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.
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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 PizzaFans of spicy chicken wings will love this rendition that turns it into pizza. Serve it up with blue cheese dressing and crisp celery, just like the tasty original. —Shari DiGirolamo, Newton, PennsylvaniaGo to Recipe
Bacon-Chicken Club PizzaA chicken club pizza topped with lettuce, tomatoes and dressing? You’re in for a treat! Vegetables give the cheesy crust a cool crunch. —Debbie Reid, Clearwater, Florida
Give this crazy crust pizza a try next time!
Air-Fryer PizzaWhen I figured out this air-fryer pizza recipe, I was in pizza heaven! It's super easy to make these personal pies, and now that my boys can customize their own, everyone is happy. —Margo Zoerner, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
For another tasty air fryer pizza recipe, try these air fryer pizza sticks.
Sausage French Bread PizzaI never seem to have pizza dough on hand, but that doesn't stop our family from enjoying pizza. We top crusty French bread with creamy Alfredo sauce, sausage and veggies. It's great to serve at a party for children or teens. —Cherie Sweet, Evansville, Indiana
Big Kahuna PizzaA prebaked pizza crust and refrigerated barbecued pork make this tasty supper idea super fast and super easy. Cut into bite-sized pieces, and it can double as a great last-minute appetizer, too! —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California
Even vegans can enjoy this world-famous Italian delicacy. Try our best vegan pizza recipe that tastes just as good as regular pizzas.
Brunch PizzaWhenever I entertain guests, this zippy pizza is a definite crowd-pleaser. It also makes a great late-night snack for any time of the year! —Janelle Lee, Appleton, Wisconsin
Taco Pizza SquaresEveryone will come running the minute you take this fun twist on pizza out of the oven. I top convenient refrigerated pizza dough with leftover taco meat, tomatoes and cheese, bringing a full-flavored fiesta to the table in under half an hour. —Sarah Vovos, Middleton, Wisconsin.
Mini Mediterranean PizzaI was on a mini-pizza kick and had already served up Mexican and Italian variations, so I opted to try for a Mediterranean version and came up with these. —Jenny Dubinsky, Inwood, West Virginia
Italian-Style PizzasWith prepared pesto and pizza crusts, this recipe comes together in a flash. It makes two, and we love that we each get our own Italian style pizza! I like to complete the meal with a salad and fresh fruit. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
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. —Jamie Jones, Madison, Georgia
Chocolate Peanut Butter PizzaThis is probably the most unusual "pizza" you'll ever see! It's a great dessert for kids, although adults snap it up, too. Everyone loves the chewy crust and the great flavor. Chocolate and peanut butter are a nice combination.
Creole Shrimp PizzaPizza and the flavors of Creole cuisine blend amazingly well in this hearty dish with a crispy crust. Add more hot sauce to boost the heat if you like things spicy. —Robin Haas, Cranston, Rhode Island
Tomato Baguette PizzaWhen my tomatoes ripen all at once, I use them up in simple recipes like this one. Cheesy baguette pizzas, served with a salad, make an ideal lunch. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Use up that loaf by making these rye bread pizzas!
Turkey Alfredo PizzaA longtime family favorite, this thin-crust pizza is both tasty and nutritious. It's an excellent way to use up leftover turkey, too. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
Chili Dog PizzaMy girls love it when I make this mash-up pizza with hot dogs and chili. It’s a marvelous way to use up leftover chili. —Jennifer Stowell, Smithville, Missouri
Mini Zucchini PizzasLooking for low carb? This simple snack recipe is a fantastic way to satisfy your pizza cravings while skipping the usual carb-filled crust. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Arugula PizzaThis arugula pizza is great served as an appetizer for get-togethers with family or friends. My girlfriends and I love it because it has that sophisticated gourmet touch, and it's healthy, too! This also serves four as a main course. —Annette Riva, Naperville, Illinois
Eggplant Flatbread PizzasI'm now a professional chef, but I loved making this recipe for the family on Friday nights as a home cook. We like to shake pizza up with unique, fresh toppings. —Christine Wendland, Browns Mills, New Jersey
Thai Peanut Naan PizzasI'm a huge fan of Thai food, but don't always have the time to make it at home. To get my fix, I top fluffy naan bread with a ginger-peanut sauce, fresh veggies, a sprinkle of cilantro and a spicy squiggle of Sriracha. —Rachel Seis, Taste of Home Senior Editor
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. —Kristen Heigl, Staten Island, New York
Grilled Pizza BreadThese fun French bread pizzas are great picnic fare for both kids and adults. Tasty on the grill, they can just as easily be baked in the oven. —Edna Hoffman, Hebron, Indiana
Rich Chicken Alfredo PizzaHad a full day of sledding, shopping or decorating? Settle in for a family-pleasing meal of homemade pizza. With a prebaked crust and simple Alfredo sauce, it’s easy and delicious. —Tammy Hanks, Gainsville, Florida
Grilled Flatbread Veggie PizzaWe pile veggies onto flatbread for a fun way to eat healthier. Our go-to recipe for weeknights easily changes with different veggies or meats. —Darla Andrews, Lewisville, Texas
Garlic Toast PizzasBetween working full-time, going to school and raising three children, finding time-saving recipes that my family likes is one of my biggest challenges. These quick pizzas pack a huge amount of flavor. —Amy Grim, Chillicothe, Ohio
Salad-Topped Flatbread PizzasThe crisp veggies on top of the cream, cheese and meat are so refreshing. And the vinaigrette gives these pizzas a nice zing. —Julie Merriman, Cold Brook, New York
Grilled Sausage-Basil PizzasWe love basil recipes, and these easy little pizzas are a wonderful change of pace from the classic cookout menu. Let everybody go crazy with the toppings. —Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida
Chicken Cordon Bleu PizzaThis recipe combines my two favorite foods—pizza and chicken cordon bleu. I've made this for my family and the teachers at my school. Now the teachers ask me to make it for them for lunch! —Justin Rippel, Colgate, Wisconsin
Barbecued Chicken PizzasSo fast and so easy with refrigerated pizza crust, these saucy, smoky pizzas make quick fans with their rustic, hot-off-the-grill flavor. They're perfect for impromptu cookouts and summer dinners on the patio. —Alicia Trevithick, Temecula, California
Grilled Eggplant Pita PizzasWe grow eggplants and love to use them for our special pizza. Grilling adds robust flavor to the crust, veggies and garlic. Waiting for the eggplants to grow is the hardest part! —Judy Barrett, Chelsea, Alabama
Pepperoni Pizza LoafThis savory stromboli starts with frozen bread dough, so it comes together in practically no time. The golden loaf is stuffed with cheese, pepperoni, mushrooms, peppers and olives. I often add a few slices of ham too. It's tasty served with warm pizza sauce for dipping. —Jenny Brown, West Lafayette, Indiana
Pizza Monkey BreadI cannot throw a party without making this recipe. It's fast and easy, and my kids love it. —Courtney Wilson, Fresno, California
Apple Crisp PizzaWhile visiting a Wisconsin orchard, I tried a tempting apple crisp pie. At home, I put together this apple pizza. As it bakes, the enticing aroma fills my kitchen, and friends and family linger waiting for a sample. —Nancy Preussner, Delhi, Iowa
Meatball PizzaI always keep meatballs and pizza crusts in the freezer to make this specialty on the spur of the moment. Add a tossed salad and you have a delicious dinner. —Mary Humeniuk-Smith, Perry Hall, Maryland
Baked Potato PizzaI make this creative baked potato pizza for Super Bowl parties. The sour cream, bacon, onions and cheese make every bite taste just like a loaded baked potato. —Gina Pierson, Centralia, Missouri
Spinach-Pesto White PizzaWhen my kids were really small, they were reluctant to eat their veggies and I had to get creative. I figured that because pesto is already green, it would be the perfect place for some spinach. The pizza was a big hit. —Janet Burbach, North Platte, Nebraska
Mini Pizza CupsServed hot or cold, these little pizzas are wonderful. Their small size makes them ideal for an after-school snack or a kid-friendly party. Plus, they’re so easy to make that little ones can help you in the kitchen! —Jane Jones, Cedar, Minnesota
Fast Philly Cheesesteak PizzaCheesesteaks and pizza are such favorites, I just had to combine them. We top a pizza crust with roast beef, cheese and veggies for a hand-held feast. —Jackie Hannahs, Cedar Springs, Michigan
Makeover Fruit PizzaThere’s nothing better than a guilt-free dessert, especially when it’s topped with refreshing and colorful fruit. We skimmed the calories and fat from a traditional fruit pizza to create one with about half the calories, fat and cholesterol. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Cheeseburger PizzaMy husband's favorite foods are pizza and cheeseburgers, so I combined the two in a pie with mayo and dill pickle juice. People who try this cheeseburger pizza always laugh in surprise because it's so good. —Angie Zimmerman, Eureka, Illinois
Thanksgiving Lover's PizzaGot Thanksgiving Day leftovers? Forget ho-hum turkey sandwiches and try this unique take on pizza instead. Get creative with different variations: use whole berry or jelly cranberry sauce; add dollops of mashed potatoes on top; drizzle with turkey gravy; sprinkle with stuffing or dressing; or try unique pizza crust varieties. —Carla Parker, Anderson, South Carolina
BLT PizzaI use a prebaked crust and fixings from the much-loved BLT sandwich to create this fun variation. It's my family's favorite pizza. —Marilyn Ruggles, Lees Summit, Missouri