Gastronorm Containers Guide

Gastronorm sizes
Gastronorm sizes are standard sizes of container used in the catering industry specified in the EN 631
standards:

 GN1/9 : 108 x 176 mm

 GN1/6 : 176 x 162 mm
 GN1/4 : 265 x 163 mm
 GN1/3 : 325 x 176 mm
 GN1/2 : 325 x 265 mm
 GN2/3 : 354 x 325 mm
 GN1/1 : 530 x 325 mm
 GN2/1 : 650 x 530 mm

Trays and stackable stainless steel, polycarbonate and polypropylene storage containers are often made
in these sizes especially for the catering industry.

Gastronorm sizes were set up by the European Standards Committee as a way of standardising container sizes in
the Catering Industry.

Although gastronorm Containers are most commonly known as stainless steel containers, they are also available
in polycarbonate or polypropylene materials. The containers are used for storage, transportation and serving,
often being used in conjunction with refrigeration or heating systems.

Containers are usually available with or without lids or covers, these can often be provided with notches for utensil
handles.

Gastronorm Sizing

Gastronorm container sizes are given as a fraction with a ‘full size’ gastronorm container having a code of ‘GN
1/1’. The sizing is sometimes shown both with and without the ‘GN’.
 The gastronorm sizing system only covers length and width of containers, the depth is usually shown in metric
measurement e.g. millimetres. This means each gastronorm container size can have different depths, and
therefore varying capacities.

Below is a list of gastronorm sizes along with their corresponding metric size:

 GN1/9 : 108 x 176 mm

 GN1/6 : 176 x 162 mm
 GN1/4 : 265 x 163 mm (quarter size)
 GN1/3 : 325 x 176 mm
 GN1/2 : 325 x 265 mm (half size)
 GN2/3 : 354 x 325 mm
 GN1/1 : 530 x 325 mm (full size)
 GN2/1 : 650 x 530 mm (double size)

Due to the fractional sizing system, gastronorm containers are often interchangable. For example if a serving
counter has a GN 1/1 capacity it may be possible to interchange for two GN 1/2 or even a GN 1/2 and two GN
1/4.