Bathtubs are ideal for relaxing in almost any bathroom. There is a wide range of bathtubs available, from traditional clawfoot bathtubs to modern freestanding bathtubs. Whether you're renovating an old bathroom or adding a new one, choosing the right size bathtub is crucial. A bathtub that is too small will be uncomfortable to bathe in, while one that is too large will make the rest of the bathroom look cramped and overcrowded. Today, bathtubs come in more sizes, shapes, and depths than ever before, so the key is to determine which size fits both your lifestyle and your living space.
Once you've identified your ideal bathtub, make sure it fits your space. Use a tape measure to measure the following dimensions:
- Length
- Width
- Height
- Soaking depth
- Basin length
- Basin width
TIP: When replacing a bathtub, mark the existing plumbing connections and select the orientation that matches the layout of the bathtub.
Choosing the Right Bathtub Size
When considering the size of your bathtub, there are several factors that can help you make your final decision.
- Even though you may have measured the space required for the bathtub itself, you still need to consider how much space you will need around the bathtub for plumbing, tile and other additions.
- If you want the bathtub to be away from the walls, you must ensure that there is enough walk-around space in the bathroom.
- Bathroom space includes making sure that any non-standard sized bathtubs are kept far enough away from the toilet.
- For oversized bathtubs, you may need to resize the bathroom door to fit it into the bathroom.
- Other customization may be required.
- You must also build according to local code requirements, which may include obtaining permits. - Any renovation costs may be an important factor in your decision, including the cost of hiring a professional plumber or bathtub installer.
Things to Consider When Buying a Bathtub
Will your new bathtub be used as a guest bathroom or part of your master suite? Is it for family use or private lounging? How large is your hot bathtub? Before choosing the best bathtub for your bathroom, consider factors such as size, installation and features.
Standard Bathtub Sizes
Regardless of type, most bathtubs measure 55 to 72 inches in length, 27 to 32 inches in width and 15 to 20 inches in height. The distance from the toilet or vanity to the edge of the bathtub should be at least 12 inches, and the rest of the bathtub should have an open space at least 24 inches wide. The exact distance range varies by bathtub type. Below are average dimensions for different bathtub types.
Alcove Bathtubs
Alcove bathtubs are enclosed by three walls. In small spaces or standard-sized bathrooms, this is usually the most logical location for a bathtub installation. Bathtubs designed for alcoves usually come with a finished front panel called a skirt. Since the wall of the alcove will cover the sides and back side, the sides and back side of the bathtub are open. Alcove bathtubs range from 5 to 6 feet in length and 30 to 36 inches in width, so you can choose the bathtub that fits your space.
Best for Small Bathrooms
If you have a small bathroom but don't want to give up a spa-like bathtub, a small alcove bathtub or Japanese-style soaking bathtub is the way to go.
Soaking Bathtubs
Soaking bathtubs are designed to allow you to be fully submerged in the water or to lie back and relax on a comfortable bath pillow. They are at least 20 inches deep, but up to 24 inches. Soaking bathtubs are 60 to 72 inches long and 30 to 40 inches wide. You can choose from small soaking bathtubs that measure about 48 inches by 28 inches, while Japanese-style soaking bathtubs are even smaller, measuring just 40 inches in length. You can also use freestanding and oval bathtubs as soaking bathtubs.
Freestanding Bathtubs
Freestanding bathtubs come in a wide variety of varieties, ranging from replicas of old-fashioned clawfoot bathtubs to ultra-modern pedestal bathtubs. Many soaking bathtubs are also freestanding. They measure 55 to 72 inches in length, 27 to 32 inches in width, and 15 to 20 inches in depth.
It's common practice to allow 3 inches of extra space at each end of the bathtub and 4 inches of space between the side of the bathtub and the wall. When planning where to place the bathtub in a room, use a footprint that is 6 inches longer and 4 inches wider than the actual size of the bathtub.
Built-in Bathtubs
Another popular tub style is the built-in bathtub, which is designed to fit on a built-up deck with the top and exposed sides finished in tile or other materials. These bathtubs don't have any factory-finished sides; they're simply built into a cutout in the deck, much like a built-in sink is built into a vanity top.
They range in size from 45 to 72 inches, with a width of 30 to 32 inches and a depth of 14 to 20 inches. Built-in bathtubs are usually best suited for larger spaces, as a prefabricated platform can take up a considerable amount of additional space in a room.
Oversized Bathtubs
Oversized bathtubs can accommodate multiple people or provide a more comfortable soaking or spa experience. They are more than 70 inches long and have a soaking depth of 16 inches or more. The deepest soaking bathtubs are between 32 inches and 38 inches deep, but bathtubs between 25 inches and 27 inches in height should be deep enough.
Jetted Bathtubs
Many jetted bathtubs appear larger than non-jetted bathtubs, but they come in standard alcove sizes and styles designed for built-in installation. The thin acrylic shell provides plenty of interior space to hide jets and pump manifolds.
These bathtubs are available in lengths of 60 inches to 72 inches, widths of up to 36 inches, and heights of 18 inches to 23 inches. Whirlpool bathtubs are a viable option for almost any medium to large bathroom that can accommodate a standard alcove bathtub or built-in bathtub.
Oval Bathtubs
Oval bathtubs come in both built-in and freestanding styles. While oval bathtubs appear to be more spacious in all directions, they are simply wider, not longer. Garden bathtubs are taller soaking bathtubs. A standard-sized oval bathtub is up to 6 inches wider compared to a similar-sized alcove bathtub (60 inches). For a built-in oval bathtub, you will have to build a wider skirt in order to place the bathtub, and you must take this into account when designing your bathroom layout.
Corner Bathtubs
Corner bathtubs are perfect for larger master bathrooms. They are best for soaking and lounging. Consider square corner bathtubs instead of triangular ones as they take up a lot of space in the bathroom. A corner bathtub is essentially a square bathtub with one corner cut off. Some bathtubs have a triangular shell, but built-in bathtubs are also available, which can be installed in a triangular platform in the corner of a room.
Long Bathtubs
A long bathtub will usually be a foot longer and a few inches wider than a standard alcove bathtub. As with an oversized bathtub, it should be able to accommodate a taller or larger bather, or two people. Long bathtubs are not suitable for most natural alcove spaces, but they may be a good choice for new construction projects or remodeling projects that require moving walls for additional space.
How to Choose a Bathtub Size
The size of your bathroom space is one of the most important deciding factors in purchasing a bathtub. Measure the space to make sure the bathtub fits. However, your aesthetic preferences, budget and plumbing situation may make some of the decisions easier.
Bathroom Space: Consider a freestanding bathtub if you want to keep the bathtub away from the wall or close to the center. If you have a smaller bathroom, opt for an alcove, built-in or oval bathtub. If you have a larger bathroom, consider a corner, jetted or long bathtub.
Bathroom Style: If you're considering choosing a bathroom material, bathtubs are available in a variety of materials, including acrylic (alcove, built-in, corner, and jetted bathtubs), copper, concrete, and cast iron (freestanding), and wood or natural stone (soaking).
Budget: Smaller bathtubs, such as the common alcove bathtubs, have fewer features and average between $1,000 and $5,000. Larger oversized bathtubs and jetted bathtubs are more expensive, costing between $5,000 and $10,000.
Purpose: If you're looking for a spa bathtub for a more luxurious bathing experience, then soaking, whirlpool, and oversized bathtubs should be a good fit. If your needs are simple and practical, an oval or alcove bathtub may be a better fit.
Installation: Existing plumbing systems can help you make a decision. Confirm that the plumbing system matches. If you want to replace an alcove bathtub with a freestanding bathtub, you may need to contact a plumber to help you relocate some of the plumbing. Also, take note of the existing drainage location to see if it needs to be adjusted to fit the new bathtub.
Factors Affecting Bathtub Size
These four factors are critical when you're choosing the size of the bathtub you'll install in your home. If you are designing a bathroom, keep the following in mind.
Available Space
In a spacious bathroom, the available space allows you to choose a bathtub with a length of more than 150 centimeters, allowing you to lie down comfortably. However, in a small bathroom, be sure to consider the layout to see if the bathtub is suitable, and if so, choose a smaller model.
Choosing the right bathtub for your bathroom size and layout
The size and layout of your bathroom is crucial to choosing the best bathtub for your space. The right size should balance comfort, functionality and aesthetics, and ensure a seamless installation.
Small bathrooms: maximizing space without sacrificing comfort
Best choices: compact niche tubs, walk-in tubs and corner tubs.
Placement tip: Place the tub along the shortest wall to free up more space for movement.
Medium-sized bathrooms: balancing aesthetics and functionality
Best choice: freestanding bathtubs and niche bathtubs.
Placement tip: Place the freestanding bathtub as a focal point in the center or install the niche bathtub along a side wall.
Large bathrooms: creating a luxurious bathing space
Best options: oversized freestanding bathtubs, slipper bathtubs and Jacuzzi bathtubs.
Placement Tip: Use the freestanding bathtub as the centerpiece in an open bathroom.
Location of Faucet
Wall-mounted faucets do not take up space in the basin and are the best choice for small bathtubs.
Height of User
Depending on the height of the user, the bathtub may need to be larger or even smaller.
For example, a person who is 1.50 meters tall does not need a 180 cm bathtub to sit in. On the other hand, a bathtub that is too small may be less comfortable for a person who is 2 meters tall.
Minimum Passage Area
The width of the passage required to walk around the bathroom, to enter the bathtub and to walk around inside the bathtub should not be less than 50 cm. However, 60 cm is optimal.
We hope that these suggestions will help you to understand the factors to consider when choosing the size of your bathtub. Choosing the right size of bathtub is essential to fully enjoying a comfortable, beautiful and functional bathroom.