Sizes of Sterling Flatware

What are the different sizes of sterling silver flatware?

Sterling silver flatware is available in three different sizes:

• Place Size: The most popular size in America and smallest of the 3 sizes; "place" was historically the luncheon-size flatware, thus the fork and knife are smaller
• Dinner Size: The middle range in size; the fork and knife in dinner size are a half-inch larger than place size
• Continental Size: The largest size flatware; continental size features a longer fork, knife, and soup spoon than the other sizes

How should you choose which size?

When purchasing sterling silver, first you should select the sterling silver pattern that fits your personality, décor, and lifestyle, and then choose the flatware size you prefer. Since the Dinner and Continental sizes are larger than Place size, they are heavier. The pattern you select will remain the same regardless of the size you select; however, not all sterling silver flatware patterns are available in all sizes.

PLACE SIZE FLATWARE

Place Size is the most traditional size you will see in American households; however, the Dinner Size and the Continental Size are becoming increasingly popular. Below are the average measurements of a Place Size setting.

DINNER SIZE FLATWARE

Dinner Size has a slightly larger fork and knife, one-half inch longer than the Place Size. The pattern is exactly the same. Below are measurements for the typical Dinner Size flatware. (Note: The measurements below are estimated and not exact, as each manufacturer might have slightly different specifications for the Dinner Size silverware.)

CONTINENTAL SIZE FLATWARE

Continental Size flatware has a longer fork, knife, and soup spoon than the other sizes. Below are they typical measurements for the Continental Size setting. (Note: The measurements below are estimated and not exact, as each manufacturer might have slightly different specifications for the Dinner Size silverware.)