Gastronorm container sizes, formats and depths explained
Gastronorm GN 1/1, 1/2, 1/3, 1/4, 1/6 and 1/9 sizes, depths, approximate capacities, combinations and materials for commercial kitchens.
In short
Gastronorm is the European standard (EN 631) for kitchen containers. The base size, GN 1/1, measures 530 Γ 325 mm. Other sizes are fractions of it: GN 1/2 (325 Γ 265 mm), GN 1/3 (325 Γ 176 mm), GN 1/4 (265 Γ 162 mm), GN 1/6 (176 Γ 162 mm) and GN 1/9 (176 Γ 108 mm). Common depths are 20, 40, 65, 100, 150 and 200 mm. A GN container fits any oven, fridge, refrigerated prep counter or service counter specified for that format, regardless of brand.
Gastronorm is the format that connects the equipment in a commercial kitchen: ovens, fridges, blast chillers, refrigerated prep counters, hot counters and buffets. Knowing the sizes helps you order containers that fit the runners and lids that close properly.
Gastronorm sizes
The base format is GN 1/1, 530 Γ 325 mm. Other sizes divide GN 1/1, or double it for GN 2/1. Dimensions refer to the upper outer rim. This rests on the runners and makes containers from different brands interchangeable.
| Format | Dimensions (mm) | Relative to GN 1/1 | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| GN 2/1 | 650 Γ 530 | Twice the size | Large ovens and counters |
| GN 1/1 | 530 Γ 325 | Base format | Oven cooking, chafing dishes, blast chilling |
| GN 2/3 | 354 Γ 325 | 2/3 (pairs with a GN 1/3) | Compact ovens, combinations with a GN 1/3 |
| GN 1/2 | 325 Γ 265 | 2 per GN 1/1 | Side dishes, prepared food, hot counters |
| GN 1/3 | 325 Γ 176 | 3 per GN 1/1 | Refrigerated prep counters, mise en place, cold counters |
| GN 1/4 | 265 Γ 162 | 4 per GN 1/1 | Sauces, garnishes, pizza prep counters |
| GN 1/6 | 176 Γ 162 | 6 per GN 1/1 | Service-line ingredients, toppings |
| GN 1/9 | 176 Γ 108 | 9 per GN 1/1 | Small ingredients, herbs, condiments |
Container depths
The fraction does not specify depth: a GN 1/3 comes in several depths. Standard options are 20, 40, 65, 100, 150 and 200 mm. Smaller formats (GN 1/6, GN 1/9) usually stop at 100 or 150 mm.
- 20β40 mm: trays for gratins, baking and buffet display.
- 65 mm: the most widely used depth, suitable for most tasks.
- 100 mm: preparations containing liquid, hot counters and storage.
- 150β200 mm: stocks, sauces and bulk refrigerated storage.
Approximate capacities
Capacity in litres depends on corner radii, rim design and material, so it varies slightly between manufacturers. Use these figures for planning. Check the product specification for the exact capacity.
| Format | 65 mm | 100 mm | 150 mm | 200 mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GN 1/1 | ~ 9 l | ~ 14 l | ~ 21 l | ~ 28 l |
| GN 1/2 | ~ 4 l | ~ 6,5 l | ~ 9,5 l | ~ 12,5 l |
| GN 1/3 | ~ 2,5 l | ~ 4 l | ~ 5,7 l | ~ 7,8 l |
| GN 1/4 | ~ 1,8 l | ~ 2,8 l | ~ 4 l | β |
| GN 1/6 | ~ 1 l | ~ 1,6 l | ~ 2,4 l | β |
| GN 1/9 | ~ 0,6 l | ~ 0,9 l | β | β |
Combining formats
A GN 1/1 opening can take any combination whose fractions add up to 1. Common layouts include:
- 2 Γ GN 1/2: two large preparations, typical of chafing dishes.
- 3 Γ GN 1/3: the classic refrigerated prep counter layout.
- 1 Γ GN 2/3 + 1 Γ GN 1/3: a main dish and a side.
- 1 Γ GN 1/2 + 2 Γ GN 1/4: a large dish and two sauces.
- 6 Γ GN 1/6 or 9 Γ GN 1/9: pizza counters and service lines with many small ingredients.
Divider bars
Combining different formats in one opening requires stainless steel divider bars to support the rims. Find them among the Gastronorm accessories.
Choosing a material
- Stainless steel: suitable for ovens, blast chillers and dishwashers. The standard choice for a kitchen. Perforated versions suit steaming and draining.
- Aluminium and non-stick steel: for oven cooking where heat conduction or easy food release matters.
- Polycarbonate: transparent, light and impact-resistant. Ideal for refrigerated storage because the contents remain visible. Not oven-safe.
- Polypropylene: cheaper than polycarbonate, opaque or translucent, and suitable for cold storage. Not oven-safe.
- Porcelain, melamine and slate: buffet formats that fit the same supports and chafing dishes while offering a more attractive presentation in the dining room.
Warning
Maximum temperatures vary between products, even within the same material. Before using a plastic container in a microwave, dishwasher or blast chiller, check the limits in its specification.
Lids and accessories
A GN container takes a lid of the same format, whatever its depth. Main options include:
- flat lids for storage and stacking;
- notched lids to leave a ladle in place during service;
- airtight lids with a seal for longer storage and transport;
- polycarbonate lids on stainless steel containers to see the contents without opening them.
Useful accessories include flat racks, perforated drain shelves to separate food from liquid, and the divider bars mentioned above.
Gastronorm and Euronorm
Gastronorm (530 Γ 325 mm) is the kitchen format. Euronorm (600 Γ 400 mm) is the bakery and pastry format. Many ovens take only one; some have runners for both. Check the oven manual or data plate before ordering trays. Choosing the wrong format is a common kitchen fit-out mistake.
Where they are used
- Cooking: Gastronorm trays and pans for combi and convection ovens.
- Storage: Gastronorm containers for fridges and blast chillers.
- Service: chafing dishes and buffet and counter containers.
- Transport: insulated catering containers that take full Gastronorm pans, in the food transport containers range.
Find the products
The items mentioned in this guide, in the Misee catalogue.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a GN 1/1 container?
530 Γ 325 mm, measured across the outer rim. This is the reference size: all other Gastronorm formats are fractions or multiples of it.
How many GN 1/3 containers fit a GN 1/1 opening?
Three. A GN 1/1 opening also takes two GN 1/2, four GN 1/4, six GN 1/6 or nine GN 1/9 containers, or a combination of sizes whose fractions add up to 1.
Are Gastronorm and Euronorm the same?
No. Gastronorm is based on 530 Γ 325 mm and is designed for kitchens. Euronorm (600 Γ 400 mm) is the bakery and pastry format. Check which format your oven takes before ordering trays.
Can polycarbonate Gastronorm containers go in the oven?
No. Polycarbonate and polypropylene suit refrigeration, blast chilling and cold service, but cannot withstand oven temperatures. Use stainless steel or aluminium containers for cooking.
Which Gastronorm depth suits a bain-marie or chafing dish?
Hot service usually uses 65 or 100 mm: deep enough to keep portions hot, shallow enough for easy serving. A standard chafing dish takes one GN 1/1 or two GN 1/2 containers.
Need advice on your supplies?
Our customer service helps you choose sizes, quantities and materials for your venue.