Freezer Size Calculator
Enter how many people you shop for, how you shop and any bulk meat you plan to freeze. The calculator gives the freezer space you need in cubic feet and litres and the freezer size to buy.
- Freezer size
- Litres
- Food it holds
A quarter of beef is about 100 lb (45 kg) of packed meat.
Plan about 1.5 cubic feet per person, more for bulk buying. A family of four buying in bulk needs about 2.5 cu ft each, so 10 cu ft. The next common size is 15 cu ft. Add about 1 cu ft for every 35 lb of meat, such as a quarter of beef.
Freezer size chart
Cubic feet needed. Search for a household.
| People | Weekly | Bulk | Homegrown |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1.5 | 2.5 | 4 |
| 2 | 3 | 5 | 8 |
| 3 | 4.5 | 7.5 | 12 |
| 4 | 6 | 10 | 16 |
| 5 | 7.5 | 12.5 | 20 |
| 6 | 9 | 15 | 24 |
| 8 | 12 | 20 | 32 |
Before bulk meat.
People and freezer
Bulk buying. Slide the household size.
The freezer fills to the space you need.
How to size a freezer
People to cubic feet. Step through it.
People
Count them.
Chest freezers lose less cold air when opened and hold more for the same price.
Chest, upright or drawer
Freezer types. Compare them.
Most space.
Shelves.
Under counter.
Upright freezers are easier to organise but frost-free models use more power.
Before you buy
Freezer checks. Tick each item.
Tick each item as you go.
Leave a few inches round the freezer for air to flow.
What you get
Freezer sizing. Each tile explains one result.
Cubic feet.
Converted.
Pounds.
Shopping.
Chest or upright.
One cubic foot holds about 35 lb of frozen food.
Frequently Asked Questions
No question matches that search.
What size freezer do I need for a family of four?
About ten to fifteen cubic feet if you buy in bulk.
How much food fits in a cubic foot of freezer?
About thirty-five pounds.
What size freezer for a quarter of beef?
About four cubic feet of space for the meat alone.
Is a chest or upright freezer better?
A chest holds more and runs more efficiently. An upright is easier to organise.
How do I convert cubic feet to litres?
Multiply by twenty-eight point three.
Should a freezer be full?
Fuller freezers hold their cold better, but leave room for air.
Where should I put a freezer?
Somewhere cool and dry, with space round it for air.
Room for every bargain
Size the freezer for how you really shop, and bulk buys and harvests always have a home.
More size calculators
Each one has its own calculator, worked examples and answers to common questions.