This guide answers every question: exact current prices by topping count, calories per slice, how small compares to medium and large in real value terms, the cheapest ways to order, and a straight verdict on whether the small is the right choice for your order.
💡 Quick Answer: A Papa Johns small pizza (10 inches, 6 slices) costs $8.99–$12.99 in 2026 depending on toppings and location. Cheese starts at $8.99. Specialty small pizzas run $11.99–$12.99.
What Size Is Papa Johns Small Pizza?
Before talking price, here is exactly what you get with a small:
| Feature | Small | Medium | Large | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 10 inches | 12 inches | 14 inches | 16 inches |
| Number of slices | 6 slices | 8 slices | 8 slices | 10 slices |
| Serves | 1–2 people | 2–3 people | 3–4 people | 4–6 people |
| Crust options | Original, Thin, Gluten-Free | All types | All types | Original, Thin, NY Style |
| Stuffed crust available | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
⚠️ Important: The small pizza is 10 inches — not a "personal pan" pizza. It is a real full pizza, just smaller. Six slices is a satisfying meal for one hungry adult or a light meal for two.
Papa Johns Small Pizza Price 2026 — Full Breakdown
Prices below are current national averages. Your location may vary slightly — urban markets (New York, LA, Chicago) typically run $0.50–$1.50 higher than these figures.
By Topping Count
| Pizza Type | Small (10") Price |
|---|---|
| Cheese (0 toppings) | $8.99 |
| 1 Topping (e.g., Pepperoni) | $9.99 |
| 2 Toppings | $10.99 |
| 3 Toppings | $10.99–$11.49 |
| Specialty Pizza (e.g., The Works, BBQ Chicken) | $11.99–$12.99 |
| Gluten-Free Crust (small only) | +$1.00–$2.00 upcharge |
By Popular Pizza — Small Size Price
| Pizza | Small Price | Calories/Slice |
|---|---|---|
| Cheese Pizza | $8.99 | ~180 cal |
| Pepperoni Pizza | $9.99 | ~210 cal |
| Sausage Pizza | $9.99 | ~205 cal |
| The Works | $11.99 | ~230 cal |
| BBQ Chicken Bacon | $12.49 | ~215 cal |
| Ultimate Pepperoni | $12.49 | ~240 cal |
| Garden Fresh | $11.49 | ~185 cal |
| Tuscan Six Cheese | $11.99 | ~220 cal |
| Gluten-Free Cheese (small) | $10.99 | ~150 cal |
📍 Location Note: Prices are higher in cities with higher operating costs. Always check your local price at papajohns-menus.us/store-locator or the Papa Johns app before ordering.
Small vs Medium vs Large — Which Is the Best Value?
This is the real question. Let's do the math properly:
| Size | Price (Cheese) | Slices | Price Per Slice | Total Sq Inches | Price Per Sq Inch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small (10") | $8.99 | 6 | $1.50/slice | 78.5 sq in | $0.114 |
| Medium (12") | $11.09 | 8 | $1.39/slice | 113.1 sq in | $0.098 |
| Large (14") | $14.09 | 8 | $1.76/slice | 153.9 sq in | $0.092 |
What the math tells you:
The large is the best value by square inch — you get significantly more pizza per dollar than the small or medium.
The medium beats the small on price per slice ($1.39 vs $1.50).
The small makes sense only when:
- You are ordering for 1 person and cannot finish a medium
- You want a variety (ordering 2 smalls = 2 different pizzas for roughly the price of 1 large)
- You are combining with sides like Papadias, wings, or breadsticks for a full meal
- You need a gluten-free option (only available in small at Papa Johns)
Papa Johns Small Pizza Calories — Full Nutrition Table
| Pizza (Small, Original Crust) | Cal/Slice | Total Cal (6 slices) | Fat/Slice | Sodium/Slice |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cheese | ~180 cal | ~1,080 | 6g | ~390mg |
| Pepperoni | ~210 cal | ~1,260 | 8g | ~480mg |
| Sausage | ~205 cal | ~1,230 | 8g | ~450mg |
| The Works | ~230 cal | ~1,380 | 9g | ~520mg |
| Garden Fresh | ~185 cal | ~1,110 | 6g | ~400mg |
| BBQ Chicken Bacon | ~215 cal | ~1,290 | 7g | ~460mg |
| Gluten-Free Cheese | ~150 cal | ~900 | 5g | ~360mg |
For Calorie-Conscious Eaters — Best Small Pizza Options:
- Gluten-Free Crust Cheese — ~150 cal/slice, lightest option overall
- Thin Crust Cheese — ~160 cal/slice, crispy and lighter
- Garden Fresh (Original Crust) — ~185 cal/slice, most vegetables, lowest fat
- Cheese Pizza (Original) — ~180 cal/slice, simple and clean
💡 Calorie Tip: Ordering a small Thin Crust with vegetable toppings is the lowest-calorie full-pizza meal at Papa Johns — around 160–190 cal per slice, 6 slices total (~960–1,140 calories for the whole pizza).
Small Pizza Crust Options at Papa Johns
Not all crusts are available on the small size:
| Crust Type | Available on Small? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Original Crust | ✅ Yes | Default option |
| Thin Crust | ✅ Yes | Crispy, lighter, fewer calories |
| Gluten-Free Crust | ✅ Yes (small only) | Ancient grains; +$1–$2 upcharge |
| New York Style | ❌ No | Large/XL only |
| Epic Stuffed Crust | ❌ No | Large/XL only |
| Garlic Epic Stuffed Crust | ❌ No | Large/XL only |
⚠️ Gluten-Free Note: Papa Johns' Gluten-Free Crust is only available in small (10") — it is not offered in medium, large, or XL. If you need gluten-free, the small is your only size option.
Cheapest Ways to Order a Small Papa Johns Pizza in 2026
1. Use a Promo Code (Save $1–$4)
Before every order, check Papa Johns Coupons → for current deals. Small pizza discounts appear regularly — especially as part of combo or bundle offers.
2. Order Via the App (Exclusive App Deals)
The Papa Johns app frequently runs app-only discounts that are not available on the website or by phone. A 25–40% off deal on the app applies to small pizzas too.
3. Papa Rewards Program (Free Points Every Order)
Every dollar spent earns Papa Rewards points. After $75 spent, you earn a free large 1-topping pizza — but redeeming points toward a small is also an option.
4. Carryout Discount
Choosing carryout instead of delivery at Papa Johns often saves $2–$4 on your order total — no delivery fee, and carryout-specific promo codes often apply.
5. Order 2 Smalls Instead of 1 Large (The Variety Hack)
Two small cheese pizzas (~$17.98) cost slightly more than one large (~$14.09) but give you two different flavors — ideal for two people who want different toppings without paying for two separate large orders.
6. Check the Papa Pairings Deal →
The Papa Pairings bundle lets you combine a small pizza with sides, wings, or desserts at a discounted bundle price. This is often the cheapest way to get a full meal with a small pizza.
Papa Johns Small Pizza vs Competitors — Price Comparison
How does Papa Johns' small pizza price compare to Domino's and Pizza Hut in 2026?
| Chain | Small Size | Small Price (Cheese) | Slices | Price/Slice |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Papa Johns | 10 inches | $8.99 | 6 | $1.50 |
| Domino's | 10 inches | $7.99–$8.99 | 6 | $1.33–$1.50 |
| Pizza Hut | 8 inches (Personal) | $6.49–$7.99 | 6 | $1.08–$1.33 |
| Little Caesars | 8 inches (Hot-N-Ready) | $5.99–$6.99 | 4 | $1.50–$1.75 |
Verdict: Papa Johns is priced similarly to Domino's on small pizzas. Pizza Hut's personal pizza is cheaper but smaller (8" vs 10"). Little Caesars is cheaper upfront but fewer slices and lower ingredient quality.
Where Papa Johns wins: Fresh dough quality and the free Special Garlic Sauce included with every order — no competitor includes a free dipping sauce by default.
Is the Papa Johns Small Pizza Worth It? Honest Verdict
✅ Order the Small If:
- You are eating alone and cannot finish a medium
- You need a gluten-free crust (only available in small)
- You want two different pizzas — order 2 smalls for variety
- You are adding sides (wings, Papadias, breadsticks) and just need a small pizza component
- You are on a tight budget and $8.99 is your ceiling
❌ Skip the Small and Order Medium/Large If:
- You are feeding 2 or more people
- You want the best price-per-slice value (medium and large both beat small)
- You want stuffed crust (not available on small)
- You want New York Style crust (not available on small)
- You plan to have leftovers (a medium gives much better portion for storage)
Overall Verdict: The small pizza is not the best value at Papa Johns — the medium and large give you more pizza per dollar. But for solo ordering, gluten-free needs, or variety hacking with 2 smalls, it is a smart choice with genuinely good quality ingredients.
Storage & Reheating — Small Pizza Leftovers
If you do not finish your small pizza, here is how to store and reheat it properly:
Storage:
- Cool to room temperature within 2 hours of delivery
- Wrap slices individually in foil or place in an airtight container
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days
- Freeze for up to 1 month
Best Reheating Methods (Ranked):
| Method | Temp | Time | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 Air Fryer | 350°F | 3–4 min | Best — crispy base, melted cheese |
| 🥈 Oven | 375°F | 6–8 min | Great — consistent heat |
| 🥉 Skillet | Medium | 3–5 min | Good — crisps the bottom |
| ❌ Microwave | High | 45–60 sec | Worst — soggy crust |
Allergen Info — Papa Johns Small Pizza
| Allergen | Original Crust | Gluten-Free Crust |
|---|---|---|
| Wheat / Gluten | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Low (ancient grains, not certified GF) |
| Milk / Dairy | ✅ Yes (cheese) | ✅ Yes (cheese) |
| Eggs | ⚠️ May contain traces | ⚠️ May contain traces |
| Soy | ⚠️ May contain traces | ⚠️ May contain traces |
| Tree Nuts | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Peanuts | ❌ No | ❌ No |
⚠️ Important for Celiac Sufferers: Papa Johns' Gluten-Free Crust is made with ancient grains but is prepared in the same kitchen as wheat-based products. It is not recommended for those with celiac disease — only for mild gluten sensitivity.
