Free tool
Leftover calculator
Select the food and when it was cooked or opened. We add its USDA FoodKeeper fridge time to that date and show you the final safe day.
Your eat-by date will show here.
How we work out the date
We look up the fridge time FoodKeeper gives for your food (cooked rice, for instance, is 4–6 days) and count forward from the date it was cooked or opened. Treat the low end of the range as your safe target. The high end is the outer limit, and it only applies if your fridge stays at 40°F (4°C) or below throughout.
Leftover rules that never change
- Get food into the fridge within 2 hours of cooking (1 hour above 90°F).
- Spread food out in shallow containers so it cools fast.
- Reheat to 165°F (74°C), and when in doubt, throw it out.
Questions & answers
When do I start counting for leftovers?
From the moment the food was cooked or the package was opened, not from the day you bought the ingredients.
How many days do most leftovers last?
Most cooked leftovers last 3–4 days at 40°F (4°C) or colder. Cooked rice lasts 4–6 days, and soups and stews 3–4 days.
Does reheating give leftovers more time?
No. Reheating won't stretch how long food lasts in the fridge. Bring it to 165°F (74°C), and reheat only the portion you plan to eat.
Is it okay to freeze leftovers on their last day?
Yes, any point inside the fridge window works, although the earlier you freeze them, the better they taste later.
Other calculators: Freezer time calculator · Thaw time calculator · Left-out checker · Best-by date decoder
Figures here are drawn from USDA FoodKeeper plus FSIS guidance. Data re-checked November 2026. How we check our numbers · Spotted an error? Tell us