Skip to main content

How Big of a Freezer for Half a Cow?

A half cow (200-250 lbs of take-home meat) needs about 8 cubic feet of freezer space. That means a 10 cu ft chest freezer - roughly 44" long, 28" wide, and 33" tall. Use the calculator below for your exact share size, then check the dimension chart to find a freezer that fits your space.

Quick Answer

You need about 8 cubic feet of freezer space for half a cow (200-250 lbs of meat). A 10 cu ft chest freezer ($200-400) is the most popular choice—it fits a half cow with room to spare for organization. A quarter cow needs 4-5 cubic feet.

Rule of thumb: Plan 1 cubic foot per 25-30 lbs of packaged meat, then add 20-25% extra for organization space. A standard kitchen freezer (above the fridge) is only 4-5 cu ft—too small for a half cow.

Freezer Buying Tips

  • 1.Buy bigger than you need. An extra 20% space makes organizing easier and leaves room for other items.
  • 2.Chest beats upright. Chest freezers are more energy efficient and hold cold better during power outages.
  • 3.Get it running early. Buy your freezer 2-3 weeks before your beef arrives to ensure it's at optimal temperature.
  • 4.Check placement. Garages and basements work well. Avoid unheated spaces in extreme cold climates.

How the Math Works

The rule of thumb: 1 cubic foot of freezer space holds 25-35 pounds of packaged beef. The range depends on how the meat is cut and wrapped - vacuum-sealed packages pack tighter than butcher-paper-wrapped cuts.

Example: Half a cow

225 lbs of meat / 30 lbs per cu ft = 7.5 cu ft needed
Add 20% for organization = ~9 cu ft
Recommended freezer = 10 cu ft chest freezer

We always recommend buying a freezer 20% bigger than the minimum. Extra space makes it easier to organize cuts, and you'll want room for other items too. Check our yield calculator to estimate your exact take-home weight.

Freezer Size Chart by Share

Share SizeTake-Home MeatSpace NeededRecommended Freezer
1/8 Cow50-60 lbs~2 cu ftStandard fridge freezer
1/4 Cow100-130 lbs~4 cu ft5-7 cu ft chest freezer
1/2 Cow200-250 lbs~8 cu ft10 cu ft chest freezer
Whole Cow400-500 lbs~16 cu ft18-22 cu ft chest freezer

Actual Freezer Dimensions by Size

Before you buy, measure your space. Here are typical exterior dimensions for common freezer sizes - the ones most people buy for bulk beef:

Freezer SizeTypeDimensions (L x W x H)Best ForTypical Price
5 cu ftChest30" x 22" x 33"1/4 cow$150-250
7 cu ftChest37" x 22" x 33"1/4 cow + extras$200-300
10 cu ftChest44" x 28" x 33"1/2 cow$250-400
13-14 cu ftUpright28" x 29" x 61"1/2 cow$400-600
15 cu ftChest56" x 28" x 33"1/2 cow + pork$350-500
18-22 cu ftChest61-73" x 28" x 34"Whole cow$450-700
17-20 cu ftUpright30" x 32" x 66-70"Whole cow$550-900

Dimensions are approximate and vary by manufacturer. Always check the specific model specs before buying. Leave 2-3 inches of clearance on all sides for airflow.

Planning Your Bulk Beef Purchase

Complete Freezer Space Guide

Hanging weight vs take-home weight, organization tips, and more.

Yield Calculator

Estimate take-home weight from hanging weight for your share size.

Price Calculator

Estimate how much a quarter, half, or whole cow will cost.

How Long Does Beef Last in the Freezer?

Storage times by cut, vacuum sealing tips, and avoiding freezer burn.

How to Fill Out a Cut Sheet

Choose your cuts, thickness, and packaging before pickup day.

Half vs Quarter Cow

Not sure how much to buy? Compare costs, freezer needs, and variety.

Freezer Questions

How big of a freezer do I need for half a cow?
You need about 8 cubic feet of freezer space for half a cow (200-250 lbs of meat). A 10 cubic foot chest freezer is the most popular choice - it gives you the 8 cubic feet for the beef plus room for organization. That's roughly 44" long x 28" wide x 33" tall. Most families buy a dedicated chest freezer for $200-400.
Can I use my regular fridge freezer for half a cow?
Not for a full half - most fridge freezers are only 4-6 cubic feet, and you need about 8. You might fit a quarter cow (100-130 lbs, about 4 cubic feet needed). For half or more, you'll need a dedicated chest or upright freezer.
Will a 7 cubic foot freezer fit half a cow?
It's tight but possible if you pack carefully and don't need room for anything else. At 35 lbs per cubic foot, 7 cubic feet holds about 245 lbs. But you'll have zero extra space for organization or other items. A 10 cubic foot freezer is a much better choice - it gives you breathing room and only costs $30-50 more.
Chest freezer or upright - which is better for bulk beef?
Chest freezers win on efficiency, price, and cold retention during power outages. A full chest freezer stays frozen 48-72 hours without power vs 24-36 for uprights. Uprights are easier to organize and access. For bulk beef, most people prefer chest freezers - they're cheaper to run ($25-40/year) and the deep storage works fine since you're accessing it weekly, not daily.
What size upright freezer for half a cow?
A 13-14 cubic foot upright freezer works well for half a cow. Uprights have slightly less usable space than their rated capacity because of shelves and door bins, so you need a bigger rated size compared to a chest freezer. A 13 cu ft upright is about 28" wide x 29" deep x 61" tall - fits easily in a kitchen, garage, or basement.
How much does it cost to run a freezer?
A modern 10 cubic foot chest freezer uses about 200-300 kWh per year, costing roughly $25-40 annually depending on electricity rates. That works out to about $2-3 per month. Older or larger models use more. It's a small ongoing cost compared to the $1,500-2,500 meat investment.
What happens if my freezer fails or loses power?
A full chest freezer stays frozen for 48-72 hours if you keep the lid closed. Keep a thermometer inside and consider a freezer alarm ($20-30) that alerts you to temperature changes. For extended outages, dry ice can buy extra time. Meat that still contains ice crystals or is at 40F or below can be safely refrozen.
How do I organize a chest freezer full of beef?
Use reusable grocery bags or bins to group cuts (steaks in one, roasts in another, ground beef in a third). Keep an inventory list on the lid. Put items you use most on top. Rotate older packages forward when you add new ones. Some people label each bag with the cut and date using painter's tape.

Got your freezer sorted? Find a supplier.

Browse 1,200+ farms, butchers, and co-ops selling bulk beef across 40+ states.

Browse Suppliers