Cooler sizes: what size cooler do I need, by people and days
Cooler sizes are quart ratings of interior volume, and the number you need is food (about 1.25 qt per person per day) plus drinks plus ice at 1:1 for an overnight, 1.5:1 for a 2 to 3 day weekend and 2:1 for 4 days or more. Anything over about 70 qt is easier as two coolers, one for food and one for drinks. For how each size compares in cans and exterior dimensions, see the cooler sizes chart.
| People | 1 day | 2 days | 3 days | 4 days | 5 days | 7 days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 qt | 13 qt | 20 qt | 31 qt | 39 qt | 55 qt |
| 2 | 10 qt | 26 qt | 39 qt | 62 qt | 78 qt | 109 qt |
| 3 | 16 qt | 39 qt | 59 qt | 94 qt | 117 qt | 164 qt |
| 4 | 21 qt | 52 qt | 78 qt | 125 qt | 156 qt | 218 qt |
| 5 | 26 qt | 65 qt | 98 qt | 156 qt | 195 qt | 273 qt |
| 6 | 31 qt | 78 qt | 117 qt | 187 qt | 234 qt | 328 qt |
| 7 | 36 qt | 91 qt | 137 qt | 218 qt | 273 qt | 382 qt |
| 8 | 42 qt | 104 qt | 156 qt | 250 qt | 312 qt | 437 qt |
Coolers from budget to rotomolded
Coleman Chiller 30-Quart Portable CoolerUnder $50Check priceSpec sheet
Coleman Classic Series Insulated Rolling CoolerUnder $100Check price
Igloo Marine Ultra 90 QT CoolerUnder $250Check priceSpec sheet
Flex 'N Go 62-Quart Wheeled CoolerUnder $250Check priceSpec sheet
RTIC 45 QT Ultra-Tough Hard CoolerUnder $250Check priceSpec sheet
RTIC 52 QT Ultra-Light Wheeled Hard CoolerUnder $500Check price
Ninja FrostVault 65qt Cooler with WheelsUnder $500Check price
YETI Roadie Wheel CoolerUnder $500Check priceSpec sheet
Frequently asked questions
What size cooler for weekend camping?
Two people for a 2 day weekend need about 29 qt of total space, so a 35 to 45 qt cooler; a family of 4 for 3 days needs about 78 qt, best split into a 40 to 45 qt food cooler and a separate drinks cooler. Both figures include ice at 1.5:1.
What size cooler for 2 days camping?
About 14 qt per person for 2 days at three drinks a day, ice included: one person fits a 16 to 20 qt cooler, two people a 35 qt, four people a 60 to 65 qt or two smaller coolers.
What size cooler for a family of 4?
A 45 to 52 qt cooler covers a family of 4 for an overnight; a 3 day trip needs about 78 qt of total space and most families carry two coolers rather than one 80 qt chest. Run the exact days and drinks through the cooler size calculator.
How do cooler sizes compare by dimensions?
A 25 qt cooler is roughly 18 x 15 x 16 inches outside, a 45 qt about 24 x 17 x 18, a 65 qt about 30 x 19 x 19 and a 100 qt about 40 x 22 x 22. Rotomolded coolers run 2 to 4 inches larger outside at the same quart rating. The cooler sizes chart lists every common size with dimensions and can counts.
Researched guidance, not professional advice. Figures are published specifications or clearly labelled conventions; check your own gear's manual and your campground's rules.
