What is the difference between a sheet pan and a baking sheet?

Author: Malika Deckow  |  Last update: Monday, February 9, 2026

Quarter sheet pans are typically 9 by 13 inches (a standard size for sheet cakes), half sheet pans are 18 by 13 inches (this is the size of most pans described simply as baking sheets) and full sheet pans are 26 by 18 inches (too big to fit in many home ovens, but the standard commercial size).

Is a sheet pan the same as a baking sheet?

Rimmed baking sheets are also colloquially known as sheet pans, baking sheets, or rimmed pans. They're sometimes also called by their size; most commonly a “half sheet” or “quarter sheet.”

What is the proper name for a baking sheet?

A sheet pan, also referred to as baking tray, baking sheet, or baking pan, is a flat, rectangular metal pan placed in an oven and used for baking pastries such as bread rolls, cookies, sheet cakes, Swiss rolls, and pizzas.

Is a jelly roll pan and a cookie sheet the same thing?

Function. A jelly roll pan has one-inch rims, which makes it ideal for working with liquid batter or food that releases juices as they cook. A cookie sheet only has one raised rim (for ease of handling), so it's not great for working with liquids like the Dutch Oven is.

Can you bake in a sheet pan?

Indeed, baking sheets work well as pans for making cookies, roasting veggies, and even baking smaller foods like mini pizzas. But since baking sheets usually don't have raised corners to hold the contents in place, they might not be the best for recipes that call for deeper pans or contain liquids.

The Kitchen Tools We Use Daily: Rimmed Baking Sheets and Wire Racks

What temperature do you bake a sheet pan?

Temperatures range from 375-400°F for sheet pan meals. Depending on the vegetables and protein you've chosen, it may take anywhere from 35-45 minutes to cook thoroughly. Remember if you've chosen something you know will overcook in that period, you want to add it in later on in the cooking time.

Why do my sheet pans warp in the oven?

The metal of your sheet pan is at a cooler temperature than your hot oven. Metal expands as it heats. The large surface of your sheet pan will heat and expand faster than the short rimmed sides. This creates stress right where the flat base meets the raised lip, causing some pans to buckle or twist.

Can a cookie sheet be used as a baking sheet?

Baking sheets rolled edges with a lip around the entire pan, whereas cookie sheets do not. That makes them suitable for roasting and other savory preparations. The edges prevent any liquids that accumulate from running off the pan and into your oven.

What is the best baking sheet?

The best sheet pans
  • Best sheet pan overall: Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Half-Sheet, $30/2pack at Amazon → Read more.
  • Best nonstick sheet pan: Oxo Nonstick Pro Half-Sheet Pan, $26 at Amazon → Read more.
  • Another great nonstick sheet pan: Caraway Large Baking Sheet, $55 at Caraway → Read more.

What to use if you don't have a baking sheet?

Yes, you can use foil instead of a baking sheet. Foil is a great substitute because most baking sheets are made of aluminum. The easy cleanup is convenient too since you won't have to wash the foil.

Can you bake cookies on a sheet pan?

My Sheet pan cookies have an ultra chewy texture, thanks to their uniform thickness and the way they bake on the sheet pan. The edges become slightly crisp while the center remains soft and chewy, creating a perfect balance of textures in every bite.

What is the healthiest baking pan?

Our top picks for safest bakeware materials are:
  • Glass: Non toxic, non reactive and clear for easy viewing when baking.
  • Ceramic: Available in beautiful colors and shapes and completely nontoxic.
  • Cast Iron: Packs a boost of iron into your food and seasons to kick up your flavor profile.

Is parchment paper a baking sheet?

Baking paper – also known as bakery paper or parchment paper, as it is often called especially in the US – is greaseproof paper that is used for baking and cooking. Baking paper is the multi-purpose kitchen helper that can be used for several different applications.

Does banana bread cook faster in glass?

In fact, using glass or even ceramic baking pans for certain recipes, such as brownies or banana bread, may create adverse results! This is because they take LONGER to conduct heat. Often times the edges become overcooked before the heat has transferred enough to cook through the center.

Can aluminum foil go in the oven?

Yes, aluminum foil is ideal for oven use. Aluminum foil is safe and convenient and helps reflect heat to enable your food to cook evenly. It also withstands the highest temperatures in most home ovens, making it an excellent choice for baking and cooking.

Are brownies better in a glass or metal pan?

Most desserts like brownies, cookies, bars, and cakes bake best in a metal dish. The metal conducts heat evenly and efficiently, allowing the baked goods to heat and rise equally from edge to center, cooking at the same rate.

What is the difference between a baking sheet and a sheet pan?

A Baking Sheet—also referred to as a sheet pan—is one of the most versatile pieces of bakeware that you can own. These handy kitchen tools come in a rectangular shape, which makes them ideal for use in a standard kitchen oven.

Do I really need a baking sheet?

A rimmed baking sheet is essential for sheet cakes and handy for cookies. But if yours is flimsy or you use it only for baking, you're not getting your money's worth.

Are steel or aluminum baking sheets better?

Aluminum heats quickly and cools quickly, while steel cookie sheets take longer to heat up, but they retain heat. "Lighter-colored cookie sheets bake your cookies more efficiently," says Clemence Gossett, owner of The Gourmandise School in Santa Monica, California.

What kind of baking sheets are best?

The Best Baking Sheet
  • Top pick. Nordic Ware Naturals Baker's Half Sheet. The best baking sheet. ...
  • Runner-up. Artisan Professional Classic Aluminum Half Sheet. Similar performance, higher price. ...
  • Also great. Vollrath Wear-Ever Aluminum Cookie Sheet With Natural Finish. A pretty good rimless cookie sheet.

Is it better to bake in glass or metal?

Because metal heats up faster than glass, it contributes to a better rise and crisper, browner edges.

What is a bundt pan used for?

The Bundt® baking pan was introduced in 1950 by Nordic Ware, and these baking pans have become very popular bakeware in the home kitchen. Available in various sizes and shapes, Bundt pans can be used for cakes, muffins, cupcakes, shortcake baskets, gelled desserts or salads, and even meatloaf.

Are there baking sheets that don't warp?

We preferred baking sheets made from lower gauge uncoated aluminum or aluminized steel. They conduct heat evenly, release food easily, and are resistant to warping. If you're looking for a nonstick baking sheet, we recommend the same—our winners are made with aluminized steel and coated in a nonstick layer.

Can I put a cold baking sheet in the oven?

Baking also requires more precise control of exact time and temperatures for it all to come together, so while preheating the oven is advised, a cold baking sheet is called for.

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