No, fridge-freezer dimensions vary by style and region; common widths run 55–91 cm (22–36 in) with depth and height ranges to match.
Shopping for a new combo can be tricky because models span a wide span of widths, depths, and heights. Brands target different kitchens, from narrow flats to roomy, open-plan spaces. The good news: once you learn the common ranges and a few fit rules, picking the right footprint gets simple.
Standard Fridge-Freezer Dimensions: Common Ranges
There isn’t one industry size. You’ll see clusters that match common cabinet layouts. Here’s a quick map across popular styles and markets. Also.
| Style/Use | Typical WxDxH | Typical Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Top-Freezer (Freestanding) | 28–33 in × 30–34 in × 61–69 in (71–84 × 76–86 × 155–175 cm) | 14–20 cu ft (396–566 L) |
| Bottom-Freezer | 29–33 in × 30–34 in × 66–70 in (74–84 × 76–86 × 168–178 cm) | 18–25 cu ft (510–708 L) |
| French Door (Standard-Depth) | 30–36 in × 32–35 in × 68–71 in (76–91 × 81–89 × 173–180 cm) | 20–28 cu ft (566–793 L) |
| French Door (Counter-Depth) | 30–36 in × 24–30 in × 68–71 in (76–91 × 61–76 × 173–180 cm) | 18–24 cu ft (510–680 L) |
| Side-By-Side | 32–36 in × 30–34 in × 68–71 in (81–91 × 76–86 × 173–180 cm) | 20–28 cu ft (566–793 L) |
| Apartment/Narrow | 22–27 in × 26–30 in × 58–67 in (56–69 × 66–76 × 147–170 cm) | 7–14 cu ft (198–396 L) |
| Undercounter/Column | 23–24 in × 23–26 in × 32–35 in (58–61 × 58–66 × 81–89 cm) | 3–5 cu ft (85–142 L) |
| EU Tall Larder/Freezer Pair | 54–60 cm × 55–65 cm × 170–201 cm (21–24 × 22–26 × 67–79 in) | 200–400 L (7–14 cu ft) |
Depth deserves special attention. Standard-depth units stick out beyond counters. Counter-depth trims that projection for a flush look, but interior volume drops a bit. If you want a cleaner line along cabinetry, go shallow and plan storage accordingly.
Why Ranges Exist Instead Of One “Standard”
Cabinet Grids Differ By Country
North American kitchens often assume 36-inch cabinet runs and a 24-inch counter depth. Many European layouts use 60-cm modules and slimmer passes. Manufacturers build lines that match both worlds, which creates different width bands across catalogs.
Door Styles Change The Box
Split-door designs need room for hinges and gaskets. Ice and water modules trim interior depth. Drawers add height. Small choices like these nudge the shell, so two models with the same nominal width can feel different inside.
Energy Targets Shape The Shell
Thicker insulation helps with efficiency, which can add millimeters to walls. Energy Star guidance also nudges buyers toward right-sized units because larger boxes draw more power. See the program’s refrigerators page for plain sizing tips and typical capacities by style.
How To Measure So It Fits The First Time
Map The Slot
Grab a tape and record width, depth to the wall, and height to the lowest obstruction. Note baseboards, water lines, and outlets that can pinch space. If the slot is tight, sketch a simple diagram with door swing and hinge side.
Account For Breathing Room
Every unit needs airflow. Most brands ask for small gaps at the sides and top, plus extra space behind. Leave a bit of clearance around the case so heat can leave the coils. Venting margins vary by model, so check the manual once you pick a unit.
Check The Path In
The doorway and hall path often decide the purchase. The NKBA kitchen planning guide suggests a clear opening of 32 inches or more, with 34 inches preferred for smoother access (guideline PDF). Measure the tightest turn, not just the door leaf, and compare it to the carton size with doors off.
Watch Door Swing And Island Gaps
Measure handle-to-island clearance with doors open. French-door models need less swing per leaf but need room for drawer pull-out. Side-by-sides suit narrow aisles because each door is slimmer.
Capacity: How Much Space Do You Actually Need?
Pick interior volume to match the household so food doesn’t crowd or go to waste. A small home that cooks light does well with the teens in cubic feet. A family that meal-preps may want the mid-20s.
Quick Sizing Prompts
- One to two people: 7–14 cu ft if cooking is light; 14–18 cu ft for regular cooking.
- Three to four people: 18–24 cu ft.
- Five or more: 25 cu ft and up, or add a garage freezer.
Space needs also swing with habits. Weekly shoppers with kids load drinks, snacks, and leftovers, which pushes volume needs up. If you order fresh food or eat out, a smaller box keeps air volume tight and helps the compressor cycle efficiently.
Clearances And Installation Margins
Here are common venting and movement spaces seen in many installation guides. Always check the spec sheet for the final numbers on the exact model.
| Location | Typical Margin | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Sides/Top | ~3/8–1 in (10–25 mm) | Reduces rub on cabinets and aids air flow |
| Back | 1–2 in (25–50 mm) | Lets heat escape; room for hoses and cords |
| Front Clearance | 48–60 in (122–152 cm) | Room to open doors and pull drawers |
| Doorway Clear Opening | 32–34 in (813–864 mm) | Carton and cabinet passage during delivery |
| Hinge Side | 2–4 in (50–100 mm) | Stops handle from striking nearby walls |
Counter-Depth Vs Standard-Depth: Pick By Kitchen Priority
When A Flush Look Wins
Counter-depth fronts line up with cabinets. The face looks cleaner, and aisles stay a touch wider. You trade a few cubic feet.
When Storage Wins
Standard-depth boxes stick out but hold more. Busy homes that stock up like the extra inches. Check that the handle doesn’t crowd the walkway.
Regional Notes Worth Knowing
United States And Canada
Most stores carry 30-, 33-, and 36-inch widths as the main options. Heights land near 69–70 inches on many lines.
United Kingdom And EU
Integrated columns and 60-cm-wide tall units are common. Depth can be slimmer, which helps in galley kitchens.
Built-In And Integrated Units
Panel-ready columns and true built-ins follow cabinet lines more closely than freestanding boxes. Many come in fixed widths like 18, 24, 30, and 36 inches, with matched freezer columns in the same steps. Depth can reach the cabinet face or sit slightly proud once panels and handles go on. Since ventilation routes through front grilles or factory ducts, the clearance rules can differ from freestanding units. Check toe-kick vents, grille height, and service access before you frame.
Door Removal, Carton Math, And Safe Turns
Most large models let you pop doors off to trim width by two to four inches. Delivery crews often do this at the truck. The carton still adds foam on every side, so ask for boxed width and height. Measure the steepest stair and the diagonal at landings, and flag any railings that steal elbow room.
Smart Panels, Ice Makers, And Space Claims
Touch screens, through-the-door ice, and interior makers all take space somewhere. A dispenser in the door adds thickness and can shave shelf depth right behind it. An interior maker steals a corner of the freezer. None of this is a deal breaker, but it’s smart to match features to your storage habits. If you buy bagged ice or use silicone trays, a bare door with deeper shelves might feel better. If kids grab water all day, a dispenser trims steps and keeps the main door shut longer.
Buying Tips To Land The Right Footprint
Read The Spec Sheet, Not Just The Tag
Retail placards round numbers. The manual lists carton size, case depth with and without handles, and the open-door depth. Those are the figures that decide fit.
Think In Ranges, Then Filter
Start with the width band that matches your slot. Pick depth based on flush look versus storage. Then compare height against upper cabinets. Once you lock those, features like smart panels or ice modules won’t derail fit.
Plan For Delivery Day
Remove swing-stop pins, take doors off if needed, and protect floors at tight turns. Tape the loose hardware to the carton so nothing goes missing.
Quick Answers
- Is there one fixed size? No, only common bands by style and market.
- Do counters set the depth? Yes, typical counters are near 24 in (61 cm), which shapes “counter-depth” models.
- What if the alcove is shallow? Look for counter-depth or a tall larder plus a compact freezer.
- What about ventilation? Leave small gaps at sides/top and a larger space at the back, per the manual.
Link notes: Energy use rises with box size, so right-sizing helps your bill. Also check a brand’s install page for its exact clearance callouts. Two helpful starting points are the Energy Star refrigerators page and the NKBA doorway guidance PDF.