Fish Ice Calculator (Estimate Ice from Weight, Temperature, Transport Time)

Estimate ice required from fish weight, temperature, and transport time. Follow local food safety regulations (this tool is a guideline).

Fish ice calculator (rule-of-thumb). Shareable URL & CSV export.

Field presets
Presets are guidelines. Adjust for sun exposure, opening frequency, and box drainage.
Duomenys
Basic inputs
Temperatūra
Use ambient or hold temperature (choose the harsher condition).
Temperature band

How ice is calculated (ratio method / target temperature)

Target temperature method (simple, experimental)
Simple model: errors can arise from packing density, species, initial temperature, moisture, and drainage. Use a safety margin.
Estimates the initial cooling required to reach the target temperature, then adds maintenance ice based on transport time. Uses water latent heat ~334 kJ/kg. (Engineering LibreTexts)
Adjustments (field factors)
Smaller ice with better contact cools faster (surface area matters). (FAOHome)
Block ice melts more slowly, but is typically crushed for better contact when used. (FAOHome)
Safety margin
Shortage is common due to species, packing density, sun, and opening frequency

Ice-to-fish ratio guide

0–6h 6–12h 12–24h 24h+
<10°C 0.5 0.6 0.8 1.0
10–25°C 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.5
>25°C 1.2 1.5 2.0 3.0
A guide mentions ice:fish = 1:2 (=0.5) in temperate climates and 1:1 (=1.0) in tropical climates, with cases up to 3× depending on conditions. (FAOHome)
The 0.5 ratio is based on a field example of 15 kg ice for 30 kg fish in temperate climate. (FAOHome)
Rezultatai
Recommended ice
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kg
Safety margin (+20%): --
When conditions overlap, increasing is recommended.
Fish ice calculator (rule-of-thumb). Shareable URL & CSV export.
Calculation basis
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Base ratio --
Correction factors --
Final ratio --
Formulė Fish weight × r_final = Ice required
Factor breakdown
Pastabos
Share & export

DUK

Is this an accurate heat calculation?
No, it is a guideline. FAO notes that while theoretical calculation is possible, practical operations rely on experience. This tool adds safety-side factors (insulation, ice type, safety margin). (FAOHome)
Can I use seawater ice (slurry)?
Yes. You can switch ice-type correction. Slurry or RSW generally provides good contact and faster cooling. (FAOHome)
What if ice is short?
Improve insulation (extra insulation, avoid direct sun, reduce gaps), reduce opening frequency, and ensure drainage so meltwater does not stagnate. Operating so ice remains at arrival is also effective. (FAOHome)
Block vs crushed ice?
Cooling speed depends on contact area. Block ice melts slower for storage/transport, but should be crushed for better contact when used. (FAOHome)
Pastabos
  • This tool provides reference values only. Follow local regulations and buyer standards for food safety, temperature control, and hygiene.
  • Errors depend on species, fish size, packing density, direct sun, door opening, and drainage. Use the safety margin when in doubt.
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