Standard Shower Sizes

Whether you’re planning a completely new bathroom complete with the shower of your dreams or remodeling the existing shower and working within the footprint of what you already have, understanding the differences in shower sizes is a must for the savvy homeowner.

The typical standard shower enclosure, or a shower-bathtub unit that fits into an alcove in the bathroom, is 36 inches wide by 60 inches long. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that this size is the “standard” for every type of shower. There are standard sizes for walk-in or roll-in showers, corner showers, and more.

Choosing what type of shower you want to add to your bathroom will help you figure out what size you will need. From the smallest shower sizes of 30 inches by 30 inches (the smallest allowed by the International Residential Code) to showers bigger than the already generous 48 inches by 60 inches, the shower size you choose will impact your comfort, lifestyle, and more. Here’s what you need to know about shower sizes for your bathroom.

Standard Shower Sizes

There are several “standard” sizes for showers, depending on the location and type of shower. For instance, a corner shower is likely to be much smaller than an alcove shower and certainly smaller than the dimensions of a walk-in shower.

To determine what size shower you need, think about your overall bathroom size and the space you have for the shower. The best rule of thumb is to stand in the footprint of the shower and spread out your arms, then turn in a circle. If you can get a shower to fit into the room that accommodates that amount of space, that will be the most comfortable option.

But what if you don’t have the space for that large of a shower? Most people are comfortable in a shower of 48 inches by 36 inches. If you can squeeze in more space than that, then the 36 by 60 inch shower option is optimal. If you are already pressed for space, a shower of 32 by 32 inches might feel a bit cramped, but will get the job done.

Here is a brief rundown of standard shower sizes by type:

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 Walk-in Shower Dimensions

When you are designing your own walk-in shower, the only restriction on size is what your bathroom can handle. Walk-in showers can be as large or small as you want, but there are a few common dimensions:

• Square shaped walk-in shower: 36” x 36” or 42” x 42”
• Rectangular shaped walk-in shower: 60” x 30” or 60” x 42”

For a walk-in shower, professionals recommend no smaller than 36” by 36” to ensure there is ample space. Square shaped walk-in showers are often considered the most space-conscious. However, if you are looking to add a shower bench, a rectangular shower might be the better option for you.

One thing to keep in mind when creating a walk-in shower is the placement of the showerheads. Too few or too small showerheads in a very large space brings the risk of being uncomfortably cold during your shower, or the water not reaching all the areas it should. Make sure you have an ample number of showerheads for a larger walk-in.

Stand-up Shower Dimensions

The most common dimensions for a freestanding shower are 36 inches by 60 inches. Smaller freestanding shower dimensions are typically 36 inches by 36 inches, which is best for smaller bathrooms or when adding a shower to a half bath. 42 inches by 42 inches is also a popular mid-size freestanding shower option.

Keep in mind that what size shower you need can vary widely depending upon the size of your bathroom and how much space you want to use. Many homeowners choose to go with the existing footprint of their shower when remodeling, so your stand-up shower dimensions will rely on the previous size.

Shower/tub Combo Dimensions

A shower and bathtub combination unit usually needs a larger footprint than a stand-alone shower. There are two standard sizes for bath/shower combinations:

• Smaller bathtub/shower combo: 60 inches by 30 inches by 72 inches
• Larger bathtub/shower combo: or 60 inches by 36 inches by 72 inches

Note that the only difference between the smaller and larger bathtub/shower is in the width of the unit. It’s also important to remember that standard bathtubs are typically a bit smaller than a tub/shower combined unit, so when you are planning to install this type of shower, don’t rely on bathtub size alone.

When choosing a bathtub/shower combo, you can choose between sliding glass doors or a shower rod and curtain. Tension rods can fit into any size shower and expand to fit snugly against the walls, holding up a shower curtain with ease. You can also opt for a curtain rod that is fixed in place. Carefully measure your shower width to choose the right fixed curtain rod. As for the shower curtain itself, a good rule of thumb is to choose one that is the width of your shower plus 12 inches to allow for ease of movement.

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What is the Smallest Shower Size?

The smallest possible shower size is 32 inches by 32 inches. This is pretty tiny and can be rather uncomfortable for longer showers. It might also not be suitable for those who are tall or carry extra weight. A compromise is a bit larger standard shower size of 36 inches by 36 inches, or even 42 inches by 42 inches.

Either way, these tiny showers are typically situated in the corner of the bathroom. Corner showers are good options for smaller bathrooms when needing to conserve space.

Keep in mind that you might have to be creative with the type of shower door you choose. Depending upon the space, a neo-angle or curved shower door might be the best option.

Standard Shower Base Sizes

The shower base, also known as the shower pan, is a prefabricated base, usually made with acrylic or fiberglass, that houses the drainage plumbing for your shower. The most common sizes for a shower pan are 32 inches by 32 inches or 36 inches by 36 inches. These are shower base sizes for either a walk-in shower or a typical shower enclosure. The smallest possible shower pan size is 30 inches by 30 inches.

Standard Shower Door Sizes

Most shower doors sizes are anywhere from 22 inches to 36 inches wide, but it depends on the type of door. The most common shower door types are the sliding glass door and hinged shower door. Here are their standard sizes:

• Sliding glass shower door: 45” to 59” wide
• Hinged shower door: 22” to 36” wide

Sliding doors are the most common in shower/tub combinations but might also be found in stand-alone showers. These shower doors are typically wider due to the nature of how they function: they need to enclose the entire width of the shower and tub unit. Sliding glass shower doors typically run up to 60” wide. 

The hinged shower door style is the more common for the freestanding shower. The standard for hinged doors is 26 inches in width, but can run up to 36” wide or more for larger showers.

The smallest shower door size you might want to consider is 22 inches wide. Anything smaller might be difficult to use. Going up to 36 inches is within the usual standard size, but you might go wider with a custom built shower. To avoid a shower door altogether, consider using a shower curtain or creating a walk-in shower.

Shower Bench Sizes 

A luxurious yet practical addition to your shower is a bench. Sometimes a prefabricated shower unit will come with a bench built into the unit itself. Those that are installed in the shower after the fact are usually 18 inches tall with varying lengths, depending on the footprint of the shower. A good rule of thumb is that a bench should be twice the length of the shower, and a shower chair can be suitable at 15 inches.

ADA-Compliant Shower Sizes

If you require a shower that is compliant with the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a shower of at least 36 inches by 36 inches meets the ADA criteria for a shower. Keep in mind that there are two possible shower options that comply with ADA guidelines: transfer showers and roll-in showers.

• Transfer showers are designed to allow wheelchairs to roll next to the shower, then allow the users to transfer from the wheelchair to a shower seat or bench that is mounted on the wall. The dimensions must be at least 36 inches by 36 inches.

• Roll-in showers allow the user to roll their wheelchair fully into the shower. These showers must be 30 inches by 60 inches to be considered ADA-compliant.

How Does Shower Size Impact Shower Remodel Costs?

Shower size will impact your shower remodel costs the most when it comes to cost per square foot of material used. For example, if you are installing tile in the shower for walls and floors, tile is charged by the square foot. It typically costs anywhere between $2 and $16 per square foot, depending on the type of tile you choose. Larger shower pans and larger shower glass doors also typically cost more than smaller ones.

Other considerations when it comes to shower size and cost are underlayment and waterproofing, which is charged by the linear foot. If you are replacing an older shower, know that demolition costs can rise with the shower size, since more work needs to be done to remove the old shower and put in the new one. Of course, showerheads and shower benches or additional customizations will also add to your bottom line.

To get a better idea of what a bathroom remodel might cost, check out our handy calculator below.

Bathroom Remodel Cost Calculator

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Expert Contractor Advice

Before you make any choices on what type of shower to buy or start choosing the best tiles for your bathroom, bring in a contractor to look at your space and help you choose the proper size for your shower.

You’ll need to answer some questions about your intended use. For instance, how many people will be using the shower on a regular basis? What accommodations might be required for those in the household? Are there any other requirements you have for the space? If larger persons will be using the shower, going with the tiniest possible corner shower might not be a good idea. If someone uses a wheelchair, a roll-in shower might be your best bet for ease of mobility.

You will also need to consider storage in the bathroom, the lighting you might need to illuminate the shower properly, and accessories that might make life easier, such as built-in shelves.

When you speak with the contractor, be clear about your wants and needs, and ask them to provide a variety of options. With some guidance from the best bathroom contractors, you can create a shower that works for your style, everyday routines, and budget. Modernize can connect you with three to four contractors so you can compare quotes ahead of your shower remodeling project.

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