Toilets have a lot to offer. However, beyond performance, efficiency, and durability, it is important to keep in mind its dimensions. The porcelain throne comes in all kinds of shapes and sizes.
Measuring it isn’t quite as straightforward as you might think. Whether you are buying your first-ever toilet or replacing an older model, purchasing the correct toilet is important.
There are two specific things to check when measuring your toilet. These are the bowl shape and the seat height. Believe it or not, both of these can impact the fit of your toilet in the bathroom and your comfort during use.
Measuring a toilet is way more than meets the eye. Our experts will guide you along this journey and discuss the importance of understanding how to correctly measure your toilet.
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Getting to Know the Toilet – Comfort Factors
Factor 1: Toilet Bowl Shape
Toilet bowls can vary greatly across the millions of models on the market. The shape, however, plays an essential role in your comfort. They come in three standard models – elongated, round, and elongated compact.
If you spend long stretches of time seated on the toilet, an elongated model may be your best bet. These are pear-shaped and tend to be three inches longer than the standard round bowl.
Don’t get us wrong, round toilets certainly have their perks too. The circular model is a great, space-saving option perfect for anyone who gets their business done quickly and efficiently. If you are a petite person, round models may also suit your needs perfectly.
Not satisfied with either option and want to meet in the middle? Guess what – there is a best-of-both-worlds option. The elongated compact toilet design is both comfortable and space efficient. It’s a favorite among our toilet experts, and we believe it would look and feel great in your household.
Pro Tip: In many stores that sell toilets, they have models that you may sit on to test out. Take advantage of this to get a feel for comfort.Factor 2: Seat Height
Although it may not seem important, seat height is a key factor to take into consideration when evaluating the comfort levels of your restroom’s seating. Are you tall and run into problems with squat toilets? Or vice versa, do you ever find your feet dangling off the side of the bowl when using the restroom? This is all because of seat height. Getting a toilet that fits you is incredibly important for optimal comfort and happiness.
Don’t overlook your physical needs when choosing a seat height. The standard nowadays is from 15 to 17 inches. However, people that are 6 feet or taller should aim for right-height toilets. These are usually 17 to 19 inches off the ground and are also ideal for the elderly as they’re easier to sit on than shorter toilets. Right-height toilets are also much better than the standard units for people with any sort of movement disabilities.
On the other hand, if many children or shorter individuals will be using the toilet, it could be worth going for a shorter model.
The world of toilets has changed a lot. If you have never purchased one of your own, it can be overwhelming. Many people are opting for raised toilets. These are more comfortable to get up and down from, especially for the elderly. Buying a toilet should be the same process as purchasing a new mattress. Take a test drive! Sit down on it and get a feel for the comfort.
Pro Tip: When in doubt, go for a 17-inch model. These are the most compatible for all body heights.How To Properly Measure A Toilet
Size matters when it comes to choosing a toilet. So bring along a tape measure to your home appliance store and measure before you buy. Beyond impacting comfort, the size can also impact the look, feel, and space in your home’s bathroom.
Pro Tip: Although you can certainly purchase a toilet online, we recommend heading out to the store and getting a feel for it in person.
There’s a lot to account for when buying a new toilet. Don’t waste your time and money – do it right the first time with our simple guide. Take these key measurements expertly designed by our toilet pros into account.
Measuring a toilet is simple as long as you do it the right way. The rough-in measurement is the most important thing to account for. Even if you find the perfect bowl and tank, if it doesn’t match your pre-existing rough in you may not be able to install it.
Measurement 1: Toilet Length
First, measure from the back to the front of the toilet. The industry standard is to have at least 25 inches of space in front of your toilet. Leaving this space ensures you will have a lot of room to move freely around on the pot. Furthermore, there will be enough space so your shower or bathroom door won’t come in contact with the toilet.
The depth is important when it comes to evaluating the space in your bathroom and your own comfort.
Measurement 2: Toilet Width
Another extremely important measurement is the toilet width. Therefore, measure from the right to the left edge of your toilet tank and seat (Pro tip: this will be the widest portion of your toilet).
Aim for about 30 inches of space for your toilet, regardless of where you plan on putting it. If your toilet is wider than expected, it could run into nearby objects, or it may not fit in your bathroom altogether. Be careful! Although wider toilets can be comfy, they may not fit well in your space.
Measurement 3: Toilet Height
There are two things to consider when measuring for height. These are the overall tank height (total height of your toilet) and the bowl height (height from floor to seat). If you have a window or shelf above your toilet, the tank height is an important aspect to ensure that your toilet fits. Simply measure from the floor to the top of the toilet tank to obtain this.
The bowl height is important when determining if the toilet is the right fit for you. If you cannot sit on the toilet before purchasing, there is a quick trick that you can follow. Simply measure yourself first.
Use a measuring tape to see the length from the ground to your knee. If the toilet bowl length is longer than this, you may dangle off the side when sitting. Alternatively, if you find yourself taller than the toilet bowl height, you may be in a squatting position when using the porcelain throne.
Pro Tip: The healthiest position to do business in is in a slight squat. Aim for a toilet that puts you in this position for optimal comfort.Measurement 4: Rough-In
Believe it or not, the rough-in measurement is the most important dimension to keep in mind while buying a new toilet. If a toilet you are looking to buy doesn’t match the rough-in you already have, you won’t be able to connect the toilet to your existing pipes.
Most bathrooms nowadays have a 12-inch rough-in, but it is not unusual to come across a 14-inch or a 10-inch rough-in. Some toilets come with adjustable rough-in features, but make sure whichever toilet you plan on installing will be compatible with your bathroom’s rough-in. There is nothing worse than picking out the perfect toilet and not being able to install it!
To measure rough-in, take the length between the back of the toilet and the bolts that hold the toilet to the wall. There is usually a curved shape behind the toilet where you can find this.
Bottom Line
Buying a new toilet can be complicated as there are numerous factors you must consider. Aside from performance, comfort, and efficiency, the dimensions are also key factors.
Luckily, measuring can be quite simple as all you need is a tape measure. By keeping these details in mind, you’ll ensure your toilet fits within your bathroom and offers maximum comfort for users.