Final answer:
Hotel pans are identified by their depth, which is a practice that stems from the original manufacturing practice of identifying stock sizes by these numbers.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hotel pans are sometimes identified by their depth because it stems from the original manufacturing practice of identifying stock sizes by these numbers.
Hotel pans, also known as steam table pans, are used in the foodservice industry to hold and serve food. They come in various sizes, typically identified by their length, width, and depth measurements.
The depth of a hotel pan is an important factor in determining its capacity. For example, a full-size hotel pan typically has a depth of 2 1/2 inches, while a half-size pan is usually 2 1/2 inches deep.