What is the Standard Bathtub Size and How to Choose

When considering the purchase of a bathtub, users typically focus on the style, design, color, and ultra-modern appearance. However, they often overlook the most crucial factor—the appropriate size of the bathtub. The correct size is essential because an ill-fitting bathtub can negatively impact your overall experience. Therefore, it is recommended to ensure the size matches your bathroom layout; it should neither be too large nor too small.

If you find this confusing, the Giving Tree Home article is perfect for you. We will cover standard bathtub sizes, selection tips, and other useful information to help you through the process. If you already have an idea of what you want and are ready to purchase the right size bathtub, click the link below to visit our product page. Here, you will find a variety of tubs in modern, luxurious, and vintage styles to meet your diverse needs.

Small Bathtub (47''-60'') Medium Bathtub (61''-68'')  Large Bathtub (69'' to up)

What Are Bathtub Sizes

"Sizes or Dimensions" can refer to many aspects, including length, height, and depth. For such a three-dimensional object, both the internal and external dimensions are important. Simply mentioning "bathtub sizes" might be confusing, so let's start with an overview of bathtub sizes.

Different brands may label bathtub sizes differently. Some indicate the overall exterior dimensions, some specify the soaking depth, and others highlight the basin size. Regardless, these are crucial factors that users need to consider when selecting a bathtub. At Giving Tree Home, we typically refer to the overall exterior dimensions and provide detailed bathtub profile diagrams with our products, as shown below:

bathtub profile diagrams
  • Overall Exterior Dimensions: This includes the length and width of the bathtub, marking the space it will occupy in your bathroom, which directly impacts your bathroom layout.
  • Basin Dimensions: This is the area that accommodates your body. Usually, standard sizes are sufficient, but users with larger body types should pay special attention to this.
  • Height: This includes both the soaking depth and the overall height. The soaking depth is particularly important as it refers to the distance from the bottom of the bathtub to the overflow drain, determining how much of your body can be submerged in the water.
  • Seat Dimensions: Some Japanese soaking tubs may include a seat, allowing you to sit while bathing. Make sure its size matches your body comfortably.

What Are the Standard Bathtub Sizes

Due to differences in usage and installation methods, different types of bathtubs have slight variations in their standard sizes. Therefore, before selecting the appropriate size, it's important to clarify the type of bathtub you intend to purchase.

Type Length Range (inches) Width Range (inches) Height Range (inches)
Standard Alcove 60 30-32 14-20
Freestanding 61-68 27-32 15-20
Drop-In 60-72 30-36 14-20
Whirlpool 60-72 32-36 18-24
Corner 48-72 48-72  18-24
Soaking 45-60 30-36 24-28
Walk-In 52-60 28-32 38-47

Type Introduction

  • Alcove Bathtub: popular for its three sizes of support/wall and various options such as size, shape, drain position.
  • Freestanding Bathtub: The most popular bathtub style for modern bathroom renovations due to its ease of installation and variety of styles, including single slipper, double slipper, flat bottom and claw foot.
  • Drop-In Bathtub: needs to be installed in a closed frame and fixed in a certain position in the bathroom. As a traditional choice, it is cheap, but because the skirt and tiles are inseparable, it is not flexible and beautiful.
  • Whirlpool Bathtub: It is a smart massage product equipped with an independent water spray device, which can provide users with the best relaxation effect. However, due to its high price, it is not suitable for users with limited budget.
  • Corner Bathtub: Similar to built-in one, they are integrated into your bathroom section to form a whole and are installed in a corner, so they are usually in the shape of a quarter circle.
  • Soaking Bathtub: Essentially all bathtubs can be called soaking tubs, but to emphasize that it is a soaking tub means that it has a greater soaking depth.
  • Walk-in Bathtub: A bathtub with a waterproof door means users can walk into it instead of stepping over, which is extremely beneficial for the elderly and those with mobility issues. Its drawback is that it's expensive and prone to damage, leading to leakage problems.

Size Conversion Tool

For American users, measurements in inches are typically preferred, so the dimensions of bathtubs on Giving Tree Home are primarily described in inches. If you find it difficult to visualize, you can use the size conversion tool below to calculate dimensions.

Inches
Feet
Millimeters
Centimeters
Meters

How to Choose the Right Bathtub Size

Bathroom Layout

When designing a new bathroom layout, larger fixtures are usually prioritized, and the bathtub is certainly one of them. Therefore, you have more flexibility when choosing the size of your bathtub. You can first draft a blueprint of your bathroom layout, measure the designated space, and then purchase a bathtub that fits those dimensions.

If you are buying a bathtub to replace an existing one, you might need to put in more effort. For built-in bathtubs, you need to choose one that matches the type and size of the original bathtub. For freestanding bathtubs, simply identify the position of the drain and measure the surrounding space.

Shape

Different bathtub shapes present different sizes even with the same dimensions. For example, a 59-inch long oval bathtub occupies about two-thirds the area of a 59-inch diameter round bathtub because the oval bathtub is narrower. For those with limited bathroom space, it is recommended to consider oval or rectangular bathtubs. These shapes provide enough length for lying down without taking up too much bathroom space.

Comfort

Large bathtubs typically offer more comfort, especially for tall or larger individuals, as they can lie down more comfortably. However, some users prefer to sit while bathing. For these users, smaller bathtubs are usually a better choice, unless it’s a bathtub designed for multiple people.

Ending

We have found that many customers inquire about normal or average bathtub sizes when purchasing a bathtub. However, focusing solely on "standards" is not always meaningful, as they may not suit your specific needs. We recommend selecting the right bathtub size based on this guide and planning your bathroom layout accordingly. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our customer service!