tray. It serves about 8 to 12 people with sauce mixed in.
Are foil half trays the same size as steel pans?
They are very close, with small rim differences. Most foil half trays fit standard chafer frames and lids.
Conclusion
You now know what size is a half tray of food, how deep it runs, how much it holds, and how many it feeds. With the right depth, smart packing, and safe temps, your trays will look sharp and serve well. Put this guide to work on your next menu, and plan with calm, not guesswork.
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