Bathtub Dimensions: Reference Guide to Common Types

This article will explain everything about measuring different types of bathtubs and choosing the most suitable one for your bathroom.
By
Deborah Beams
Deborah Beams
Research Writer
Deborah is an incredibly talented journalist who's been working for numerous online magazines for over 8 years now. She's also our main research writer who can turn any bori read more
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Reviewed By
Charles Eggleston
Charles Eggleston
Expert Consultant
Charles's been a plumber his entire life. Thanks to his vast experience we can always rely on Charles' expert opinion when creating any of our articles. He's also a fantasti read more
Last updated: August 16, 2023
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The bathtub is one of the essential elements in any bathroom. Apart from its functionality in cleaning up, the bathtub also serves as the centerpiece and focus in your bathroom. Therefore, by choosing the right bathtub, you can elevate the bathroom’s style and overall visual effects.

Deciding what type of bathtub is the most suitable for your bathroom may seem like a daunting task overwhelming many people. With different sizes and shapes to choose from, issues may arise when trying to buy a bathtub that: fits the right measurement of your bathroom, gives comfort, and falls within your reserved budget.

If you happen to encounter some of the listed issues, be reassured that this article will explain everything about measuring different types of bathtub dimensions and choosing the most suitable one for your bathroom.

Indicating the perfect bathtub size for your bathroom: tips

Getting your perfect bathtub depends on the structure of the bathroom itself. Details pertaining to the size, layout, and style of your bathroom would come into play here.

If you are trying to decide on the right-sized bathtub for your bathroom, here are some tips worthwhile.

Consider your budget

First, it is important you write down your budget for the project. When considering your budget, include not just the cost of the bathtub but also the cost accruable from installation and other fixtures like a showerhead, overflow drain, faucet handles, and tub spout.

If you are uncertain of the price range required for the bathtub you want to install, do some research online on the different types of bathtubs and whether they require extra labor or not.

For example, if you decide to search online for tub accessories, you may come across a top product like the Kingston Brass VCTNB1 Bourbon iron tub feet equipped with a Built-in adjuster for uneven floors, available for purchase.

Measure your bathroom

Before deciding on which bathtub to purchase, it’s essential you know the dimension of your bathroom and the space you want to use. Since bathtubs vary in size, some tub dimensions may not work for small spaces, while others require larger bathroom space.

Decide the right weight

When purchasing the perfect bathtub, you should consider the type of flooring in your bathroom. For example, freestanding bathtubs like claw-foot, which are made with cast iron, may be too heavy on your floor when filled with water. It is advisable you stick to a much lighter and smaller tub if your flooring can’t withstand the weight.

Take into account your need

Bathtub Dimensions: Reference Guide to Common Types
A walk-in tub offers comfort features that are not available in a typical tub or shower.

Take into account any special needs or modifications you might expect from a bathtub. For example, if your movement is restricted or you need a bathtub for someone who is, more attention would be paid to bathtubs fitting those requirements such as walk-in bathtubs.

If, however, you have a large area to spare or take a regular bath, or need a grand bathtub, you can opt for a more spacious, comfortable, and luxurious bathtub.

Choose a bathtub

Finally, after you must have ticked the relevant boxes, it’s time to choose what tub you want.

Since after going through the available tips, you still don’t know what size or shape to choose, don’t fret, we’ve got you covered. Here is a list of the best bathtubs available.

Different types of bathtubs and their measurements

Corner bathtub

Bathtub Dimensions: Reference Guide to Common Types
Corner bathtubs are generally luxurious in design; you would find them fitly installed in master bedrooms.

Since they take more floor space, their dimensions are usually larger than most standard bathtubs. So, it’s worth considering the available space in your bathroom before you purchase a corner bathtub.

When measuring the height, width, and length of a corner bathtub, the dimension of the width and length are usually the same or close to the same.

Corner bathtubs come in different sizes. Depending on their measurements, a corner bathtub may be small, medium, or large.

48” x 48” x 18” high: corner bathtubs with this small measurement can contain one (1) to two (2) people.

60” x 60” x 20” high: corner bathtub with medium measurement can occupy one (1) to three (3) people.

72” x 72”x 20” high: this large size seats up to four (4) people.

In case you’ve realized that a corner bathtub would perfectly fit your bathroom, we’ve found some best models of corner bathtubs.

Freestanding bathtub

Bathtub Dimensions: Reference Guide to Common Types
Freestanding bathtubs are usually affordable, easy to install, clean, and maintain.

By design, freestanding bathtubs are installed away from the walls. Since they are positioned this way, they require a large amount of space and shouldn’t be kept in small bathrooms because it could make your bathroom feel cramped and even limit your movement.

Freestanding bathtubs are slightly heavier than other bathtubs. They also come in different modern styles that bring a bit of luxury to your bathroom.

Remember, this tub takes up space, so if you happen to have a lot of space lying around in your bathroom, freestanding bathtubs might just be what you need.

These sets of bathtubs are detached from the wall and since they aren’t connected to the wall, they are made for flexibility on both sizes and shapes of these freestanding bathtubs.

Some freestanding bathtub dimensions may include;

Small freestanding bathtubs measurement: 50” x 24” x 24” high.

Medium sized bathtub dimension: 60” x 30” x 30” high.

Large freestanding dimension: 72” x 32” x 30” high.

Note: oval-shaped freestanding bathtubs generally contain a much wider maximum width with their dimensions usually 60” x 42” x 24” high.

Claw-foot bathtubs

Bathtub Dimensions: Reference Guide to Common Types
This tub gives a vintage feel to your bathroom.

Claw-foot bathtub is a classic variety of freestanding bathtubs. They are uniquely characterized with an elevated height from the ground supported by a claw-shaped foot. This classic silhouette is usually made with durable materials like cast iron adding to the sophisticated yet extremely heavy feature.

As a freestanding bathtub, the claw-foot bathtub would require a large amount of space in your bathroom, and like freestanding bathtubs are easy to install and good in retaining heat.

Claw-foot bathtubs come in different dimensions. The most common claw-foot bathtub dimensions are between 59 – 60 inches long and 40” wide.

Other dimensions include:

Small: 48” long x 30” wide

Medium: 54” long x 30” wide

A large-sized claw-foot bathtub usually has a length ranging from 59 – 72” with a width ranging anywhere from 24 – 30+ inches.

Walk-in bathtubs

Bathtub Dimensions: Reference Guide to Common Types
Walk-in bathtubs are great for people with restricted mobility.

The walk-in bathtub contains a built-in chair and fitted doors making the tub easily assessable to use. It exists as the best choice for many older people.

This tub is equipped with special handrails and grips designed to reduce the possibility of slippage or any accident that may occur in the shower. This feature shouldn’t be overlooked as bathroom accidents have been reported to cause emergency cases for 235,000 people Trusted Source Watch Your Step While Washing Up| The NewYorkTimes over the age of 15 every year| Prospero www.nytimes.com .

Although the walk-in bathtub requires small space in the bathroom, installation can only be done by a qualified professional.

Compared to the other types of bathtubs, the walk-in bathtub is distinctively more elevated and has a door along its sides to enable entrance without having to climb in or step over.

Some walk-in bathtub dimensions include:

48” x 28” x 38” high for smaller sizes;

60” x 30” x 38” high for medium sizes and;

60” x 36” x 38” high for larger sizes

If you’ve looked through, you should notice that the high dimension remains the same irrespective of changes in the length and width.

Square bathtubs

Bathtub Dimensions: Reference Guide to Common Types
A square tub with a minimalistic look.

Square bathtubs come in different ranges and sizes, which makes it impossible to give a definitive list of standard sizes.

Square bathtub dimensions may be as follows:

Small: 45” x 30” x 14” high

Medium: 60” x 32” x 16” high

Large: 72” x 42” x 20” high

Triangle bathtubs

Bathtub Dimensions: Reference Guide to Common Types
This tub provides a nice aesthetic.

Triangle bathtub dimensions may be as follows:

Small: 48” x 48” x 18” high

Medium: 60” x 60” x 20” high

Large: 72” x 72”x 20” high

Other types by size

Small bathtub

In cases when your bath space isn’t large enough to accommodate a corner bathtub, small bathtubs are usually the right choice to make.

Generally, small bathtubs are usually around 1400mm,1500mm, or 1600mm in length, while maintaining the standard 700mm width.

Large bathtubs

If you have a lot of space in your bathroom to reach, you may also consider fixing that large tub you’ve always wanted.

Generally, large bathtub dimensions consist of a width exceeding 60’’ or 57” (if the tube is round) and a length exceeding 72”.

What type is the most suitable for small bathrooms?

The size of your bathroom is a deciding factor as to what type of bathtub should be installed. In regards to small bathrooms, you should consider purchasing a compact and flexible bathtub that would readily fit into the space available. Some bathtubs to consider include freestanding bathtubs, claw-foot bathtubs, and walk-in bathtubs.

According to most reviews, a very good high-quality bathtub is the Vanity Art Freestanding Bathtub reinforced with fiberglass and acrylic. It comes as no surprise since the company is known to produce incredibly functional and modern details for bathrooms.

Final thoughts

The importance of having the right bathtub cannot be understated. According to an article by the Economist Trusted Source Why do baths incubate ideas? | The Economist Many writers, artists and philosophers have sought inspiration in the tub | Prospero www.economist.com , bathtubs had been attributed to the birth of creative ideas among great writers, artists, and thinkers.

After going through this article, you should be adequately informed on the proper procedures to take when searching for the perfect bathtub. It is safe to say that the possibility of buying a bathtub bigger or generally incompatible with your bathroom is greatly reduced. You should also be able to correctly recommend bathtubs to your co-workers, friends, and family members.

Now that you’ve known how to choose the most suitable one for your bathroom, nothing stops you from having the perfect bathtub you’ve always wanted.

References

1.
Watch Your Step While Washing Up| The NewYorkTimes
over the age of 15 every year| Prospero
2.
Why do baths incubate ideas? | The Economist
Many writers, artists and philosophers have sought inspiration in the tub | Prospero
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