A Freezer Capacity Calculator is a practical tool that determines the total storage volume of a freezer in standard units like cubic feet or liters. While manufacturers provide the capacity of a new freezer, this tool is especially useful for finding the volume of an older model where the information is lost, for calculating the usable space of a custom-built freezer, or for simply understanding the space you have available for food storage planning. By taking the internal measurements of the freezer's length, width, and height, this calculator applies the basic formula for volume and converts it into the units commonly used to describe appliance capacity.
formula of Freezer Capacity Calculator
The calculation for freezer capacity begins with finding the volume of the internal rectangular space and then converting that volume into the desired standard unit.
1. Basic Volume Calculation
This is the fundamental formula for the volume of any rectangular space.
Formula:
Volume = Internal Length * Internal Width * Internal Height
2. Calculating Capacity in Cubic Feet
This is the standard unit for freezer capacity in the United States.
- If measuring in Inches:
This is the most common method. Measure the internal length, width, and height in inches, then use this formula.
Formula:
Capacity (Cubic Feet) = (Length in inches * Width in inches * Height in inches) / 1728
(The number 1728 comes from 12 inches × 12 inches × 12 inches, which is the volume of one cubic foot). - If measuring in Feet:
If your measurements are already in feet, the calculation is more direct.
Formula:
Capacity (Cubic Feet) = Length in feet * Width in feet * Height in feet
3. Calculating Capacity in Liters
Liters are the standard unit for freezer capacity in countries using the metric system.
- If measuring in Centimeters:
Measure the internal length, width, and height in centimeters, then use this formula.
Formula:
Capacity (Liters) = (Length in cm * Width in cm * Height in cm) / 1000
(A liter is defined as 1,000 cubic centimeters). - If measuring in Meters:
First, find the volume in cubic meters, then convert to liters.
Step 1: Volume (Cubic Meters) = Length in meters * Width in meters * Height in meters
Step 2: Capacity (Liters) = Volume (Cubic Meters) * 1000
Freezer Size Guide for Households
Choosing the right freezer size depends on your family's size and eating habits. This table provides general guidelines to help you estimate what capacity might be right for you.
| Freezer Size Category | Capacity Range (Cubic Feet) | Capacity Range (Liters) | Best For |
| Compact | 5 - 9 cu. ft. | 140 - 255 L | Individuals, couples, or small apartments. |
| Medium | 10 - 18 cu. ft. | 280 - 510 L | Average-sized families of 3-4 people. |
| Large | 19 - 25+ cu. ft. | 540 - 700+ L | Large families, hunters, or bulk food buyers. |
Example of Freezer Capacity Calculator
Let's calculate the capacity in cubic feet for a chest freezer using its internal measurements in inches.
First, we take the internal measurements of the freezer.
- Internal Length: 40 inches
- Internal Width: 22 inches
- Internal Height: 30 inches
Step 1: Calculate the volume in cubic inches.
Volume (cubic inches) = 40 * 22 * 30
Volume (cubic inches) = 26,400 cubic inches
Step 2: Convert the cubic inches to cubic feet.
Capacity (Cubic Feet) = Volume in cubic inches / 1728
Capacity (Cubic Feet) = 26,400 / 1728 ≈ 15.28 cubic feet
Therefore, the freezer has a capacity of approximately 15.3 cubic feet, which would be considered a medium-sized freezer.
Most Common FAQs
The advertised capacity is the total empty volume of the freezer's interior. The usable capacity is the actual space you have for food storage after accounting for things that take up space, such as shelving, baskets, ice makers, and the irregular shapes of the interior liner. The usable capacity will always be slightly less than the total advertised capacity.
To get the most accurate measurement, empty the freezer completely. Use a tape measure to find the length, width, and height of the main rectangular storage area. If the freezer has significant bumps or a large step for the compressor, you may need to measure these sections separately and add their volumes together for the most precise result.
A common rule of thumb is that one cubic foot of freezer space can hold approximately 30 to 35 pounds of food. This can vary depending on the shape and packaging of the food items, but it provides a useful estimate for planning how much food you can store.