Is One Large Pizza REALLY Bigger Than Two Mediums? (2024)

It sounds enticing to buy two medium pizzas at a discount, but you knead to know the math.

You’ve seen countless deals from the best pizza chains—like two medium pizzas for $5.99 each. If a large pizza is $11.99, the two medium pizzas definitely sound better. But have we been taken in by clever marketing when it comes to two medium pizzas vs. one large? This viral Reddit post has the internet convinced that one large pizza is better than two mediums, but it assumes that a large pizza is an 18-in. pie. That doesn’t sound right—so we researched standard pizza sizes and did the math.

See what your pizza delivery person isn’t telling you.

Is One Large Pizza REALLY Bigger Than Two Mediums? (1)taste of home

2 Mediums vs. 1 Large: Here’s the Math

The standard medium pizza is usually a 12-in. circle, whereas a standard large pizza is a 14-in. circle. It seems like you’ll have nearly twice as much pizza for roughly the same price if you order two mediums.

Let’s do the math before your next movie night to confirm.

A 12-in. medium pizza is traditionally cut into eight slices and serves two people. A 14-in. large pizza is cut into eight slices and will serve two or three people. You’re going to have way more pizza with two 12-in. mediums! But don’t take our word for it—let’s take a look at a standard equation from our grade school days.

The calculation to determine the area of a circle is πr², where ‘r’ represents the radius (half of the diameter).

To calculate the area of one large 14-in. pizza:

First, find the radius: 14-in. divided by 2 is 7.

Then, 7² is 49. 49 x π is 154-in². of pizza.

To calculate the area of two medium 12-in. pizzas:

First, find the radius: 12-in. divided by 2 is 6.

Then, 6² is 36. 36 x π is 113-in²., multiplied by two for a total of 226-in.² of pizza.

There’s no denying the numbers! The math proves that you get more overall surface area of pizza with two 12-in. mediums than one 14-in. large pie.

Does the Math Always Work?

The standard size for most pizza chains is a 12-in. medium and a 14-in large. But some chains may have a 16-in. or 18-in. large size. If you can order an 18-in. pizza for the price of two medium pizzas, that’s going to be a better deal. And keep in mind, if you’re ordering a rectangular regional pizza style, that might throw off the math.

Don’t miss our guide to the best pizza in every state!

Faster-Than-Delivery Pizza Recipes

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Buffalo Chicken PizzaBuffalo chicken fans appreciate the spicy saucy tenders any way they can get 'em—in a basket, in a pasta bake and especially piled high on a slice of pizza with melty mozz. Serve with blue cheese dressing and crisp celery, just like the tasty original.

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Pizza MargheritaNo homemade pizza collection would be complete without the popular Margherita! Named for Queen Margherita of Italy, this pretty pie shows off the colors of the Italian flag with red tomatoes, white mozzarella and fresh green basil. You'll be glad the recipe makes not one but two 13-inch pizzas!

Deep-Dish Sausage PizzaCan't make it to Chicago for authentic deep-dish style pies? Meet the next best thing. This wonderful pizza, hot from the oven, is covered with cheese and has fragrant herbs tucked in the crust.

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Spinach-Pesto White PizzaTrying to get kids to eat their greens isn't always the easiest, but this white pizza sneaks a healthy dose of spinach under a blanket of cheese, alongside chicken and bacon strips. They'll never know it's there, but they will devour it.

Steak & Blue Cheese PizzaThis one's for the meat lovers. Even steakhouse naysayers won't be able to resist the charms of this pizza layered with sliced sirloin, blue cheese crumbles and caramelized onions.

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Bacon-Chicken Club PizzaMeatball subs, eggplant parm sliders, bacon-chicken clubs...turn your favorite sandwich ingredients into the perfect pizza with a crispy crust and a drizzle of dressing.

Brunch PizzaPizza works for all meals in our book—including brunch. What could be a better midmorning meal than scrambled eggs, sausage crumbles, hash browns and cheddar cheese all baked together on crescent roll squares? All you'll need to do is add mimosas!

Creole Shrimp PizzaFor a Big Easy spin on pizza night, jazz up your pies with Creole-seasoned shrimp and peppers, plus an ample douse of Louisiana-style hot sauce.

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Thai Peanut Naan PizzasIf you love Thai food but want to switch up the pad thai takeout monotony, naan-style pizzas are the way to go. A ginger-peanut sauce, fresh veggies, a sprinkle of cilantro and a spicy squiggle of Sriracha make these fluffy slices come together in less than 25 minutes.

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Chicken Cordon Bleu PizzaJust when you thought you'd seen every pizza recipe remix there is, chicken cordon bleu pizza comes along. The best part is that it's way simpler than the fancy French dish and can be made with refrigerated pizza crust, cubed ham, breaded chicken nuggets and jarred Alfredo sauce (you can save leftovers for more recipes that start with a jar of Alfredo sauce).

Grilled Eggplant Pita PizzasJust like naan and crescent rolls, pita bread makes an excellent vehicle for pizzas, especially when paired with smoky charred eggplant, sweet red peppers and briny olives. If don't have a grill wok or basket for this recipe, use a disposable foil pan.

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Pizza Monkey BreadThis cheesy pizza monkey bread is a kid-friendly favorite at parties with a marinara dipping sauce in the center. If you're making it for a festive occasion, give this dish a red-and-green twist with a bowl of homemade pesto.

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Meatball PizzaWith a bag of frozen meatballs, a pre-baked crust and a can of pizza sauce, you can be digging into a hearty pie in 25 minutes. This recipe employs shredded mozzarella, cheddar and grated Parmesan, but feel free to use whatever cheese you have in the fridge.

Pepperoni Pizza LoafThis savory stromboli starts with frozen bread dough, so it comes together in practically no time. The golden loaf is then stuffed with cheese, pepperoni, mushrooms, peppers and olives, but you could also add a few slices of ham or prosciutto.

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Grilled Sausage-Basil PizzasIf you love the herbaceous notes of basil with Italian sausage then you'll love these flatbread pizzas. Use naan or pita bread as the base, let everybody go crazy with the toppings, then grill 'em up for a change of pace from classic cookout fare.

Grilled Flatbread Veggie PizzaVeggie pizzas with prepared pesto, sliced tomatoes and ooey-gooey cheese is a fuss-free dinner for any day of the week. We used mushrooms, peppers and spinach for this variation, but the options are limitless.

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Chili Dog PizzaWhy separate your kids' favorite food groups when they pair perfectly on pizza? This mash-up with hot dogs and chili is a brilliant way to use up leftovers after game day.

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Mini Zucchini PizzasFor a low-carb alternative to satisfy pizza cravings, try these mini zucchini pizzas, which are broiled until crisp-tender, around one to two minutes per side. This tried-and-true technique also works well with portobello mushroom caps.

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Game-Night Nacho PizzaSome like it hot with jalapenos; others like it cool with a dollop of sour cream. But one thing's for sure: This is "nacho" ordinary pizza night. Here are some more nacho recipes you'll love for game nights.

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Mini Pizza CupsAnything in mini form is a win when it comes to party food, and these mini pizza cups are no exception. Bonus: They can be served hot or cold and their small size makes them ideal for an after-school snack or a lunchbox treat.

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Cheeseburger PizzaFor those nights when you can't decide between pizza or burgers, go for both. Brushing the edges of the pizza crust with melted butter and sprinkling sesame seeds over top prior to baking really gives the pizza the classic cheeseburger look.

Thanksgiving Lover’s PizzaYou weren't going to make another turkey sammie, were you? Thanksgiving leftovers deserve more love and this is one inspired way to get creative. Spread cranberry sauce around the crust; add dollops of mashed potatoes on top; drizzle with turkey gravy; sprinkle with stuffing and watch everyone reach for seconds and thirds.

Arugula PizzaAn elevated take on the salad pizza, arugula pizza with prosciutto has that sophisticated gourmet touch, and it's healthy, too! If you really want to get fancy, add a few zigzags of balsamic glaze over the top for a sweet finish.

Apple Crisp PizzaGet all the fall feels in pizza form. Cinnamon-sugar apples are baked until tender on a flat crust, then dressed with a caramel topping and ice cream for the ultimate indulgence. If you have to cut your apples ahead of time, brush them with lemon-lime soda to keep them from browning.

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Pizza on a StickEverything can be skewered—including pizza. Sausage, pepperoni, veggies and pizza dough combine for deliciousness in these cute kabobs that little hands will love making and eating.

Pizza CapreseIf you love a Caprese salad with a side of bread, then this pizza Caprese with heirloom tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and high-quality extra virgin olive oil will be right up your alley. You could also swap fresh mozzarella for burrata.

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Speedy Shrimp FlatbreadsAll you need to create a quick pescatarian pizza in 15 minutes is peeled, deveined and cooked shrimp; oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes; garlic and herb spreadable cheese; basil and the flatbread of your choosing. You'll defintely want to serve this beauty when guests are over.

Copycat Little Caesar’s Pretzel Crust PizzaCopycat recipes have reached cult status for a reason and this pretzel crust pizza tastes just like the Little Caesar's legend that sadly is no longer available. While Little Caesar's doesn't share their recipe, we feel this dupe comes pretty close, thanks to the characteristically dark, salty exterior you look for in a delicious soft pretzel.

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Sloppy Joe PizzaSloppy joe enthusiasts will love this pizza. The six-ingredient recipe is easy to assemble, and if you're feeling ambitious, you could even make your own homemade sloppy joe sauce.

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Turkey Alfredo PizzaThis thin-crust pizza is both tasty and nutritious and an excellent way to use up leftover turkey. It's bound to become a family favorite, especially if your crew loves Alfredo sauce.

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Santa Fe Chicken Pizza PieGive your pie a southwest twist when you slather on taco sauce and top it with black beans, green chiles and kicked-up chicken strips.

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Cheese Crust PizzaString cheese is the secret to success for this popular stuffed crust pizza recipe, as is prebaking the crust before you add the toppings to ensure the cheese melts completely. Looking for the best cheese to stuff the crust with? These are the best string cheese brands we tried.

Grilled Tomato PizzasWhen it's summer and peak tomato season, get your big reds, striped zebras and juicy heirlooms in formation to make this grilled tomato pizza. Paired with a tangy balsamic glaze, it deserves a chef's kiss.

Baked Potato PizzaNeed a crowd-pleasing app for your game day watch parties? This baked potato pizza—loaded with sour cream, bacon, onions and cheese—is up for the challenge.

Shrimp & Crab PizzaSeafood-forward slices are piled high with shellfish, veggies, Alfredo sauce and all the cheese. You may want to fire a few of these pies because they're bound to go fast.

Grilled Greek Pita PizzasThis easy flatbread pizza captures classic Mediterranean flavors in every bite. It works equally well as a speedy main dish or an appetizer and if you have extra ingredients afterward, you can turn them into Greek-style gyro pita pockets the next day.

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Pull Apart PizzaThis is one of those recipes that's sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. If you've had pull-apart breads before, you know this pizza version will be a crowd pleaser. You can use refrigerated breadstick dough or pizza dough along with regular pepperoni or turkey pepperoni.

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Cheese & Mushroom Skillet PizzaAn Italian skillet toss is an awesome way to use up extra spaghetti sauce at the end of the week and it fits the bill for Friday pizza night. Here's how to clean your cast iron skillet once the pizza is done.

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Chicken Parmesan PizzaQuick and easy to prep, chicken parm pizza is a winner even with picky eaters. It's a handy option for a family dinner on a busy night or for the center of the table at a kids' party.

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Artichoke Chicken Pesto PizzaA lightened-up version of spinach artichoke dip with cubed cooked chicken, nutty pesto and a mix of cheeses make this one perfect pizza pie. If you're trying to cut back on carbs, try a cauliflower crust or keto-friendly crust.

Sicilian Pizza (Sfincione)Sfincia, which means sponge, is one of the most popular street foods in Italy, where these Sicilian squares are covered with crispy breadcrumbs, grated cheese and fresh basil. If you're opposed to the anchovies in this recipe, feel free to leave them out.

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Crazy Crust PizzaWhat exactly is in a crazy crust, you ask? A batter made from flour, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, eggs and milk, then poured into a pizza pan to bake with beef, onions and mushrooms on top. This crust doesn't call for yeast so it's a great option when you don't have any packets left in the pantry.

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Low-Carb Pizza RollsLove pizza but not the calories and carbs? These low-carb stuffed pizza rolls allow you to stick to a keto and paleo lifestyle without missing out on your favorite foods. Mix and match the toppings to suit any tastes for vegetarian, Hawaiian or meat lovers.

Spicy Chicken Pumpkin PizzaThere are some amazing pumpkin recipes out there, but not a lot of them are in pizza form! Think pizza and pumpkin can't go together? This chicken pumpkin pizza will change your mind. The sweetness of the pumpkin paired with the spice of the chipotle peppers makes for a delicious, balanced sauce.

Cashew Chicken PizzaCraving Chinese takeout and pizza? Put down the takeout apps and try this quick cashew chicken pizza. Shortcut ingredients like premade pizza crust and rotisserie chicken cut down on time in the kitchen and a hoisin chili garlic sauce packs a big umami punch.

Chicken Florentine PizzaChicken Florentine is a classic French dish starring spinach and chicken—and dare we say, it's even better as a pizza! This version involves ricotta cheese instead of mornay sauce, but one taste and you won't miss the traditional sauce one bit.

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Portobello PizzasPortobello mushroom caps are the creative "crust" in this upscale spin on pizza. You can also cut the caps into wedges and serve them as an appetizer.

Cheesy Summer Squash FlatbreadsHave a big supply of squash? Use it to make a meatless meal with Mediterranean style. These flatbreads smothered with squash, hummus and mozzarella deliver the goods.

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Sausage and Hashbrown Breakfast PizzaPizza for breakfast? Kids of all ages will love making—and munching on—this hearty meal-in-one made with convenient crescent rolls and frozen hash browns. It's even great for camping!

Lunch Box PizzasWhen you have these fun-to-make mini pizzas, it's no challenge finding lunch fare that the kids enjoy. Plus they pack nicely in sandwich bags and travel well, so there's no mess.

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Peppery Pizza LoavesThese pizza loaves have a handful of sliced jalapenos for a little kick, chopped green onions, mushrooms and a cheesy beefy topping. Pro tip: Freeze two halves in foil to enjoy later.

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Skillet PizzaAnyone who likes pizza, has kids or just wants a quick and simple meal will likely enjoy skillet pizza.

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Lehmejun (Armenian Pizza)Lehmejun or lahmacun, also known as Armenian or Turkish pizza, is eaten throughout the Middle East, especially in Armenia, Lebanon, Turkey and Syria. Topped with minced beef and lamb, plus a smattering of spices, it's great with tomatoes, peppers, onions and roasted eggplant or on its own with lemon wedges for a citrus spritz.

Taco Bubble PizzaYour entire family is going to be requesting this taco bubble pizza recipe! Lucky for you, it's a cinch with tomato soup, taco seasoning and refrigerated biscuits. Set up a taco bar and let everyone add their favorite toppings.

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Ham ‘n’ Cheese PizzasWith leftover ham, cheese and Alfredo sauce, these kid-friendly pizzas are sure to please. We used part-skim mozzarella and Swiss cheese here, but you could also opt for Brie, Camembert or cheddar to switch things up.

Biscuit Pizza BakeThis recipe provides all the flavor of traditional pizza in a convenient casserole with refrigerated buttermilk biscuits. Ideal for a potluck, it's packed with ground beef, pepperoni and veggies and bakes up to bubbly golden perfection in 30 minutes.

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Garlic Toast PizzasFinding time-saving recipes that your family likes is usually a challenge. Luckily, these quick pizzas pack a huge amount of flavor. Frozen garlic Texas toast crisps up in five minutes before getting topped with pepperoni and cheese.

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Salad-Topped Flatbread PizzasWarm sausage and onions are a nice contrast to the cool cream cheese spread on these flatbreads and the red wine vinaigrette gives a nice zing. You could use regular cucumbers and red onions or make some quick pickled recipes for more briny toppings.

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BLT PizzaNothing beats a BLT, so if you're a loyalist to the beloved sandwich, the pizza version will make you a quick convert. With a prebaked crust and classic fixings, this fun variation comes together in less than 30 minutes.

Eggplant Flatbread PizzasEggplant plays well with pasta, paninis and pizza. If they happen to be a staple in your kitchen, saute cubed eggplant with garlic and spread the cubes over a layer of ricotta cheese and tomato sauce on a naan flatbread. Top with whole basil leaves, a sprinkle of cheese and a drizzle of olive oil.

Bean & Salsa Stuffed PizzaGet the party started with this out-of-the-box appetizer idea with a refrigerated pie crust. It has all the Mexican flavors you love packed into convenient pizza slices with black beans, chiles, salsa and cheese sandwiched in between.

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Waffle-Iron PizzasHave you ever heard of a more fun way to make pizzas? Repurpose your typical breakfast appliance into a pizza making station. The best part is that you don't even have to make the dough—just use store-bought biscuit mix.

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Tomato Baguette PizzaOne of of the best summer lunches you'll have is vine-ripened tomato slices on cheesy baguettes. If you're short on time and don't mind leaving out some flavor, you can skip the mushroom-onion mixture.

Chocolate Peanut Butter PizzaKids will go crazy for this gooey dessert pizza, although you'll find the adults snapping up slices too. Everyone loves the chewy crust and the amazingly delicious combination of chocolate and peanut butter.

Italian-Style PizzasWith mini prebaked crusts and a jar of prepared pesto, everyone can have their own personal pie in a flash. Peppers, onions and mushrooms work well here, although you could also add some chopped broccoli, squash or eggplant for an extra serving of veggies.

Mini Mediterranean PizzaThese individual pita pizzas will instantly transport you to a seaside escape. A medley of tomatoes, onions, spinach and rosemary-scented beef are nestled around crumbled feta and melted mozz. Once the beef browns and simmers, the pizzas will bake up in five minutes.

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Big Kahuna PizzaJuicy chunks of pineapple and cooked ham are the usual suspects on a proper Hawaiian pizza, but we included barbecued shredded pork and red onions along with some part-skim mozz for a spectacular upgrade to an already winning recipe.

Bubble PizzaThis recipe has a no-fuss crust made from refrigerated biscuits. Though it only takes five ingredients to come together, add your favorite pizza toppings and an ample amount of cheese for a jazzed-up version. That's the secret to the bubbly top after all...so the cheesier, the better.

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BBQ Brisket Flatbread PizzasPreparing beef brisket pizza takes time, but it's so worth the effort when you take that first smoky bite. To prep your brisket for mess-free cleanup later, simply combine barbecue sauce, vinegar, green onions and cilantro in a large resealable bag, sprinkle the brisket with salt and pepper, then toss it all together in the bag and refrigerate for eight hours or overnight.

Make-a-Monster PizzaCreepy creatures have completely taken over this Halloween meal! Since you can create a different design for each spooky square, it's easy to cater to every diner's individual preferences with toppings like ham, pepperoni, chicken and a bounty of veggies (think asparagus, peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms and red onion). And, of course, you can always get creative with different shapes for different holidays.

Bacon and Spinach PizzaFile this one under Pinterest-worthy pizza. With a packaged pizza crust and ready-to-serve bacon, the kids won't even mind the spinach on top!

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Shakshuka Breakfast PizzaTurn a traditional shakshuka into a fun morning pizza with sweet, spicy and crunchy ingredients. Bake until the egg whites are completely set and the yolks begin to thicken but are not hard, about 12 to 15 minutes.

Is One Large Pizza REALLY Bigger Than Two Mediums? (2024)
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