Have you ever set the dining table and felt that a plate looked too large for a snack, or on the contrary, too small when rice and side dishes started to fill its edges? As it turns out, plate size plays a role in determining both the comfort of serving food and the appearance of the table.

Let's get to know the appropriate dinner plate sizes so that every dish gets the perfect spot.

Good to know: Plates for main courses generally measure around 25–28 cm in diameter, while 20 cm plates are more practical for light meals, breakfast, or side dishes.

What is the commonly used dinner plate size?

There is no single plate size that must be used for all types of food. The choice of size can be adjusted according to the type of dish, the number of food components, and the area of your dining table.

As a practical guide, plate sizes can be divided into the following groups:

  • Around 15–20 cm: suitable for light meals, bread, cake, fruit, side dishes, or small portions.

  • Around 20–23 cm: can be used for breakfast, light meals, certain portions of pasta, or dishes requiring a slightly deep/curved plate.

  • Around 25–28 cm: appropriate for main courses consisting of rice or carbohydrate sources, side dishes, and vegetables.

  • Above 28 cm or elongated shapes: can be considered as serving plates or for food requiring a wider surface area.

These sizes are not absolute rules. Every family's dining habits are different, so you still need to consider the menus most frequently served at home.

20 cm plate size for breakfast and light dishes

Plates with a diameter of around 20 cm are a compact choice when you do not need a overly wide dining surface. This size is easy to use for bread, sliced fruit, desserts, snacks, or simple portions of breakfast.

For those needs, the IKEA 365+ plate 20 cm can be considered. This product uses feldspar porcelain and is designed for daily use. The same series is also available in a 27 cm size, allowing you to combine small and large sizes in one table setting.

Another option is the FÄRGKLAR side plate 20 cm. Made of stoneware with a colored glaze, this product is suitable for those wanting to add color variation to their dining table arrangement. FÄRGKLAR is available as part of a tableware series that can be mixed and matched among plates, deep plates, and bowls.

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23 cm plate size for dish types with more sauce/broth

In addition to diameter, plate shape also needs attention. Deep plates can help hold foods with sauce, limited amounts of broth/soup, pasta, or dishes that shift easily on flat plates.

The FÄRGKLAR deep plate 23 cm can be a choice for those needs. Its shape is deeper compared to flat dinner plates and comes in color options that can be combined with other dining accessories.

This product uses stoneware material with colored glaze and can be used in the microwave and dishwasher.

If you often serve different dishes within a week, having flat plates and deep plates in different sizes can make your tableware collection more flexible without having to use many types of equipment.

25–27 cm plate size for main courses

A diameter of around 25–27 cm provides a wider surface to arrange rice, side dishes, and vegetables without making the food overly crowded. A size like this is also easy to use for various daily menus.

The OFTAST plate 25 cm offers a simple white shape made of tempered opal glass. This plate is safe for use in the microwave and dishwasher. Its white look also makes it easy for you to combine it with bowls or tableware from different series.

For a slightly larger diameter, the FÄRGKLAR plate 26 cm is available. Its shape is simple with matte surface options that can help create a distinct character on the dining table.

Meanwhile, the IKEA 365+ plate 27 cm uses feldspar porcelain and serves as an alternative for those needing a wider surface area for main courses.

28 x 22 cm plate size for appetizers

Plates do not always have to be round. Some dishes can feel more practical served using oval or elongated shapes, especially foods consisting of cuts of fish, meat, appetizers, or dishes meant for sharing.

The OFTAST plate 28 x 22 cm, for instance, has an elongated shape with slightly higher edges. This size and design can be used for meat or fish dishes as well as smaller appetizers. The product is also made of tempered opal glass.

Therefore, when choosing plates, do not look only at the diameter. Consider the depth, edge shape, and the types of food you serve most often.

Read also: Guide to choosing a comfortable dining table height

Match the plate size with your dining table

Large plates indeed provide more space for food, but the table also needs enough room for glasses, cutlery, bowls, and shared dishes.

For tables that are not very large, a combination of 20 cm and 25 cm plates can help keep the arrangement compact. On larger dining tables, 26–27 cm plates offer more room to arrange main courses.

You can also adjust your tableware collection to the size of the furniture and the number of family members. Explore IKEA dining room inspiration and furniture to help align your table, chairs, storage, and tableware in one area. IKEA Indonesia also recommends paying attention to the space around the table so that sitting and moving around remain comfortable.

Read also: Inspiration for simple yet functional dining room designs

How to choose plate sizes for daily use

Before adding to your tableware collection, observe your family's habits. If most menus consist of rice and several side dishes, a size of 25–27 cm can be a starting point. For breakfast and snacks, add plates around 20 cm.

Consider storage space as well. Plates with a diameter that is too large may be less practical for certain cabinets or shelves. IKEA also recommends arranging tableware on open shelves, closed drawers, or other storage solutions according to your needs so that they are easier to access and stay organized.

To view more choices of sizes, materials, and colors, you can explore IKEA's collection of plates and tableware. Choose a combination that matches your daily menu, the number of family members, and the character of your dining room.

FAQ about dinner plate sizes

A size of around 25–28 cm can be used for main courses as it provides room for several food components.

Yes, especially for breakfast, light meals, desserts, or smaller portions.

A flat plate is suitable for relatively dry food, whereas a deep plate helps hold foods with sauce or a small amount of broth.

No. Combining small plates, dinner plates, and deep plates actually helps match equipment to the types of dishes.

You can view a variety of plates, bowls, and serving gear through IKEA Indonesia's tableware categories and complement them with furniture on IKEA's dining room page.