To measure a new fridge, you'll need to know its depth, width, and height. Remember to include a few inches of breathing room for efficient ventilation as well as ample space for the refrigerator doors to fully open.
Step 1: Measure the width of your refrigerator
Measure from the wall to the counter, cabinet to cabinet, or anything that may be on either side of your refrigerator.
NOTE: If your fridge is located next to a wall, leave 2 and 1/2 inches of space between the door's hinge side and the wall for it to swing open fully.
How wide are refrigerators?
If you're in the market for a new fridge, know that slim top freezers and bottom freezers range from 28 to 32 inches wide, while side-by-side and French doors may extend up to 36 inches. Also be aware that once fully open, depth may increase by several inches--to 45 or 50 deep.
Keep in mind that counter-depth refrigerators—which sit flush with countertops—are usually a few inches wider than standard ones.
Step 2: Measure for refrigerator height
Measure from the floor to the bottom of your cabinets if they are above your refrigerator cutout.
How tall are refrigerators?
Refrigerator height ranges from 66 to 70 inches tall, with French Door and side-by-side variants standing on the taller ends.
Counter-depth refrigerators will generally be a few inches taller than conventional refrigerators. Undercounter Refrigerators are also counter-height and typically measure 35 inches tall.
Step 3: Measure for refrigerator depth
To find out how deep your refrigerator is, measure from the wall to the countertop's edge. These dimensions should be about 24 to 25 inches deep.
For optimum results, make sure to document each of the following for the most accurate and thorough refrigerator dimensions possible to ensure a proper fit:
Depth including fridge doors
Depth excluding fridge doors
Depth with fridge closed (including handles)
Depth with fridge closed (excluding handles)
Depth with fridge door open at 90 degrees
Depth with fridge door and drawers open
Allow at least one inch of breathing room behind your refrigerator for optimum ventilation. If you have a kitchen island or have restricted space, measure the area in front of the fridge to make sure the doors and drawers can fully open.
How deep are refrigerators?
Refrigerators are divided into two categories: counter-depth and standard-depth, with refrigerator depth ranging from 24 to 36 inches deep.
Counter-depth fridges run between 24 and 30 inches deep, whereas conventional-depth models may extend to 36 to 40 inches.
Most Counter Depth Refrigerators have a capacity of 22 cu.ft., which is slightly greater than that of standard-depth refrigerators (which range from 18 to 21 cu.ft.).
Step 4: Adjust measurements for ventilation space
For proper ventilation, add ½ inch to all sides of your refrigerator dimensions. This will allow the appliance to cool without overheating.
Allow for ½ inch of space on either side of the fridge
Allow for ½ inch of space above the fridge
Allow for ½ inch of space between the back of the fridge and the wall
If you want your fridge to last and run efficiently, be sure to give it enough clearance for proper ventilation.
Step 5: Calculate refrigerator capacity in cubic feet
If you want to know how much space your refrigerator can hold, calculate its cubic feet. To get this number, just use the fridge's length, width, and depth measurements.
How to calculate refrigerator size in cubic feet
To find the cubic feet dimensions of your refrigerator, multiply the length x width x depth. Then, divide that sum by 1,728 to get the size in cubic feet.
Keep in mind: there are 1,728 inches in one cubic foot.
Step 6: Map out and measure a path for refrigerator delivery
It fulfills your demands and fits your space, but how is it getting there? To check whether your new fridge can get through, measure the width of every hallway and doorway from the nearest entrance to your kitchen.