Fridge Capacity Calculator
Free toolBefore buying a new fridge, calculate the recommended capacity based on how many of you live at home and how you eat.
Result
How to use it
- Set how many people live in the home.
- Choose your habits: cooking at home almost always, a mix, or eating out often.
- Tick whether you need a large freezer and read the recommended litres.
What it works out and how
Capacity starts from a fixed 100 litres plus 50 litres per person. That value is multiplied by 1.15 if you cook at home daily, by 1 for mixed use and by 0.85 if you often eat out. If you need a lot of freezer space, 50 litres are added. For a family of four that cooks at home the result is about 345 litres, the size of a standard fridge-freezer.
Frequently asked questions
Are advertised litres net or gross?
Manufacturers state the net capacity of fridge and freezer separately. Always compare the net total, not the outer volume.
Should I buy a bigger fridge just in case?
Only up to a point. A half-empty fridge uses almost as much energy as a full one and takes up more kitchen.
Which measurements should I check?
The width and height of the space, the depth with the door open and the hinge side. Leave a few centimetres behind for ventilation.