Gastronorm (GN) is the international standard for food pans. Every GN size is a fraction of the full-size GN 1/1 pan footprint (530 × 325mm), so any GN-standard pan fits any GN-standard bain-marie, chafing dish or prep counter. Use this chart to match pans to your equipment.
| GN size | Footprint (mm) | Fraction of GN 1/1 | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| GN 2/1 | 650 × 530 | Double | Large ovens, blast chillers |
| GN 1/1 | 530 × 325 | Full size | Bain-maries, chafing dishes, transport |
| GN 1/2 | 325 × 265 | Half | Two dishes per full-size well |
| GN 1/3 | 325 × 176 | Third | Sauces, toppings, garnish lines |
| GN 1/4 | 265 × 162 | Quarter | Salad bars, condiments |
| GN 1/6 | 176 × 162 | Sixth | Dressings, small portions |
| GN 1/9 | 176 × 108 | Ninth | Spices, garnishes |
Common depths are 20, 40, 65, 100, 150 and 200mm – capacity depends on both footprint and depth, so check the listed capacity on each product.
GN 1/1 vs GN 1/2: which should you buy?
- Choose GN 1/1 when you serve one dish per well, need maximum capacity per pan, or transport full trays. One GN 1/1 = the full footprint of a standard chafing dish or bain-marie well.
- Choose GN 1/2 when you want two dishes in one well (two × GN 1/2 side by side = one GN 1/1 footprint), serve smaller volumes that must stay fresh, or run varied buffet menus.
- Mixed approach: most buffet operations run GN 1/1 for high-volume mains and pairs of GN 1/2 or trios of GN 1/3 for variety – all interchangeable in the same equipment.
Checking compatibility before you order
Measure your equipment’s well opening. A standard well takes one GN 1/1 (530 × 325mm) or any fraction combination that adds up to it. If your existing pans carry a “GN” marking with a fraction, any pan with the same fraction will fit. Unsure? Request a sample pan to test before bulk ordering.
Related reading: Gastronorm pan buying guide · Gastronorm & buffet equipment