Key Measurements to Make the Most of Your Bathroom
Fit everything comfortably in a small or medium-size bath by knowing standard dimensions for fixtures and clearances
Bathrooms come in second to kitchens as places where considerable attention is given to layouts and finishes, and size doesn’t limit the quality of their design. Learning a few key dimensions and common fixture sizes — and understanding that a compact space can work to your advantage — will inspire you to embrace these intimate spaces as opportunities to create unique and delightful rooms.
Showers. Showers are required to have a minimum of 1,024 square inches, which is 32 by 32 inches (81 by 81 centimeters) of interior space — although it’s best to aim for at least 36 by 36 inches (91 by 91 centimeters).
Toilets. Toilets can fit into spaces as small as 30 inches (76 centimeters) wide and 54 inches (137 centimeters) long, but at least 36 inches wide and 60 inches deep is much more comfortable.
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Single sinks. For a single sink, you need at least 30 inches (76 centimeters) of width, but 36 to 48 inches (91 to 107 centimeters) is more comfortable.
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Double sinks. You can squeeze two sinks into 60 inches (152 centimeters) of width, but 72 inches (183 centimeters) or more is preferred.
Note: Metric dimensions are close translations of U.S. standards and do not represent the standardized dimensions that may apply to your country.
How to Remodel a Bathroom
Note: Metric dimensions are close translations of U.S. standards and do not represent the standardized dimensions that may apply to your country.
How to Remodel a Bathroom
Medicine cabinets. The depth of medicine cabinets needs to be 4 to 5 inches (10 to 13 centimeters) overall and 3½ to 4½ inches (9 to 11 centimeters) on the interior shelves to suit most people. Widths and heights depend on the individual, but most prebuilt medicine cabinets are about 18 inches (46 centimeters) wide and 30 inches (76 centimeters) tall.
Configuring the Bathtub
Tub length. The typical tub length is 5 feet, and your bathroom could be slightly wider than that. If this is the case, you can install a longer tub, create a deck surround or add a wall with a niche to fill the extra space.
Tub length. The typical tub length is 5 feet, and your bathroom could be slightly wider than that. If this is the case, you can install a longer tub, create a deck surround or add a wall with a niche to fill the extra space.
Drop-in tub. Drop-in tubs like can work in a standard configuration with three enclosing walls. Since they don’t have an apron front, you can finish the face of the tub with tile, as has been done in this bath.
Tub enclosure. Carefully consider whether you want a shower curtain or a glass enclosure for a tub. A shower curtain might make taking a bath more comfortable, and a clear glass shower door might make the room feel larger.
Shower only. Some people never use bathtubs and can do well with having just a shower. This can be advantageous simply because a space designed solely for showering functions more comfortably than one that requires you to stand in a bathtub to shower.
While barrier-free showers are an option, it’s common for a curb to define the shower’s parameters. This curb is normally 3 to 4 inches (8 to 10 centimeters) high and 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) wide. Though it’s not as sleek as the barrier-free design, practical limitations may make this the better choice for you.
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
Sink Arrangement
Pedestal, floating or braced sinks can help make a space feel larger. You will easily find fixtures in widths less than 36 inches (91 centimeters). Consider that if you allow 3 feet for the sink and 3 feet for the shower, and if you have a minimum width of 30 inches (76 centimeters) for the toilet, you will have a room that is 8½ feet (2.6 meters) long.
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Pedestal, floating or braced sinks can help make a space feel larger. You will easily find fixtures in widths less than 36 inches (91 centimeters). Consider that if you allow 3 feet for the sink and 3 feet for the shower, and if you have a minimum width of 30 inches (76 centimeters) for the toilet, you will have a room that is 8½ feet (2.6 meters) long.
Get more small bathroom inspiration
How High to Hang the Towel Bar
Towel bars can be mounted between 36 and 42 inches (91 to 107 centimeters) above the floor along their horizontal centerline. If you are taller or use extra-large bath sheets, consider raising them to 48 or 50 inches (122 to 127 centimeters). Most ceilings will be 8 feet high in smaller bathrooms.
Standard Dimensions and Measurements for a Primary Bath
Towel bars can be mounted between 36 and 42 inches (91 to 107 centimeters) above the floor along their horizontal centerline. If you are taller or use extra-large bath sheets, consider raising them to 48 or 50 inches (122 to 127 centimeters). Most ceilings will be 8 feet high in smaller bathrooms.
Standard Dimensions and Measurements for a Primary Bath
Small Bathroom Layout Ideas
The most common bathroom layout is the single plumbed wall. All fixtures are lined up and served from one compact source of drains, water supplies and venting. This saves on plumbing installation and provides efficient distribution of heated water, especially when the wall is near a water heater.
These walls need to be constructed of 2-by-6 studs, rather than 2-by-4s, mainly to accommodate the larger vent stack for the toilet. Even if your home has a large master bath, it likely has at least one bathroom elsewhere in the house that’s arranged this way.
The most common bathroom layout is the single plumbed wall. All fixtures are lined up and served from one compact source of drains, water supplies and venting. This saves on plumbing installation and provides efficient distribution of heated water, especially when the wall is near a water heater.
These walls need to be constructed of 2-by-6 studs, rather than 2-by-4s, mainly to accommodate the larger vent stack for the toilet. Even if your home has a large master bath, it likely has at least one bathroom elsewhere in the house that’s arranged this way.
In this sketch, the top of the mirror and the top of the tile in the shower align with the top of the window.
In a slight twist on the conventional layout, the toilet and the sink have traded places here. Either arrangement works, but the position of doors can dictate the best solution for you. Consider where doors swing into the room and whether they will open onto a wall or a fixture. A wall is better.
How to Lay Out an 8-by-5-Foot Bathroom
How to Lay Out an 8-by-5-Foot Bathroom
In other bath layouts, the tub may be opposite the sink and toilet, as shown here. The International Residential Code (IRC) requires a minimum of 21 inches (53 centimeters) of clear space in front of a toilet, so be sure to allow for this dimension — and more than the minimum if possible.
It is not uncommon to come across configurations that don’t meet minimum standards in older structures. But if you are remodeling, be certain to note the toilet dimensions in your project so you have adequate space.
There are standard-size toilets and elongated configurations. The elongated type will extend into the room by an additional 2 to 3 inches (5 to 8 centimeters).
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It is not uncommon to come across configurations that don’t meet minimum standards in older structures. But if you are remodeling, be certain to note the toilet dimensions in your project so you have adequate space.
There are standard-size toilets and elongated configurations. The elongated type will extend into the room by an additional 2 to 3 inches (5 to 8 centimeters).
More on Houzz
Read more bathroom stories
Find bath remodelers near you
Shop for bathroom products
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Tubs. Standard tubs with apron fronts are 60 inches (152 centimeters) long and 30 to 32 inches (76 to 81 centimeters) wide. The depth can be as little as 14 inches (35 centimeters) and as much as 20 inches (50 centimeters).
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