Calculator
Leftover calculator
Pick the food and the day you cooked or opened it. We count the USDA FoodKeeper fridge window forward and give you the last safe day.
Your eat-by date appears here.
How the calculator works
We take the refrigerator time FoodKeeper lists for the food (for example, 4–6 days for cooked rice) and add it to the day you cooked or opened it. The safe target is the low end of the range; the high end is the outer limit if your fridge holds 40°F (4°C) or colder the whole time.
The leftover rules that always apply
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking (1 hour above 90°F).
- Use shallow containers so food cools quickly.
- Reheat to 165°F (74°C). If in doubt, throw it out.
FAQ
When does the leftover clock start?
When the food was cooked, or when a package was opened — not the day you bought the ingredients.
How long are most leftovers good for?
Most cooked leftovers keep 3–4 days at 40°F (4°C) or below. Cooked rice keeps 4–6 days; soups and stews 3–4 days.
Does reheating reset the clock?
No. Reheating does not extend fridge life. Reheat to 165°F (74°C) and only reheat what you will eat.
Can I freeze leftovers on the last day?
Yes. Freeze them any time within the fridge window; quality is better the sooner you freeze.
More tools: Freezer time calculator · Thaw time calculator · Left-out checker · Best-by date decoder
Numbers on this page come from USDA FoodKeeper and FSIS guidance. Last verified November 2026. How we verify our data · Report a wrong number