How To Cut a Pizza

Knowing how to cut a pizza sounds simple, but there is a right way to do it. At Hungry Howie’s, pizza is kind of our thing, and we have spent plenty of time thinking and cutting the perfect slice. Whether you are serving family dinner or feeding a crowd, a clean cut makes the whole pizza experience better. Here is how to cut a pizza so every slice is exactly how you want it.

Best Tools to Cut Pizza

The best way to cut pizza depends on two things: the tool in your hand and the style of pizza on the board. Some tools are better for speed, others for precision, and a few for sheer convenience.

Pizza Wheel Cutter
This is the classic for a reason. A sharp wheel glides through melted cheese and crust with steady pressure. It works well for round pizzas and quick, straight cuts.

Rocker Knife
A favorite for larger pizzas and thicker crusts. Rocker knives cut in one smooth motion, which helps avoid dragging cheese or shifting toppings. They are especially useful when you want clean cuts fast.

Chef’s Knife
A solid option if you don’t have pizza tools handy. A long, sharp blade gives you control and precision, especially on thicker pizzas. Just be sure to use a firm cutting surface.

Pizza Scissors
Somewhat of a novelty but surprisingly practical. Pizza scissors lift and cut at the same time, which helps keep toppings in place. They are great for small pizzas or when you want extra control.

Decide How Many Slices You Want

Different serving sizes call for different ways to cut pizza. Before you start slicing, think about how many people you are feeding and how the pizza will be served.

8 Slice Classic Wedge Pizza Style

This is the traditional approach and a go-to for most round pizzas. Here’s how it’s done:

Place your pizza on a cutting board set on a hard, stable surface. Picture the pizza like a clock. Start by making a straight cut from 6 o’clock to 12 o’clock, slicing fully through the pie.

Rotate the pizza so that the first cut runs from 9 o’clock to 3 o’clock. Make another straight cut from 6 o’clock to 12 o’clock. You now have four large slices.

Rotate the pizza again so the slices form an X when viewed from above. Make another full cut from bottom to top. At this point, you will see four smaller slices and two larger ones.

Rotate once more so the two larger slices sit at 6 o’clock and 12 o’clock, with the smaller slices on the sides. Make one final straight cut from bottom to top.

You now have eight evenly sized slices, ready to serve.

Remember to always slice away from your body and keep your fingers clear of the blade or wheel while cutting.

Party Cut – Grid Pizza Style

If you’re feeding a group, the classic wedge cut is not always the most practical choice. A party cut uses a grid pattern to create smaller, shareable pieces.

Look at your pizza and imagine a tic tac toe board made up of many small squares. Start on the left side of the pizza and make your first cut about three inches from the edge, slicing from bottom to top. Move three inches inward and repeat. Continue until you reach the right side of the pizza.

Rotate the pizza so the cuts run side to side. Repeat the same spacing and cutting pattern from left to right. The result is a tray full of bite sized pizza pieces that are easy to grab, pass, and enjoy.

Strip Cut Pizza Style

Strip cuts work best for rectangular pizzas, flatbreads, or thin crust styles. Instead of wedges or grids, you slice the pizza into long, even strips.

This method is ideal for casual meals or appetizer setups where guests want smaller portions without committing to a full slice. It is especially popular for events like bachelorette parties or casual gatherings. We have even offers more ideas for these kinds of celebrations in the bachelor and bachelorette party catering guide.

Things to Consider

The best way to cut pizza depends on the situation. A few quick decisions can make serving easier and clean up even faster. 

The type of pizza matters. Hungry Howie’s offers options like Detroit-Style Pizza, Deep Dish, and Thin Crust Pizza, and each one handles a little differently on the cutting board.

Think about how many guests you are serving. More people usually means smaller slices or a party cut.

Match the cut to the occasion. Hosting a get together or game night? Hungry Howie’s makes planning easier with the Party Planner. And do not forget the sides. A well-cut pizza pairs even better with a full spread:

• Howie Bread®
• Howie Wings
• Flatbreads

Want Perfectly Cut Pizza Without the Work? Order Hungry Howie’s

If you are searching for “how do you slice a pizza” and realizing you would rather skip the prep, we get it. Hungry Howie’s is here to save the day (or night!).

Order a fresh, hot pizza for delivery or carryout from one of our locations, and we will bake and slice it perfect for you. You can choose from the pizzas on our pizza menu or build your own with your favorite toppings. When you order pizza online, you can even track it with HowieTrack® and watch your pie move from oven to door. Less cutting and more eating for you. That’s the kind of math we like.