0 A 10" pan is ten inches in diameter. A springform pan is a round pan tht consists of two parts - a flat bottom and another piece that forms the sides, which are perpendicular to the bottom (not sloped like a pie pan.) The side piece has a clamp so it can be loosened to remove it once the cake is finished. Cheesecakes are usually baked in this type of pan. You could use another kind of pan