How to Use the Cooler Calculator
Three quick inputs and you’ll have your estimate. Set how long the dry ice needs to last, whether you’re keeping items frozen or just cold, and your cooler size — the result updates live.
How many days the ice must last — trip, shipment or storage.
Keeping contents frozen needs more ice than just chilled.
Add each cooler in quarts — shipping several? Add more.
How Long Does Dry Ice Last?
Dry ice doesn’t melt — it sublimates, turning from solid directly to gas. Here’s what drives how fast that happens.
The Standard Sublimation Rate
In a typical insulated cooler or shipping box, dry ice sublimates at roughly 5–10 lbs every 24 hours. That’s the widely cited industry baseline — actual results depend on the conditions below.
What Makes Dry Ice Last Longer?
Insulation quality is the single biggest variable — a quality hard-sided cooler can nearly double your dry ice’s lifespan versus a basic styrofoam box. Ambient temperature and how often you open the lid also matter.
Blocks vs. Pellets: Which Lasts Longer?
Blocks have less exposed surface area, so they sublimate more slowly — ideal for 24–72 hour shipping or cold storage. Pellets sublimate faster, making them the go-to for event fog effects and cocktail presentations.
How Much for a 24-Hour Shipment?
For most insulated shipping boxes, 5–10 lbs covers a standard 24-hour transit. For 48-hour shipments, double the quantity and choose blocks — they hold temperature longer than pellets.
Know Your Amount? Let’s Fill the Order.
Sub-Zero Dry Ice delivers to South Florida, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic — often in under an hour. We’re available 24/7 for urgent last-minute orders and same-day delivery.