Determining the Cubic Feet of a Refrigerator Freezer: A Quick and Easy Guide

Published: 
August 25, 2023
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How to Measure a Refrigerator

When it comes to organizing your kitchen and maximizing storage space, knowing the size of your refrigerator freezer is crucial. Determining the cubic feet of your current fridge can help you choose the right one for your needs or make the most of your existing appliance.

The cubic feet of a fridge freezer is the addition of the freezer space and the refrigerator space. This is the internal storage space of the refrigerator and the freezer.

This will be mostly usable space but can also include internal parts of the fridge or freezer that are occupied by ice bins and solid shelving. So not all of the cubic feet will in fact be able to be used for food storage.

To measure the cubic feet of your refrigerator freezer, you'll need to take some measurements and perform a simple calculation. Once you have this information, you can make informed decisions about purchasing a new refrigerator or optimizing your current one's storage capacity.

Don't worry; it's not a complicated process. With just a tape measure and a couple of quick calculations, you'll have the cubic feet of your refrigerator freezer figured out in no time. Armed with this knowledge, you'll be able to make the right choices for your kitchen and your family's needs.

Measuring the Refrigerator Freezer

Tools Required

To measure your refrigerator freezer, you'll need a simple yet essential tool:

  • A retractable measuring tape

Steps for Measuring

Follow these easy steps to determine the cubic feet of your refrigerator freezer:

  1. Open the refrigerator and freezer doors to get a clear view of the inside.
  2. Take your tape measure and measure the height of the refrigerator space from the top to the bottom. Note down the measurement.
  3. Next, measure the width of the refrigerator compartment from one side to the other and write down this number too. If you have a french door refrigerator open both doors while taking the measurement.
  4. Lastly, measure the depth of the refrigerator by extending the tape measure from the front to the back. Write down the depth measurement.
  5. Multiply the height, width, and depth measurements together. This will give you the total volume in cubic inches.
  6. Now, divide the total volume by 1728 (12inches x 12 inches x 12 inches = 1728 cubic inches in a cubic foot) to get the final cubic foot measurement of your refrigerator freezer.

Be sure to perform this same measurement for each space within your fridge freezer. Many units have multiple freezer compartments or refrigerator compartments.

With these simple instructions, you can easily find out the cubic feet of your refrigerator freezer. Knowing this value can help you make informed decisions about purchasing a new refrigerator, storing items efficiently, or moving your refrigerator.

Learn how to take accurate measurements to get the right-sized fridge for your kitchen.

Calculating Cubic Feet

In this section, you'll learn how to determine the cubic feet of your refrigerator freezer using a simple formula and some helpful tips.

Formula and Tips

To calculate the cubic feet, you need to know the length, width, and depth of the interior compartment of your refrigerator freezer. Begin by measuring these dimensions in inches.

Afterward, multiply the length by the width and depth: length × width × depth. This will give you the total cubic inches.

Now, you need to convert cubic inches to cubic feet. Since there are 1,728 cubic inches in a cubic foot, simply divide the total cubic inches by 1,728: cubic inches ÷ 1,728. The result will be the cubic feet of your refrigerator freezer.

Keep in mind that the presence of shelves, drawers, and compartments may slightly reduce the available storage space. However, this method still provides a good estimate of the overall capacity.

Examples

Let's see how this method works in practice with the following examples:

Example Length (in) Width (in) Depth (in) Cubic Inches Cubic Feet
1 40 20 21 16,800 9.72
2 60 30 25 45,000 26.04
3 48 24 28 32,256 18.67

Now, you're equipped to calculate the cubic feet of your refrigerator freezer. Following this process, you can determine the capacity of any sized appliance and make informed decisions about storage and organization.

Understanding Capacity

When choosing a refrigerator, it's essential to understand the capacity, which refers to the available space inside your fridge.

Gross Vs. Net Capacity

Gross capacity is the total volume of the refrigerator or freezer, taking into account the walls, shelves, and other components inside. On the other hand, net capacity is the actual usable space you have for storing your groceries.

Pay attention to the net capacity when comparing different refrigerator models to ensure you have enough storage for your needs.

Also keep in mind that you won’t be able to take advantage of every single cubic inch of net capacity as it is impossible to stack frozen food and refrigerated food like bricks in order to maximize storage.

Energy Efficiency and Usage

Refrigerator energy efficiency plays a crucial role in reducing your electricity bills and minimizing environmental impacts. A good indicator of energy efficiency is the Energy Star label, which means the appliance meets or exceeds specific energy consumption standards set by the government.

Here are a few factors to consider when looking at energy efficiency and usage:

  • Size: Larger refrigerators use more energy than smaller ones, so get the right capacity for your household's needs.
  • Type: Different refrigerator designs have varying energy consumption levels. For instance, top-freezer models are generally more energy-efficient than side-by-side models.

Following these guidelines can help you select a refrigerator that both meets your storage requirements and keeps your energy costs low.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the standard size of the fridge freezer?

The standard refrigerator size in terms of cubic feet will vary between around 11 and 25 cu ft. When it comes to fridge freezers, there are different sizes available for various household needs. Let's explore the common refrigerator types and their capacities in total cubic feet:

  • Small Refrigerators: 11–13 cubic feet of space, making a smaller refrigerator ideal for 1 to 2 people.
  • Medium Refrigerators: 14–24 cubic feet of space, suitable for 3 to 4 people.
  • Large Refrigerators: 25 or more cubic feet of space, perfect for families of five or more people.

Remember, when selecting a fridge freezer, consider not only the size but also the layout, organization, and your storage needs.

What Does the Cubic Feet of a Fridge Freezer Represent?

The Cubic feet of a refrigerator, freezer, or fridge freezer combo represents the total internal volume of the appliance - which is mostly usable storage space. The cubic feet does not factor in the outside dimensions of the unit.

Note that some of this cubic feet of total internal space may be occupied by internal components like ice makers, ice bins, and shelving units.

Frank Salvatore

Hey there - I'm Frank Salvatore. I created this site as a comprehensive kitchen resource. You'll find everything you need to know about everything in your kitchen. From appliances to utensils and layout - it is covered on this site!

About Me
Frank Salvatore
I created this site as a comprehensive kitchen resource. You'll find everything you need to know about everything in your kitchen. From appliances to utensils and layout - it is covered on this site!
Learn More About Me
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