What's the Standard Refrigerator Size?

If you are a homeowner interested in purchasing a new refrigerator, you might be wondering what the standard fridge size is.

This is an important question to ask when considering the space in your kitchen and the variety of refrigerators available. With so many fridge sizes out there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. So, let's break down the standard fridge dimensions to make it simpler to find the right fit for your home. Today, we'll look at the most common refrigerator sizes and how to measure a fridge for your kitchen.

Questions to Ask before Choosing a Fridge Size

Before settling on a fridge size, it is essential to ask yourself a few key questions. These will help ensure that you pick the right refrigerator size for your needs and kitchen space.

1. What is the size of your kitchen?
Start by measuring the space where your fridge will go. Fridge width, depth, and height all play a role in determining if the fridge will fit. A standard refrigerator width typically ranges from 28 to 36 inches, but it’s essential to measure your available space.

2. How many people are in your household?
If you have a large family or often entertain guests, you might need a bigger fridge. A larger fridge gives you more room to store food. If you are living alone or with one other person, a smaller fridge might be more appropriate.

3. Do you prefer a particular style of refrigerator?
Refrigerators come in many styles, like French door, side-by-side, or top/bottom freezer. The dimensions of each style can vary, so consider what works best for your kitchen layout.

4. Do you need additional features?
Some fridges have extra features, like water dispensers or ice makers, which can affect the dimensions. Consider whether these features are necessary for you, as they may impact the available space inside the fridge.

5. Do you have space for a counter-depth refrigerator?
If you are looking for a sleek, built-in look, a counter-depth fridge might be a good choice. These fridges are shallower in depth and align with your kitchen counter, but they may have less storage space than a standard model.

Taking the time to answer these questions will help you find the perfect size of fridge to fit your needs.

Read More: how to choose a refrigerator 

What Are the Dimensions of a Standard Size Refrigerator?

Here is the information you have been waiting for:

Ok, so now that you know what size is important, what size is actually considered standard? Typically, the standard size for a professional-grade refrigerator falls between 30 to 36 inches in width, 67 to 70 inches in height, and 29 to 35 inches in depth. When it comes to the interior, the refrigerator itself should provide you with 14 to 20 cubic feet of space. Totally, however, you are looking at an average between 22 and 31 cubic feet.

Of course, some smaller kitchens may consider a smaller size refrigerator to be more standard. In fact, it is very common to find smaller refrigerators in places such as condos and rental apartments. These smaller sizes, however, are not the standard size.

Read More: counter-depth-vs-standard-depth-refrigerators

Now, let’s break it down by fridge style and size:

1. French Door Refrigerators: These fridges typically range from 29 to 36 inches in width, 68 to 70 inches in height, and 30 to 34 inches in depth. They offer a spacious interior, often ranging from 20 to 30 cubic feet of storage. These fridge dimensions are great for larger households that need more food storage while keeping things organized.

2. Side-by-Side Refrigerators: Side-by-side models usually have widths between 32 and 36 inches, heights of 65 to 70 inches, and depths of 30 to 34 inches. They offer 20 to 30 cubic feet of space. These refrigerators' standard dimensions make them ideal for narrower kitchens where easy access to both the freezer and fridge sections is needed.

3. Top Freezer Refrigerators: These are typically smaller, with widths ranging from 28 to 33 inches, heights of 60 to 67 inches, and depths between 28 and 33 inches. Their capacity is usually around 18 to 22 cubic feet, making them a great choice for smaller households or kitchens with limited space.

4. Bottom Freezer Refrigerators: With widths ranging from 28 to 36 inches, heights of 65 to 70 inches, and depths between 30 to 34 inches, these fridges offer between 20 and 28 cubic feet of space. The fridge dimensions for bottom-freezer models provide convenient access to fresh food while keeping the freezer section lower for easy access.

The fridge width, depth, and height can vary depending on the model, and understanding the standard refrigerator dimensions of each type helps you determine which one fits best in your kitchen.

How to Properly Measure for Your Refrigerator

Whether you want to know what size your refrigerator is before you head out shopping (which is a very wise choice) or you are just curious if yours fits the standard fridge dimensions, you need to know how to properly measure your current refrigerator.

• Select Your Refrigerator Style: The style of refrigerator you choose directly impacts its dimensions. For example, a French door refrigerator tends to be wider than a top-freezer refrigerator. Knowing which style you prefer will help you understand the fridge dimensions you'll need to measure.
• Measure Refrigerator Depth: Measuring depth is crucial because it determines how far your fridge will protrude from your countertops. You basically have two options in mind – counter depth or standard size. If you want a fridge that fits neatly with your countertops without sticking out too much, you should look at a counter depth fridge. To measure depth, use your tape measure from the wall to the edge of your counters. That is your counter depth size. If you want a larger fridge, you can add 6 inches to this number for a standard size refrigerator.  

  One of the biggest things to keep in mind is that you need to have enough space for the doors and drawers to open without obstruction. Measure the additional kitchen space in front of the fridge to determine if there’s enough room for it to function properly.

• Measure Refrigerator Width: Accurate width measurements are very important when ensuring your new fridge fits perfectly in the space. Use your tape measure to measure the width of the available space, whether it is from wall to wall, cabinet to cabinet, or cabinet to cabinet. The number you reach is the width of your fridge space.

Add at least ½ inches on either side of the fridge to allow for the breathing room needed for optimal operation. This ensures that your fridge can function properly without overheating.

• Measure Refrigerator Height: Measuring the height of your refrigerator is simple. Measure from the floor up to see how tall your fridge can go. But don’t forget to consider overhead cabinets when measuring the available height. A refrigerator height of 67 to 70 inches is typical for many standard models, but you’ll want to make sure your specific fridge choice fits comfortably.

As mentioned earlier, refrigerators need a little space above them to function optimally. Leave at least a ½ inch on top to ensure there’s proper ventilation.

• Add Some Breathing Room: Leaving room around your fridge is critical for efficient operation. Make sure there’s at least ½ inch of space on all sides of your new fridge. This will help it run efficiently and prevent overheating. For counter-depth refrigerators, ensure that the fridge fits flush with the countertops, but still provides enough room for air circulation.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your new fridge fits perfectly in your space and functions properly for years to come.

Does Your Kitchen Have an Island?

If your kitchen features an island, it’s important to consider how it impacts refrigerator placement and door clearance. Kitchen islands often limit the space available in front of your fridge, making it crucial to leave enough room for the doors and drawers to open fully. A narrow kitchen or island setup might not allow for a standard-sized fridge, especially if the doors swing open and hit the island.

Tips for Limited Space

• Measure the clearance in front of your refrigerator. You need enough room to open the refrigerator doors comfortably without obstruction. If there’s an island in the way, it could restrict your access to the fridge.
• Consider a French-door model. French-door refrigerators are ideal for smaller spaces or kitchens with islands because the doors open independently, requiring less space in front.
• Look at counter-depth models. If the fridge sticks out too far with a traditional model, a counter-depth fridge may offer the solution. These are designed to be shallower, providing more room to move around your kitchen without compromising on style or functionality.

What Size Fridge Do I Need?

Choosing the right fridge size depends on your household size and food storage needs. It’s important to match your fridge’s capacity with how much food you store and how often you shop. Here’s a guide to help you make the best decision:

• Smaller Households: For smaller households (one to two people), you don’t need a massive fridge. A fridge with 14 to 20 cubic feet of storage should be sufficient. You may opt for a top freezer or bottom freezer model, which usually offers a smaller footprint while still providing plenty of storage.
• Large Families: If you have a large family, you’ll need more storage space. A fridge between 22 and 30 cubic feet is ideal. French door and side-by-side refrigerators are great for large families because they offer spacious interiors with plenty of storage options for fresh food and frozen items.

Special Use Cases

• Extra Freezer Space: If you need more freezer space, a side-by-side or bottom freezer refrigerator could be a good fit, as they offer additional space for frozen foods.
• Narrow Kitchens: If your kitchen is on the smaller side, consider a counter-depth fridge or a smaller top freezer refrigerator that doesn't stick out too far from the countertops, leaving room for more movement around the kitchen.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Measuring for a Refrigerator

When it comes to measuring for your new fridge, there are a few common mistakes to avoid. Here’s how to get it right:

• Not Accounting for Door Swing: It’s easy to forget that your fridge doors need space to open fully. Always measure the clearance in front of your fridge to ensure there’s room for the doors to swing without hitting anything.
• Overlooking Ventilation Space: Breathing room is crucial for your fridge to run efficiently. Many people forget to add the extra ½ inch on each side and top of the fridge for proper ventilation.
• Ignoring the Floor-to-Ceiling Space: Make sure you measure the full height of the space where the fridge will sit, taking into account any overhead cabinets or trim. Leaving a bit of space at the top is important for the fridge’s airflow.
• Underestimating Depth: Don't just measure the depth of the fridge itself—measure the available space in front as well. Ensure the fridge won’t block access or make it difficult to open drawers and doors.
• Choosing a Refrigerator that’s Too Large or Small: Sometimes people buy a fridge that’s too big for the space or not large enough for their needs. Make sure your fridge’s dimensions match your kitchen and storage requirements.

Read More: what to look for when buying a refrigerator purchasing guide

Choosing the right refrigerator size involves more than just measuring the space in your kitchen. You must also consider the style of the fridge you want, such as French door, side-by-side, or counter-depth models, and whether they fit your kitchen layout. Accurate measurements for height, width, and depth are essential, as is leaving some breathing room for ventilation.

In addition to that, ensure you match your fridge size to your family’s food storage needs. A smaller household might do well with a fridge that has a lower capacity, while a large family may need a larger, more spacious model. Take your time to consider all factors, from kitchen layout to fridge style, before making your final choice.

Call to Action

Are you ready to find the right fridge for your kitchen? Go through our free fridge measurement guide to ensure you select the perfect size every time. Additionally, explore our curated list of refrigerators that align with standard kitchen dimensions and meet your family’s storage requirements. Take the first step today and make an informed purchase.