What size bath do I need for my project?

Choosing the size of your bath is often one of the most important considerations when having a new bathroom fitted. It’s often the largest fixture in a bathroom, with the rest of the space designed around the bath itself.

Taking measurements and weighing up all your options is important. This means making sure you’ve measured your floor space to adequately fit everything you want into the square footage.

If you’ve ever wondered to yourself, ‘what size bath do I need?’ you’re in luck.

We’re going to look at the different bath sizes on the market, how to pick your perfect tub, and how to measure your bathroom, so your renovation goes swimmingly.

What size bath do I need?

This depends on the shape you want, whether it’s fitted or freestanding, and how much room you’re working with! Some of the more popular options include:

• Corner baths
• Straight baths
• P-shaped baths
• L-shaped baths
• Freestanding baths
• Whirlpool baths

Consider how you use your bath

How you use your bath is also worth considering. You might only use it to bathe children and/or dogs or water all your house plants!

If your bath is a haven away from the world, choosing the most comfortable option is a worthy investment. We recommend a freestanding model or a whirlpool to soak away the stress of everyday life.

Compare your household’s heights and toss a coin

Once you’ve decided on your make and model, it’s time to consider its size. It goes without saying that taller people need longer baths. However, shorter people want to lie back and relax without slipping beneath the surface too.

So, if you’re a couple with a size imbalance, you’ll have to toss a coin!

Alternatively, buy a bath with one or two deep lips on one side (aka slipper baths), which lets you adjust your sitting height as needed.

Take into account the size of your bathroom

The next thing to consider is the size of your bathroom.

If the space is very small, you won’t want to obstruct access to other parts of the room, which means a corner or straight design might work best.

If you already have a bath and the size works for you, you might just want to measure it and upgrade the current model.

How to measure the size of the bath you need

So, now you’ve decided on the design of your new bath, you need to work out the right size. This is an important consideration because ordering the wrong one is a potential waste of time and money.

Follow our step-by-step guide to make sure your tub fits:

• Length: Measure the length of your current bath or the distance of the wall you want to place it along/next to
• Width: Measure the width of your current bath or the distance from one wall to the other (adjacent to the wall you measured for length)
• Height: Measure from the floor and up the wall to work out how high or low you’d like your bath
• Top tip: If the bath you want is freestanding, measure from the widest parts of the bath – usually the top edges
• Top tip: Always leave enough space for any taps
• Top tip: Use masking tape to measure out how much floor space your new bath will take up. Then check it won’t obstruct access to other parts of the bathroom or the door.

Follow the steps again if you’re unsure about your measurements.

Cost to install a bath

To fit a new bathtub, including labour, you’re looking at around £125.

Read our bathtub installation cost guide for more comprehensive information.

Choosing a bath is an essential part of planning a new bathroom. There are a wide variety of bath types, ranging from standard straight baths to whirlpool and corner baths.

However, the right bath will depend on who’ll be using it and how it’ll be used. Baths often come in a standard size of 1700mm by 700mm but are available in a range of other options.

FAQs

What are the standard UK bath sizes?

Most baths will come in standard sizes, which makes it easier for manufacturers to size their new bath designs. Generally, the standard UK bath size is 1700mm by 700mm; a large bath is 1800mm by 800mm, and a small bath is 1400mm by 700mm.

What is the average bath capacity in litres?

Every bath will have a different capacity for water, depending on its width, length, and height. But the average bath capacity is 100 litres.

How big should a bath be?

This will mainly depend on the size of the bathroom, who’ll be using the bath, and what its purpose will be. For example, a bath used for relaxation by a tall person will work best if it’s a larger size like 1800mm by 800mm.

What should be the minimum size of a bath?

If your bathroom is very small, then you’ll likely want a more compact bathtub. The minimum size bath that’s widely available is 1400mm by 700mm.

Is a 1500mm freestanding bath too small?

This will depend on your height and how you plan to use the bath. If you’re tall, you may find this length of bath uncomfortable. However, for bathing a child, it’ll work perfectly.

What is a good size for a soaking tub?

Soaking tubs are designed for comfort and relaxation above all else. Therefore, a longer, deeper tub is recommended for a more immersive experience. In fact, soaking tubs can be found on the market ranging from 1500mm long to 2200mm long.

What is the most popular size for a bathtub?

The most popular size of bathtub today is 1700mm by 700mm.