Refrigerator Sizes: How Do You Measure a Refrigerator?
Buying a new refrigerator shouldn't be overwhelming—but with today's fridge features, sizes, and styles, it can feel like falling down a chilly rabbit hole. But with a little extra knowledge, you'll be able to find what you like and what you need in a new GE refrigerator without losing your cool. Whether you're replacing an old model, renovating your kitchen, or buying your first major appliance, these tips will help you purchase the right refrigerator for your space.
Know Your Space Usage
Not sure what size refrigerator you need? Think about fridge capacity and how you (and your family) eat, cook, and snack.
Here’s a rough guide to help you decide:
| Household Size | Recommended Capacity |
| 1–2 people | 12–16 cu. Ft. |
| 3–4 people | 18–25 cu. Ft. |
| 5+ or hosts frequently | 25+ cu. Ft. |
But no chart knows your food habits. If you meal prep, buy in bulk, or host Sunday dinners for a crowd, you might need more capacity—even if you live solo. And if you’re a minimalist eater, smaller could suit you just fine.
Measure Twice. Buy Once.
Before you fall in love with a fridge that won’t fit, start with the basics: Measuring. So, how do you measure a fridge? First, you measure your kitchen space.
- Using a tape measure, figure out the height, width, and depth of the open space where your fridge will live.
- Ventilation space: Be sure to leave at least 1" of breathing room at the top and back so your refrigerator doesn’t overheat.
- Hinge side clearance: You’ll want about 2" of space on the side the door swings open—or plan to pull the fridge forward a bit.
- Door swing space: Make sure there’s enough room for the fridge door to open fully without hitting walls, cabinets, or people passing by.
- Path to the kitchen: Don’t forget to measure hallways, stairwells, and doorways—your fridge must make it into the kitchen before it can chill anything.
- You’ll find refrigerator measurements in its list of specifications so you can compare them to your measurements. Refrigerator sizes vary with features and capacity but just be sure the fridge you love fits within the space you have.
Pro tip: Your fridge needs to slide in and out every now and then—for cleaning, maintenance, or finding that toy ball that somehow ended up behind it. Be sure you have plenty of space to do this.
Measuring by Refrigerator Type.
- French Door Refrigerators
- Side by Side Refrigerators
- Bottom Freezer Refrigerators
- Top Freezer Refrigerators
French Door Refrigerators
The main measurements for a French Door Refrigerator will be B (Height to top of hinge), H (Width), and E (Case depth less door handle). Once you measure the open space in your kitchen for your refrigerator, these will be the measurements to check to be sure the fridge will fit in the space.
Other measurements shown are important if:
- You have an island close to where your refrigerator will open (See K, J, X, and Y).
- You have a wall or walls on either side of the refrigerator where the doors will swing open (See I and J).
- You want to be sure you have the proper ventilation space around the refrigerator within the open space where it will sit (See C and H and add 1”).
Side by Side Refrigerators
The main measurements you’ll need to be sure a side-by-side fridge will fit in your kitchen space are A (Height to top of hinge), H (Width), and E (Case depth less door handle).
Other important measurements help you ensure:
- Your open refrigerator door will clear any island space near it (See G).
- You have plenty of space to open the doors and not hit any walls beside the fridge (See F, I, and G).
- You have proper ventilation space once the refrigerator sits within the space you have in your kitchen (See C and D and add 1”).
Bottom Freezer Refrigerators
General measurements to be sure this refrigerator will fit in your kitchen’s open space are B (Height to top of hinge), H (Width), and E (Case depth less door handle).
Also, pay attention to:
- Measurements of F and G to be sure the freezer drawer has adequate space to fully slide open for access.
- Measurements of G and I to ensure your door and drawer open fully without hitting any nearby walls or cabinets.
- Measurements of C and D plus 1” to make sure you have proper ventilation space around the fridge.
Top Freezer Refrigerators
To ensure this refrigerator will fit within the open space in your kitchen, measure A (Height to top of hinge), D (Case depth less door handle), and E (Case depth less door handle).
Then, look at these measurements:
- Measure G and I to be sure you have plenty of space to open the doors of your fridge near walls or islands.
- Look at C and H plus 1” to be sure you have proper ventilation space around your refrigerator once it’s in place.
Find Your Style
There’s more than one way to keep your food fresh—and the fridge style you choose makes a big difference in how you use your kitchen. This list covers the most common refrigerator types you’ll find in stores. Be sure to double check the appliance’s listed measurements before buying, though.
- Classic and budget-friendly
- Freezer on top, fridge below
- Great for smaller kitchens or apartments
- Keeps fresh food at eye level
- Freezer drawer underneath
- Good for everyday access
- Narrow doors that need less swing room
- Freezer on one side, fridge on the other
- Ideal if space is tight
- Double doors on top, freezer drawer below
- Spacious, flexible storage
- Great for wide items like platters and pizzas
- Sits flush with your cabinets
- Offers a more integrated look
- Slightly less interior space
*NOTE: If your fridge sits near a wall, a side-by-side refrigerator or French-door refrigerator model might be your best bet—these styles need less clearance to open fully.
Decide on Features You’ll Use
You don’t need a spaceship in your kitchen, but a few good fridge features can go a long way. Though new refrigerator innovations come nearly every year, this is a basic list of what to expect when shopping for your new fridge:
- Water & Ice Dispensers: External for grab-and-go convenience, or internal for a cleaner look and more fridge space. Just make sure you’ve got a water line nearby.
- Adjustable Shelves & Bins: Flexibility is everything, especially when storing leftovers or awkward-shaped containers.
- Humidity-Controlled Drawers: Great for keeping fruits and veggies fresh longer.
- Temperature Zones: Perfect for picky items like deli meats, cheeses, or wine.
- Energy Efficiency: Look for the ENERGY STAR® label to save energy (and money) over time.
Make it Work for Your Life
At the end of the day, the best refrigerator isn’t always the fanciest—it’s the one that fits your space, your food, and the rhythm of your life.
Here’s how to keep it real:
- Think about who opens the fridge most—kids, roommates, partners—and how they’ll reach for snacks.
- Plan for cleaning—leave space so you can vacuum behind your refrigerator every now and then.
- Don’t underestimate a good ice maker if you live for cold drinks (or host a lot).
Now you’re ready to shop GE Appliances refrigerators to find the fridge that completes your kitchen.
Shop GE Appliances' Featured Refrigerators
GE 25.3 Cu. Ft. Side-By-Side Refrigerator
GE Profile™ ENERGY STAR® 27.9 Cu. Ft. Smart Fingerprint Resistant 4-Door French-Door Refrigerator with Door In Door
GE® 21.9 Cu. Ft. Garage Ready Top-Freezer Refrigerator
GE® ENERGY STAR® 24.8 Cu. Ft. Bottom-Freezer Drawer Refrigerator
Refrigerator FAQ
How many watts does a refrigerator use?
A typical refrigerator uses between 300 and 800 watts of power, but actual wattage can vary depending on size, age, and extra fridge features.
What temperature should a refrigerator be?
The FDA recommends refrigerators be below 40° F, but ideal temperature is between 35°F and 38°F.
How long do refrigerators last?
On average, a refrigerator will last from 10 to 15 years of daily use.
How much does a refrigerator weight?
A refrigerator’s weight will depend on its features and its size. A large refrigerator with ice maker and/or water dispenser can weigh in excess of 400 lbs.
How to measure a refrigerator cubic feet?
To calculate the cubic feet of space inside a refrigerator, you need to measure its interior dimensions (length, width, and height) and multiply those measurements together. Then, divide the result by 1728 (since there are 1728 cubic inches in a cubic foot).