Approximately how big should a standard pancake be?

A standard pancake is typically around 5 inches in diameter. This size provides a good balance, making it ideal for cooking evenly while still being small enough to stack and serve easily. A 5-inch pancake is large enough to hold toppings like syrup, fruit, or whipped cream without becoming overwhelming on the plate or requiring excessive syrup.

In culinary contexts, this size is also practical for portion control and fitting well on most breakfast plates, allowing for other items like eggs or bacon to be served alongside it. Larger pancakes can be more difficult to manage both in cooking and serving, while smaller pancakes might not provide a fulfilling portion. Therefore, the 5-inch diameter is the most customary and widely accepted size for pancakes in restaurants and home cooking alike.