Good question, Bill! Both are quite common, but if you're just starting out or have limited storage space, 9 inch pans will give you more options. (It's always possible to fill a larger pan to a lower height for a shorter, wider cake, but if you overfill a smaller pan, you can end up with quite a mess in your oven!) Two tiers is a bit more common mostly because it's simpler to make, but if you've got your heart set on towering birthday cakes, it's helpful to have three pans. Happy baking!

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