As you plan your bathtub remodel, you will soon realize that tubs come in all shapes, sizes and types. There are standard bathtubs like an alcove tub or shower/tub combos, which are the most common types, and there are larger or deeper tubs like a freestanding tub or soaking tub. It’s important to understand how those sizes and shapes compare and contrast, so you can decide which tub is best for your space. Let’s go over some general bathtub dimensions, including the standard bathtub size for various types of tubs.
What is the Standard Bathtub Size?
As a rule of thumb, a standard bathtub size is considered 60 inches long by 30 inches wide by 15 inches tall.
There are a handful of common tubs for home bathrooms, but the standard tub most people think of is the alcove tub. These tubs have average dimensions of 60 inches in length (or 5 feet), 30 inches in width, and 14 to 16 inches in height.
As you shop, you’ll be able to quickly compare the specs on available tubs to these standard bathtub dimensions. Most homes are set up to accommodate the rough-in plumbing requirements needed for a tub of this size. However, it’s always a good idea to set up an appointment with a local contractor to make sure your new tub size is compatible with your current bathroom set-up.
If you are looking for a bigger bathtub, soaking tubs are slightly larger than alcove tubs and are quite popular in master bathrooms with more room to spare. Soaking tubs have a standard size of 60 inches to 72 inches long, which allows for many people to sit back with their knees submerged beneath the water.
Standard Bathtub Sizes by Type
Before deciding on which bathtub size is best for your space, you’ll want to measure your room to see what size tub you can accommodate. If you do need an even smaller tub, you’ll need to look for a specialty model – one that might require special ordering.
Aside from what is commonly considered a “standard tub,” there are a handful of other styles you’ll want to have on your radar as you browse. Therefore, the average size of bathtubs can vary based on the style. Here’s a quick list of the types, including their average dimensions.
| Tub Type | Average Length | Average Width | Average Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alcove tub | 60" | 30"-32" | 14"-18" |
| Soaking tub | 52"-60" | 30"-32" | 27"-34" |
| Freestanding tub | 60"-66" | 30"-40" | 24"-30" |
| Shower/tub unit | 60" | 30"-31" | 74" |
| Drop-in tub | 45"-72" | 30"-32" | 14"-20" |
| Whirlpool tub | 48"-72" | 48"-72" | 18"-20" |
Alcove Tub Dimensions
Alcove tubs are considered standard sized bathtubs that are designed to fit easily into the alcove of a bathroom. These tubs are usually enclosed on three sides by paneling or tile.
The standard bathtub size for an alcove tub is typically 60 inches long, 30 to 32 inches wide, and 14 to 18 inches deep once fully installed. Alcove tubs are usually large enough to sit in with your feet fully extended and your legs fully submerged. In order to soak the torso, most people will have to slide down and bend their knees, allowing them to poke out of the water.
Unless you plan on renovating the alcove already accounted for in your current bathroom layout, these areas are limited in size and therefore limited in the types and styles of tubs you can fit.
Soaking Tub Dimensions
Soaking tubs are designed for a deeper soak, since they are much deeper than a standard tub. This makes it possible for taller people to submerge their bodies. The average dimensions of a soaking tub are 52 to 60 inches in length, 30 to 32 inches in width, and 27 to 34 inches in depth. Generally speaking, a soaking tub can add 13 to 16 extra inches of depth to the tub.
Sometimes referred to as Japanese soaking tubs, these tubs are typically a minimum of 27 inches deep. With these designs, a person can crouch on the floor of the tub and allow the water level to reach their neck. In western culture, however, soaking tubs are usually even deeper, up to 34 inches deep in some cases. These tubs often come with built-in seats so you can sit and still get the full effect of soaking.
Believe it or not, soaking tubs of this nature are designed for upright bathing, so they are usually shorter in length than a standard alcove tub. For this reason, they have a smaller overall footprint and might just fit into a nook in your bathroom.
You might also find soaking tubs with the standard 60 inch length. Overall, the common feature for soaking tubs has less to do with how you stand or sit while bathing, and more to do with the overall depth of the tub.
Freestanding Tub Dimensions
Freestanding tubs are similar in size compared to standard tubs in terms of their overall footprint. However, you can get more tub in the same amount of space – freestanding tubs are not enclosed by unnecessary paneling or drywall, which takes away from potential bathing space. The average dimensions of a freestanding tub are 60 to 66 inches in length, 30 to 40 inches in width, and 24 to 30 inches in height, making them slightly more roomy than the standard bathtub.
The most common style of a freestanding tub is the clawfoot tub. These tubs sit on cute feet, sometimes in the shape of a lion’s paw. Some clawfoot tubs might be as short as 54 inches or as long as 72 inches, but many hover around that standard 60 to 66 inch range in length.
For the most part, freestanding tubs are about 30 to 40 inches wide. Clawfoot tubs can sometimes pose a mobility risk, given that they are usually much taller than a standard tub at about 24 to 30 inches in height. Keep this in mind for home accessibility purposes, because it could make getting in and out of a wet bath rather dangerous.
Freestanding tubs come in many different styles, so you can often find them much smaller or larger depending on what you want for your space.
Shower/Tub Combo Unit Dimensions
Shower/tub combo units are commonly found in bathrooms that are not the primary bathroom in the home. While master bathrooms might be larger, often with a dedicated tub and a separate walk-in shower, smaller bathrooms or guest bathrooms will likely opt for the space-saving and economical shower/tub combo.
The standard bathtub size for a shower/tub combo unit is 60 inches long, 30 to 31 inches wide, and 74 inches tall. You’ll notice the tub itself is about the size of a standard alcove tub for a standalone bath, but the height accounts for the floor-to-ceiling wall of the unit.
These units are often a single piece that installs in the entire tub alcove and allows for both bath and shower head plumbing. They’re easier to clean than other types of tile showers, and are less prone to leaks given that they are composed of a single piece.
Drop-in Tub Dimensions
Drop-in tubs are another larger luxury upgrade for primary bathrooms because of the design featured around the tub itself. The standard dimensions for a drop-in tub are anywhere from 45 to 72 inches long, 30 to 32 inches wide and between 14 and 20 inches deep.
These tubs are typically placed in a box that has been tiled or otherwise built up around the tub to prevent leaks and water damage to the drywall.
Whirlpool Tub Dimensions
Whirlpool tubs are known more for their features than their size. These tubs feature jets and might also be referred to as Jacuzzi tubs, massage tubs, or jetted tubs. Whirlpool tubs might resemble a simple alcove or soaking tub, as well as a more decorated drop-in tub.
Because whirlpool tubs are a popular commodity, these tubs are available in lots of unique shapes and sizes depending on your needs. You can find models that are 48 by 48 by 18 inches for example, or you can go with a 72 by 72 by 20 inch corner tub that gives you plenty of space to relax and unwind.
Smallest Bathtub Size
The smallest bathtub size is typically 60 inches long by 30 inches wide by 14 inches deep. You can sometimes find tubs as short as 45 inches in length. If you are looking for anything smaller than that, you’ll want to make a special request to your bathroom remodeler or plumber to show you options that fit your particular space.
If space is tight in your bathroom, the best style of tub might be the shower/tub combo unit, which gives you the best of both worlds within the smallest footprint. You will also be able to find an alcove tub that comes in the smallest dimensions, and oftentimes soaking tubs fit very efficiently into small bathroom spaces.
Largest Bathtub Size
The largest bathtub dimensions are usually 72 inches in length, 40 inches in width and up to 34 inches in height, but this is the maximum size. You will have to coordinate with your local bathroom remodeler to find multiple options in those larger bathtub sizes or tubs that are even larger.
Whirlpool tubs, drop-in tubs, and soaking tubs can be found in larger sizes that fit well in master bathrooms. Alcove tubs or shower/tub combos, on the other hand, are specifically designed for that standard space in a bathroom and won’t therefore come in much larger sizes.
Deepest Bathtub Size
Typically, the deepest bathtub style you will find to provide a deep soak is a soaking tub. The deepest soaking tubs provide depths from 32 to 38 inches, which will allow water levels to fall at shoulder height for most people. In fact, a bathtub that is 25 to 27 inches in height should provide sufficient depth for most bathers.
If you are looking for a bathtub that allows for a deep soak, it is recommended to meet with a local bathroom remodeler to ask for advice on the best tub dimensions for your needs and bathroom layout.
How Does Bathtub Size Impact Remodel Costs?
Bathtub sizes can certainly impact the overall price tag on your bathroom remodeling project – especially if the size you choose is unique and therefore requires that custom work be done to accommodate it.
Larger tubs might require more in the way of plumbing or drywalling around the space. If you opt to tile the walls around the tub instead of using the membrane included in a tub/shower combo for example, this will also cost more.
In rare cases, a new tub might not fit through the doorway of your bathroom, meaning work will have to be done to your home just to get the tub fitted in the right location. Once in your bathroom, the tub will also have to have a clearance from the toilet, which could also require that plumbing be moved.
Finally, bathtubs come in a variety of materials from cast iron to acrylic and those materials range in price greatly. This might be the biggest factor in determining the cost of your project.
Try using our bathroom remodel cost calculator to determine a ballpark range for your particular project.
How to Measure What Size Bathtub You Need
Before you buy a new tub based on your own measurements, it’s best to consult with a professional. A professional bathroom remodeler can tell you exactly how large your tub should be for a particular space. In many cases, you’ll want to order a tub that is smaller than the space you’re looking at to accommodate any additional plumbing or tiling design that is required.
Modernize can help you find a local bathroom contractor to walk you through the best bathtub size for your home and costs involved.
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