How to calculate refrigerator cubic feet
When shopping for a new refrigerator, one of the main features to consider is its size in terms of interior space – measured in cubic feet. The size of the fridge can impact your storage options, energy consumption, and overall efficiency. Calculating refrigerator cubic feet is an easy process that requires just a few measurements and some basic multiplication. Follow these simple steps to accurately determine your refrigerator’s internal volume.
Step 1: Measure the Interior Dimensions
To calculate the cubic feet of the refrigerator, start by measuring the internal dimensions. Measure the height, width, and depth of your refrigerator’s interior space using a tape measure or a ruler. Keep in mind that the inner dimensions might be different from the outer dimensions, so ensure you measure inside the fridge itself.
Step 2: Convert Inches to Feet (Optional)
If your measurements are in inches, you’ll need to convert them to feet for calculating cubic feet. To do so, divide each measurement by 12 as there are 12 inches in a foot.
For example: if your fridge is 36 inches wide, divide that by 12 to get 3 feet.
Step 3: Calculate the Refrigerator Volume
Now that you have all three interior measurements (height, width, and depth) in feet, simply multiply them together.
Cubic Feet = Height(ft) × Width(ft) × Depth(ft)
For instance, if your refrigerator is 3 feet wide, 6 feet high, and 2.5 feet deep:
Cubic Feet = 3 × 6 × 2.5 = 45 cubic feet
This calculation gives you the interior volume of your refrigerator in cubic feet.
Step 4: Consider Separate Compartments (Optional)
If you have a refrigerator with separate freezer and fresh food compartments, it’s recommended that you calculate their cubic foot capacities separately. This allows for a better understanding of how much storage space is available in each compartment. To do this, follow the same process for each compartment and add the two resulting cubic foot measurements together for a total refrigerator capacity.
Step 5: Compare Specifications
Finally, take your calculated refrigerator cubic feet and compare it with the manufacturer’s specifications. The actual measurements are usually close to the ones provided by the manufacturer. A slight difference could be due to different measurement methods or components within the fridge taking up some space. Keeping these differences in mind, use the manufacturer’s information to make an informed decision when purchasing or replacing a refrigerator.
In conclusion, knowing how to calculate refrigerator cubic feet can help you find the perfect size fridge for your kitchen, budget, and storage needs. By following these simple steps, you can be confident in selecting the right refrigerator for your home.