Gastronorm sizing describes a modular footprint. The fraction identifies the nominal pan format; depth is a separate measurement that changes capacity and equipment clearance.
Read the fraction and depth together
| Common GN format | Nominal outer footprint |
|---|---|
| GN 1/1 | 530 × 325 mm |
| GN 1/2 | 325 × 265 mm |
| GN 1/3 | 325 × 176 mm |
A 100 mm deep GN 1/1 pan and a shallow GN 1/1 tray share a nominal footprint but do different jobs. Actual rims, handles and manufacturing tolerances still need checking against the equipment specifications.
Check the supporting equipment
Confirm which GN formats and depths the oven, warmer, refrigerator or rack accepts. Smaller pans may need correctly specified support or adaptor bars. Do not assume matching fractions alone establish a stable arrangement. Compare lids and accessories by the exact format and product compatibility. A lid may be sold separately, and a handled or perforated pan can need different clearance or serve a different purpose from a plain solid pan. For capacity planning, use the manufacturer's stated volume rather than calculating from the outside rectangle: rounded corners, sloping sides and fill limits reduce the usable space. Keep equipment fit, food-contact use and cleaning requirements in the decision alongside the nominal GN size.
Compare the options
Gastronorm pans & lids, Chafing dishes & food warmers, Bakery Trolleys: Stainless Steel Bakery Pan & Gastronorm Trolleys.
Catalogue example: Stainless Steel Gastronorm Pan Premium Full Size 1/2 20cm Deep Tray. Check the current specifications, contents and availability on the product page.
Plan the next detail
- Chafing Dishes, Bain Maries and Food Warmers: Equipment Differences
- Serving Trolleys and GN Racks: Tray Spacing, Wheels and Doorways
More Kitchen guides.
Further reading: Borrelli: Gastronorm pan sizes.