A new refrigerator can be a big investment, so it's important to find one that suits your storage needs and fits in your kitchen. Standard-sized appliances make this process easier and pair well with standard-sized cabinets. Read our guide to learn about the standard refrigerator dimensions, as well as some additional considerations for finding the right fit.

What is the Standard Size of a Refrigerator?
Refrigerator Dimensions By Type
Additional Considerations

What is the Standard Size of a Refrigerator?

Most standard refrigerators have exterior measurements that range from 28 ¾" to 39 ¾" wide, 61 ¾" to 71 ¼" tall, and 28 ¾" to 34 ⅝" deep, though the true standard size depends on the type of refrigerator. There are four common types of refrigerator designs: French door, side-by-side, top freezer, and bottom freezer.

Refrigerator Dimensions By Type

We've outlined the standard sizes for each type of refrigerator – French door, side-by-side, top freezer, and bottom freezer.

French Door

This popular refrigerator style features two half-doors and a bottom-mounted freezer that pulls out like a drawer. French door refrigerators have a standard size that ranges from 29½" to 36" wide, 68½" to 70⅛" tall, and 29⅜" to 34⅜" deep.

Side-by-Side

Side-by-side refrigerators have two parallel doors with a vertical split, with the freezer on one side and the refrigerator on the other. This style is 32¾" to 39¾" wide, 65⅞" to71 ¼" tall, and 29¾" to 31¼" deep.

Top Freezer

This type of refrigerator has a two-door design with a top-mounted freezer. Top freezer refrigerators measure from 28¾" to 32¾ wide, 61¾ to 66¼ " tall, and 28¾" to 34½" deep.

Bottom Freezer

Bottom freezer refrigerators are a two-door design with a bottom-mounted freezer that can open like a door or pull out like a drawer. The standard size for this type of freezer is 29½" to 32¾ " wide, 67" to 70" tall, and 33⅜" deep.

To learn more about these types and find tips for choosing the right one for your home, check out our Refrigerator Buying Guide.

Additional Considerations

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In addition to the basic dimensions, there are a few more factors that can help you find the right refrigerator size for your household.

Capacity

Total capacity measures the amount of storage that the refrigerator can hold and should be measured by the amount of people in a household. To find the total capacity for your household, a general rule is that each person should have 4 to 6 cu. ft. of storage. For example, a household of four people should have a refrigerator with a total capacity between 16 cu. ft. and 24 cu. ft.

Counter-Depth vs. Standard-Depth

Whether your priority is to improve the flow of your kitchen or maximize storage, a refrigerator’s designed depth is another key measurement to keep in mind while selecting a refrigerator. There are two depth designs to choose between: counter-depth and standard-depth.

Counter Depth: Counter-depth refrigerators have a depth of 24" to 28" and are designed to be flush with the countertops to create a sleek, streamlined look. Because counter-depth refrigerators have a narrower depth, they often have a taller profile and wider design than standard-depth refrigerators. This is something to keep in mind if your kitchen has cabinets above the refrigerator to make sure the refrigerator will still fit in the designated space.

Standard Depth: If you're looking for optimal storage, then a standard-depth refrigerator is the best choice for you. They typically measure between 30" to 40" deep and extend 6" past the countertops. Though standard-depth refrigerators may take up more floor space than counter-depth refrigerators, their deep storage better accommodates larger households.

Tip!

For more information about counter-depth refrigerators, read our guide What is a Counter-Depth Refrigerator?

Freestanding vs. Built-In

This element of a refrigerator’s design also impacts the refrigerator dimensions. When choosing between freestanding and built-in options, think about the available space in your kitchen and the overall design you want to achieve.

Freestanding: This type of refrigerator is a stand-alone appliance that can be installed anywhere. They can be nestled within cabinets and have finished sides so that they can be left exposed as well. Freestanding refrigerators are more popular since they are easy to install in any part of the kitchen and come in nearly every size.

Built-In: Built-in refrigerators are built into the cabinetry of a kitchen, making them permanent fixtures. To fit seamlessly into the cabinet design, built-in refrigerators are often counter-depth. This makes the refrigerators taller and wider than most freestanding models. Built-in refrigerators are an excellent choice if you're looking to create a seamless, customized kitchen.

Clearance & Ventilation

In addition to the refrigerator dimensions, it's important to consider the space around the refrigerator. Factor in how much space is needed when the refrigerator doors and drawers are open, and consider any obstructions that could get in the way of this, like walls or kitchen islands. Leave ½" of space on all sides of the refrigerator, including above the top and behind the back, for proper ventilation. This will ensure that the refrigerator can cool itself properly and last longer.

Delivery

Make delivery easier by measuring the doorways and hallways that the refrigerator would pass through on its way to the kitchen to make sure it will fit. Try to find the most direct path to the kitchen that avoids staircases and tight turns if possible. Move any furniture to make sure it has a clear route.

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