The Ins and Outs of Elongated Toilet Measurements
Elongated toilets have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their oval-shaped bowl that extends out further from the wall than a traditional round toilet. This elongated shape not only looks more modern and stylish, but also increases comfort and accessibility.
However, the unique dimensions of elongated toilets can cause confusion during shopping, replacement, and installation.
Elongated Toilet Seat Dimensions
Let's start with the toilet seat itself. There are two main dimensions to understand:
- Length from bolt holes to tip of seat
- Width from side to side
For elongated toilet seats, the standard length is approximately 18 1/2 inches. This is measured from the holes where the seat bolts attach to the outer tip or edge of the seat.
| Toilet Seat Type | Standard Length |
|---|---|
| Elongated | 18 1/2 inches |
| Round | 16 1/2 inches |
As you can see, elongated seats are about 2 inches longer. This extended size increases comfort but does require extra space in your bathroom.
Elongated Seat Width
In terms of width, most standard elongated toilet seats range from 13 to 15 inches side-to-side. Selecting the right width allows the seat to rest properly on the toilet bowl without sliding around.
Getting the Measurements Right
When replacing a toilet seat, it's important to carefully measure the existing fixture. Even elongated seats vary slightly in size between manufacturers. An accurate measurement ensures you get the safest, most secure fit.
Toilet Bowl Dimensions
Now let's explore the key sizing specs of the elongated toilet bowl itself:
- Bowl Length
- Bowl Width
- Bowl Height
- Rough-in Measurement
Standard Elongated Bowl Length
Similar to the seat, elongated toilet bowls have an oval shape that extends anywhere from 16 1/2 to 18 1/2 inches from the back of the bowl to the front. Generally, the more extended bowl lengths increase comfort but do require extra space in your bathroom.
Typical Elongated Bowl Width
Width-wise, most elongated toilet bowls measure between 10 and 12 inches side-to-side. Make sure you have enough clearance from walls, doors, vanities, etc. during positioning.
ADA Compliant Bowl Height
For optimum comfort and accessibility, many elongated toilets now meet ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards for bowl height. ADA guidelines require the toilet seat to be 17-19 inches above the floor.
| Toilet Height to Seat | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Standard: 15 inches | Fits average bathroom spaces |
| ADA Compliant: 17-19 inches | Increased accessibility |
The Rough-In Measurement
The "rough-in" is an important toilet dimension many overlook. It refers to the distance between the wall behind the tank and the center of the drainage pipe on the floor. Standard elongated toilet rough-ins are around 12 inches.
This rough-in measurement impacts installation since new toilets must align correctly with the waste pipe. Knowing your bathroom's piping layout ahead of time prevents surprises!
Toilet Tank-to-Bowl Center Distance
While measuring rough-in, also note the center distance between tank and elongated bowl. This length ranges from 14-16 inches for most models. Adequate tank-to-bowl distance prevents water flow issues.
Other Physical Dimension Considerations
Some additional toilet dimensions that influence sizing are:
- Bowl shape and contour
- Water capacity
- Material thickness
Bowl Shape and Contours
The contour of the elongated bowl can impact overall toilet size. Some bowls have rounded, sloped shapes for a softer aesthetic. Other elongated bowl designs feature more angular lines and corners to fit smaller spaces.
Tank Capacity Affects Dimensions
Standard elongated toilet tanks range from 1.6 to 7 gallons in capacity per flush. Larger tanks can sometimes require more surrounding space for installation. Lower water use toilets under 1.6 GPF have smaller tanks and footprints.
Material Density and Thickness
Common toilet materials like porcelain and vitreous china are generally thicker and denser than plastic composite alternatives. The extra weight and mass make these material options more durable, but they do occupy more space.
Key Elongated Toilet Measuring Tips
Get accurate toilet dimensions with these pro tips:
- Use a steel tape measure for precision
- Account for baseboards and other obstructions
- Strategically measure irregular bowl shapes
Carefully note measurements, double checking unusual angles or uneven surfaces. Consider sketching a basic drawing to visualize layouts.
Elongated Toilet Buying Considerations
While dimensions are important for replacing and fitting elongated toilets, don't overlook other key factors:
- Available sizing from different manufacturers
- Design variations to save space
- Compliance with regulations
Shopping Variety of Brand Options
With many toilet brands available, compare dimensions across manufacturers to find models suiting your bathroom. Consider rounding size specifications down due to potential measurement inconsistencies.
Compact and Slender Design Alternatives
If working with tight spaces, shop compact or slender elongated toilets optimized for smaller bathrooms. Low-profile tanks and rounded bowls provide extra inches.
Water Efficiency and Accessibility Standards
When purchasing elongated toilets, ensure models meet the latest WaterSense and ADA specifications for water efficiency and accessibility. Though dimensions are important, performance and compliance also impact decisions.
Proper Elongated Toilet Installation
Once you've purchased the perfect elongated toilet, use these tips for smooth installation:
- Prepare the floor with leveling materials
- Secure bowl and tank with provided hardware
- Attach seat to match prior measurements
- Test for leaks and stability
Carefully follow manufacturer instructions for assembly and keep all dimensions front of mind!
Finding an elongated toilet suiting your space and needs requires an attention to detail. From precise seat sizing to complex bowl dimensions, small measurement variations can become big installation headaches.
Beyond the key elongated toilet size considerations we outlined, continue measuring carefully during any replacement or renovation process. An accurate spatial understanding combined with the right product selections leads to a perfect elongated toilet fit.