Dry Ice Calculator
Estimate how much dry ice your cooler needs from volume, trip duration, ambient heat and insulation quality. Estimates only: real usage varies with load, pre-chilling and opening frequency.
Estimated dry ice needed
Estimates only. Actual consumption depends on load, pre-chilling, opening frequency and dry ice block size. Buy 20-30% extra as margin, handle with insulated gloves, and never store dry ice in an airtight container.
Dry ice questions, answered
How much dry ice do I need for a 40-quart cooler for 24 hours?
A widely used industry rule of thumb is about 10 lb (4.5 kg) of dry ice per 24 hours for a roughly 40-quart (38 L) cooler in warm conditions. Better insulation lowers that figure; hot ambient temperatures raise it. Treat any number as an estimate and carry margin.
Is it safe to put dry ice in a soft cooler bag?
Handle dry ice with insulated gloves and never seal it in an airtight container, because sublimating CO2 builds pressure. Use a cooler that can vent, keep it out of reach of children, and transport it with fresh air circulating in the vehicle. Some soft cooler liners can turn brittle at -78°C, so wrap dry ice in cardboard or paper before loading.
Can I take dry ice on a plane?
US regulations allow up to 2.5 kg (5.5 lb) of dry ice per passenger in carry-on or checked baggage for perishables, with airline approval and a vented package. Check your airline's policy before flying, and see our cooler-on-a-plane guide for the details.
Does dry ice last longer than regular ice?
Dry ice is much colder (about -78°C versus 0°C) and sublimates rather than melts, so there is no meltwater. How long either lasts depends on insulation, ambient temperature, load and how often the cooler is opened, so state your conditions when comparing.
Related reading: How long does ice last in a cooler? and Can you bring a cooler on a plane?
Need coolers built for dry ice routes?
We manufacture insulated bags to your spec, from delivery fleets to cold-chain programs.