Bathtubs are the centerpiece of your bathroom. They are manufactured in different designs, styles, and shapes to fit in your bathroom. Therefore, you need to measure the bathroom size and the bathtub to ensure they fit perfectly. To ensure your bathroom looks nice and the bathtub fits perfectly, you need to know how to measure the bathtub.
When measuring a bathtub, the basin length is measured in the middle of the tub at its widest point from left to right. For the width of the tub, measure it from the midpoint of the length of the tub from the front to the back. Different tub styles and shapes will have specific measuring methods.
You will need a measuring tape to determine the height and width of your bathtub. Additionally, you need a notepad and a pencil to note the measurements. Since bathtubs are costlier than stand-up showers, you need to be as precise and accurate as possible to get the proper measurements as detailed in the sections below.
Why You Need to Measure a Bathtub
The first step of a well-designed bathroom starts with measurements. Since the bathtub is one of the most critical elements in a bathroom, its measurements are equally important.
1. Ensure the right fit
First, you need to measure the bathtub to get the dimensions to guide you when shopping for a bathtub. Bathtubs are designed in different shapes and sizes. As such, you must know the measurements to buy the right tub for your available space.
2. Determine the cost of remodeling
Secondly, bathtub measurements can help you determine the cost of remodeling. The larger the tub, the higher the price. Additionally, once you know the size of the bathtub, you can plan where you will place other bathroom fixtures like the shower, mirrors, toilet, etc.
3. Determine the size and location of the bathtub
Lastly, bathtub measurements will help you determine the type of tub to buy and where to place it in your bathroom perfectly.
With these reasons, you need to prepare the bathroom for the installation of the tub and other fixtures. Beisdes these, you need to know other aspects of the installation process such as how long silicone caulk should dry before using the shower.
How to Measure a Bathtub
To determine the measurements of a bathtub, you will measure its length, width, and height. If any size is not a whole number, you can round off to the nearest number. Since there are numerous bathtub designs, you must know the correct measurements of your current bathtub before choosing another one.
Though there are different designs, bathtubs can either be standalone or enclosed.
1. Measuring Enclosed Bathtubs
Enclosed bathtubs are tubs with a surrounding layer that holds them in place. While measuring the enclosed bathtubs, you will need to make little guesses to get the standard measurement.
When calculating the sides, add one inch to the measurement from the wall. You can add more inches if you need space to place your soap.
Note each measurement you take in your notebook to avoid getting confused or forgetting. To ensure you didn’t make any errors, measure the tub one more time and compare the measurements. If they match, you can proceed, but you need to repeat to get the correct readings if they don’t.
When measuring the tub, you should not measure the inner area of the tub to determine the height or depth of the bathtub. To measure the length or the width, place the tape measure from one edge to the other. Position the tape measure from the bathroom floor level to the bathtub’s top to determine the tub’s height.
Though bathtubs have varying measurements, there are some standard sizes of bathtubs in the marketplace. Some of the standard sizes include:
- 27 by 54 inches
- 30 by 60 inches
- 32 by 60 inches
- 42 by 60 inches
- 42 by 72 inches
- 60 by 60 inches
If you didn’t get a round figure while measuring, you should purchase the bathtub with the closest measurements.
2. Measuring Stand Alone Bath Tubs
A standalone bathtub is a tub with its plumbing fixture, and all sides are finished to be independent without leaning on the wall. Therefore, they are flexible and can be installed in the center, corner, or any part of the bathroom.
To determine the length, width, depth, and height of a standalone bathtub, you should use the following steps:
- Measure the length: Use your tape measure to determine the distance from one side of the tub to the other.
- Measure the width: Measure the distance between the edges to get the width.
- Measure the height: To determine the height, measure the distance from the bathroom floor to the topmost edge of your bathtub.
- Measure the depth: To gauge how much water the tub can hold, measure the distance from the overflow to the deepest point of the tub.
Some of the standard sizes of standalone bathtubs are:
- 30 by 60 inches
- 27 by 55 inches
- 32 by 72 inches
- With the proper installation fo the tub, you change the level of bathroom you have instantly.
How to Measure Different Bathtub Styles
Whether you want to remodel or it is your first time purchasing a bathtub, you need to be conversant with the different bathtub styles. These styles include:
| Bathtub Type | Common Sizes (LxW – Inches) |
| Undermount/deck mount tub | 5-foot (40×63) 6-foot (70×94) |
| Japanese style tub | 40×40 42×66 |
| Alcove (3-wall) tub | 48×25 |
| Freestanding tub | 42×58 32×72 |
1. Undermount or Deck Mount Tub
Undermount tubs have decks made of stone, tile, or other materials where the tub is then placed. The deck mount tub comes in different sizes, and your choice will depend on the available space. Most common undermount tubs include:
- The 5-foot bathtub: 40 by 63 inches
- The 6-foot bathtub: 70 by 94 inches
Before deciding on the size of the deck to purchase, measure the bathroom size and consider the bathtub shape.
2. Japanese Style
Japanese-style bathtubs are usually deep and will give you comfort while bathing. Additionally, they fit perfectly in small-sized bathrooms but can be between 28 and 36-inches tall.
If you want a tub that only fits one person, you can go for the small 40 by 40 inches tub. However, if you have enough space and want a tub for more than one person, go for the large 42 by 66 inches tub.
3. Three Wall Alcove Style
With the three-wall alcove style, the tub is rectangular and is fitted into three alcove walls. Typically, the tub has three closed ends, which touch the wall, and one open end to get in and out. Averagely, most alcove bathtubs measure 25” wide, 48” in length and a 16-inch depth.
4. Freestanding Style
Freestanding bathtubs have gained popularity due to their flexibility. These tubs can be placed away from the wall. Many people prefer positioning them at the bathroom center for the bathroom to look classy.
A freestanding tub may be made from copper, acrylic, or cast iron, and they come in different designs and sizes. While the small freestanding tubs measure 42 by 58 inches, some can be as large as 32 by 72 inches.
5. Walk-in Style
The walk-in bathtub makes it comfortable and easy for users to access and bath. They are usually as high as a chair and have safety features such as grab bars and an anti-slip floor. Due to their massive size, walk-in bathtubs require a spacious bathroom.
Most walk-in bathtubs that can accommodate two people measure between 30 by 60 inches to 36 by 80 inches. These tubs are highly recommended for people with mobility challenges or older adults with joint pains.
Standard Bathtub Measurements
Though there is no standard bathtub size, there are common sizes of bathtubs that you can choose from. The measurements are in inches (width by length) and include:
1. Freestanding bathtubs
- Small: 24 by 50
- Medium: 30 by 60
- Large: 32 by 72
2. Undermount Tubs
- Small: 30 by 50
- Medium: 32 by 60
- Large: 32 by 72
3. Alcove Tubs
- Small: 30 by 50
- Medium: 32 by 60
- Large: 32 by 72
4. Walk-in Bathtubs
- Small: 28 by 48
- Medium: 30 by 60
- Large: 36 by 60
5. Corner Bathtubs
- Small: 48 by 48
- Medium: 60 by 60
- Large: 72 by 72
Final Thoughts
Bathtubs come in different sizes, and it’s crucial to know how to measure the tub to get the right one for yourself. In this article, you have discovered how to measure your bathtub and the different bathtubs on the market.
More so, we have outlined the standard measurements of bathtubs. To ensure you get the perfect replacement bathtub, measure your current bathtub and bathroom space and match them with the common measurements listed in this post.