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Standard Bathtub Sizes: Guide to Common Tubs

By
Lee Wallender
Lee Wallender
Lee Wallender
Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for years.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 03/04/25
Standard Bathtub Sizes

The Spruce / Melissa Ling

Every bathtub is different, and your the right tub for you depends on what you want from it and what space you have available. The most common standard bathtub size is typically 60 inches long, 30 inches wide, and 14 to 16 inches high, with an apron at the front.

That being said, bathtub sizes are not standard and come in all shapes and sizes. The alcove tub is most commonly seen and used, and therefore "the standard," but many kinds might look familiar to you. Other common types are the freestanding and soaker tubs.

Review these considerations—like size, installation, and features—before you choose the best tub for your bathroom.

Standard Bathtub Sizes

No matter the type, most tubs are 55 to 72 inches long, 27 to 32 inches wide, and 15 to 20 inches high. The toilet or vanity cabinet should be spaced at least 12 inches away from the edge of the tub, and the rest of the tub should have open floor space at least 24 inches wide. The range changes based on the type. Here are the average sizes based on type.

 Type of Bathtub  Length Width Height
Alcove bathtub 54-60 inches 30-32 inches 15 inches
Soaker bathtub 60-72 inches 30-40 inches 20-24 inches
Freestanding bathtub 55-72 inches 27-32 inches 15-20 inches
Drop-in bathtub 45-72 inches 30-32 inches 14-20 inches
Oversized bathtub 72 inches 40 inches 32-38 inches
Whirlpool Bathtub 60-72 inches 32-36 inches 18-23-1/4 inches
Oval Bathtub 60 inches 41 inches 24 inches
Corner Bathtub 60 inches 60 inches 22 inches
Long Bathtub 72 inches 36 inches 20 inches

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  • 01 of 09

    Alcove Bathtubs

    Alcove bathtub

    krooogle / Getty Images

    An alcove bathtub is bounded by three walls. It is often the most logical position for a bathtub within a small space or standard-sized bathroom. Bathtubs designed for alcoves generally have a finished front panel called an apron. The two side ends and the back side are open since the walls of the alcove will cover these sides. Alcove bathtubs range from 5 to 6 feet long and 30 to 36 inches wide, allowing you to choose a tub appropriate for your space.

    Best for Small Bathrooms

    If you have a tiny bathroom but don't love the idea of giving up a spa-like bath in your tiny bathroom, a small alcove tub or a Japanese soaker tub are your best options.

  • 02 of 09

    Soaker Tub

    Soaking tub with a bathtub tray and plants in the background.

    Liudmila Chernetska / Getty Images

    Soaker tubs are made to allow you to submerge yourself in the water fully or recline with a relaxing bath pillow. They are at least 20 inches deep but can be up to 24 inches deep. Soaking tubs span 60 to 72 inches long and 30 to 40 inches wide. You can get a small soaking tub, measuring about 48 inches by 28 inches, while Japanese soaking tubs can be even smaller, measuring as little as 40 inches long. You can also use freestanding and oval tubs as soaking tubs.

  • 03 of 09

    Freestanding Bathtubs

    freestanding clawfoot tub

    David Papazian / Getty Images

    Freestanding bathtubs range from reproductions of old-style clawfoot bathtubs to ultramodern pedestal tubs. Many soaker tubs are also freestanding. They are 55 to 72 inches long, 27 to 32 inches wide, and 15 to 20 inches deep.

    It's accepted practice to provide an extra 3 inches of space around the ends of the tub and 4 inches between the side of the tub and the wall. When planning the tub's location in the room, use a footprint size 6 inches longer and 4 inches wider than the tub's actual dimensions.

  • 04 of 09

    Drop-In Bathtubs

    Drop-in style bathtub

    Nazar Abbas Photography / Getty Images

    Another popular bathtub style is the drop-in tub, designed to fit into a constructed deck with the top and exposed sides finished off with tile or another material. These tubs have no factory-finished sides at all; they simply drop into a cutout in the deck, much the way a drop-in sink fits into a vanity countertop.

    They range in size from 45 to 72 inches long, 30 to 32 inches wide, and 14 to 20 inches deep. Drop-in bathtubs are usually best suited for larger spaces since the constructed deck takes up considerable extra space in the room.

    Adding a Deck

    Construct the deck for a drop-in tub so there is at least 6 inches of flat deck space around all sides of the tub. The surrounding deck structure must be at least 1 foot longer and wider than the tub.

    Continue to 5 of 9 below
  • 05 of 09

    Oversized Tub

    Oversize soaking tub

     Martin Barraud / Getty Images

    Oversized tubs can accommodate more than one person or provide a more comfortable soak or spa-like experience. They are over 70 inches long and have a soaking depth of 16 inches or more. The deepest soaking tubs range from 32 to 38 inches, although a bathtub that is 25 to 27 inches in height should be deep enough.

  • 06 of 09

    Whirlpool Bathtubs

    Whirlpool bathtub

    rothivan / Getty Images

    Many whirlpool bathtubs appear to be larger than non-jetted tubs, but they are available in standard alcove-ready sizes and styles designed for drop-in installation. The thin acrylic shell provides ample interior space for hiding the jets and pump unit tubes.

    These tubs can come in 60 to 72 inches lengths, up to 36 inches in width, and 18 to 23 inches in height. A whirlpool tub is a viable option in almost any medium- to large-sized bathroom that can accommodate a standard alcove tub or drop-in tub.

  • 07 of 09

    Oval Bathtubs

    Oval bathtub

    Robert Daly / Getty Images

    Oval bathtubs come in either drop-in or freestanding models. Although oval tubs appear to be more generously sized in all directions, they are only wider, not longer. Garden tubs are taller soaking tubs. Compared to a similarly sized alcove tub (60 inches), a standard-size oval bathtub is up to 6 inches wider. For the drop-in variety of oval tubs, you must build a wider apron for the tub to rest in, which you must plan for as you design the bathroom layout.

    Consider Bathroom Size

    Oval bathtubs are an impractical choice for smaller bathrooms. However, they are pretty effective in larger or medium-sized bathrooms with a long configuration, in which the extra width of the tub is not a problem.

  • 08 of 09

    Corner Bathtubs

    Corner bathtub

     

    Marje / Getty Images

    Corner bathtubs work well in a larger primary bathroom. They are best suited for soaking and lounging. Consider corner bathtubs square-shaped, not triangular, since they dominate a hefty footprint in the bathroom. Essentially, a corner tub is a square with one corner ​snipped off. Some tubs are shaped with a triangular shell, but it is also possible to use a drop-in style tub that fits into a triangular-shaped deck built into a corner of the room.

    Continue to 9 of 9 below
  • 09 of 09

    Long Bathtub

    An empty white bathtub in an all-white bathroom.

    Tom Merton / Getty Images

    A long bathtub typically adds an extra foot to the length and several inches to the width of a standard alcove tub. Like an oversized tub, it should accommodate taller or larger-sized bathers or two people. A long bathtub will not fit most natural alcove spaces, but it can be a good option for new construction projects or remodels that involve moving walls for added space.

How to Choose a Bathtub Size

The size of your bathroom space will be one of your most significant determining factors for purchasing a tub. Measure the space to ensure the bathtub will fit. However, your aesthetic preferences, budget, and plumbing situation may make some decisions more straightforward.

  • Bathroom space: If you want the bathtub to be set away from the wall or toward the center, you'll need to look into freestanding options. If you have a smaller bathroom, choose from an alcove, drop-in, or oval tub. Consider a corner, whirlpool, or long tub if you have a larger bathroom space.
  • Bathroom style: If you're looking at a type of material to guide your bathroom decisions, tubs come in many materials, from acrylic (alcove, drop-in, corner, whirlpool), copper, concrete, and cast iron (freestanding), and wood or natural stone (soaker).
  • Budget: Smaller tubs, such as common alcove tubs, with fewer bells and whistles can average from $1000 to $5000. Larger, oversized tubs and whirlpool tubs will be more expensive, ranging from $5000 to $10,000.
  • Uses: If you're looking for a spa-like tub for a more luxurious bathing experience, soaking, whirlpool, and oversized tubs should fit the bill. If your needs are simple and utilitarian, an oval or alcove tub might serve you.
  • Installation: The existing plumbing can help guide your decision. Confirm that the plumbing will line up. If you want to replace an alcove tub with a freestanding tub, you may need to contact a plumber to help you rework some of the plumbing. It's also important to note the existing drain location to see if you'll need adjustments to accommodate the new tub.

Cost of Replacing a Tub

Warning

Installing a bathtub is best left to the professionals. Trying to do so yourself could cause greater issues with plumbing that end up costing more than a traditional replacement would.

Replacing a bathtub costs an average of $5,990, including materials and labor. It's a major, expensive project because it involves demotion, plumbing, carpentry, as well as installing a new tub. If you want to relocate the plumbing, that will also increase the cost.

FAQ
  • How much space do I need to install a standard bathtub?

    When planning a bathroom, an average tub takes about 13 square feet, and a shower stall takes about 9 square feet.

  • Is a 54-inch bathtub too small for most people?

    The size of the people will determine if they can fit, although 54 inches is too small for adults. Two may fit in a 60-inch tub but may not find it comfortable. Also, if it's a standard alcove-type tub, one person may not be happy having the faucet jutting into the back of their head or body. You might want to look at tubs over 66 inches long, 33 inches wide, and 22 inches tall for two people. Also, consider center-mounted faucets along one long end.

  • Can I get a bathtub smaller than 60 inches long?

    Although the most common size is 60 inches long, you can get an alcove bathtub measuring 54 inches long. Other bathtubs that come in shorter lengths include drop-in, freestanding, and Japanese soaker tubs.

  • How much space should I have in front of my tub?

    As you plan the location for your tub, remember that designers recommend that the free space in front of it be a minimum of 60 inches long and 30 inches wide to allow users to safely enter and exit the tub.

  • What is a good depth for a soaking tub?

    When looking at an ideal water depth measurement, most people are happy with a minimum depth of 15 inches, usually deep enough to cover most people. Standard tubs meet this minimum requirement. Japanese soaking tubs are generally deeper, up to 22 inches deep.

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