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What Is a Standard Bath Size?

By Sarah

18th Jun 2024

4 mins read

DIY & Technical

When it comes to your bathroom, is there a “standard” bath size? Read on, as we help you get the measure of your bathroom layout…

Choosing the Right Tub: Is There a Standard Bath Size?

Bathrooms come in all shapes, sizes and layouts, meaning that each and every bathroom project throws up its own unique problems. One of the things you'll likely have to tackle is where and how to position your bath. So, it's no wonder one of the questions we're frequently asked is "What is a standard bath size?".

Whilst things like bathroom plumbing, electrical equipment and heating all come with industry standard sizes, it can often appear that baths do not come with similar standard dimensions. But is this actually true?

 

What is a standard bath size?

Before the widespread use of the metric system, it was generally accepted that the standard bath size in the UK was 5 foot 6 inches in length. This now translates as a bath size of 1700mm in length x 700mm in width, which is the most common bath size we sell at Victorian Plumbing.

As the average UK bathroom is around 2.3m x 2.7m in size, this would make sense, as it still leaves at least 0.7 metres or 1 metre of clear space, depending on the orientation of your bath.

Kent Single Ended Bath | Bathtub Depth: 400mm
This Kent Single Ended Bath is an excellent example of a 1700mm x 700mm bath. Its minimal style allows it to suit both modern and traditional settings.

The popularity of this size is reflected in the fact that 1700mm x 700mm baths are by far the most numerous on our site, too. We stock well over 100 types of 1700mm x 700mm baths from some of the most admired manufacturers in the industry - in designs to suit any kind of bathroom decor.

The second most popular UK bath size is 1700mm x 750mm. Though it may seem like a minor, incremental difference, the additional 50mm of width can really increase comfort and provide a more indulgent feel - especially for larger users.

One important thing to remember when measuring for your straight bath is that tiles may give you a false impression of the space you have available. If you measure from tiled wall to tiled wall, you may have a measurement of, say 1685mm, whereas, in fact, the total space will more than likely be 1700mm.

No matter what type of bath you're installing, whether it's a freestanding tub or a straight bath, find out how to measure correctly with this quick video:

Danbury Single Ended Bath with Grips - 1700 x 750mm | Bathtub Height from Floor: 550mm
This Danbury 1700mm x 750mm Single Ended Bath boasts sturdy hand grips and is made with high-grade 4mm acrylic for superb longevity.

You’ll find over 100 different styles of 1700mm x 750mm bath here at VP, so you’ll be certain to find one that matches your tastes - no matter how distinctive they may be.

What About Bathtub Height?

While plenty of thought goes into selecting the right length and width of a bath, not many of us consider the height. A bathtub’s height from the floor can have a big impact on both the visual appeal and the practicality of a bathroom space.

Choose a bath on the shorter side, and it could end up looking out of place in a large family bathroom. On the flip side, a particularly tall bath installed in a compact bathroom could lead to even the most carefully planned of bathroom layouts feeling cramped and impractical.

Your bathtub’s height from the floor can also (though not always) have a significant impact on the depth of the tub and, in turn, the number of litres of water required to fill it. Imposingly tall freestanding baths tend to be deeper and have a higher capacity. How many litres in a bath can vary wildly though, so it’s always good to check each individual product’s capacity.

For instance, this Verona Large Freestanding Modern Bath in its 1800mm x 750mm size is 580mm tall and takes whopping 213 litres to fill it from the base to the overflow. Comparatively, the technically larger 1800mm x 800mm Banbury Single Ended Bath requires just 182 litres because its internal depth is smaller.

Verona Large Freestanding Modern Bath | Bathtub Height from Floor to Overflow: 500mm
An eyecatching and indulgently deep freestanding tub, the Verona Freestanding Modern Bath makes for a stunning focal point.

Small baths

Despite there being a standard bath size, you will sometimes find baths or spaces that do not fit with these dimensions. Victorian Plumbing now stock 1400mm length baths on our site.

Small baths are generally considered to be around 1500mm or 1600mm in length, however, in most cases, the width generally won't deviate from the standard 700mm. If you do have a space as small as this, why not consider a corner bath?

white corner bath in blue bathroom

Large baths

At the opposite end of the scale, whilst humans are, on average, getting larger, baths have now increased their proportions, especially in new builds and renovations, resulting in large baths that exceed the standard bath size.

The largest bath we stock is 1800mm in length and up to 850mm wide. That's 5 foot 9 inches, which is just shy of the average height of a male in the UK today. If you have the luxury of space in your bathroom, why not opt for a larger size?

 

Standard bath sizes

We’ve included some of the standard bath sizes we sell here at Victorian Plumbing.

Straight bath dimensions

Length (mm) Width (mm) Height (mm) Capacity (litres)
1400mm 700mm 400mm 140l
1500mm 700mm 410mm 160l
1600mm 700mm 410mm 180l
1700mm 700mm 410mm 190l
1700mm 750mm 410mm 200l
1800mm 800mm 545mm 210l

Corner bath dimensions

 

Length (mm) Width (mm) Height (mm) Capacity (litres)
1500mm 1020mm 560mm 160l

Freestanding bath dimensions

 

Name Length (mm) Width (mm) Height (mm) Capacity (litres)
Mode Tate double ended freestanding round bath 1500 x 750 1500mm 750mm 585mm 215l
Mode Tate double ended freestanding round bath 1720 x 820 17200mm 820mm 585mm 250l
The Bath Co. Traditional double ended roll top bath 1500 x 800 1500mm 800mm 640mm 168l
The Bath Co. Traditional double ended roll top bath 1750 x 800 1750mm 800mm 640mm 216l
Mode Harrison freestanding contemporary bath 1700 x 770 1700mm 770mm 600mm 240l

We suggest taking the time to find a combination of depth and capacity that will suit your personal needs as a bather. If you’re looking for indulgent luxury, opt for a deep freestanding tub. If your priorities lie in cutting water bills and increasing energy efficiency, go for a standard bath with a lower capacity instead.

Alternative Bath Sizes

As they are seen as a necessity for many, baths are now available in all sorts of shapes and sizes to suit even the trickiest of bathroom layouts. From stylish corner baths that can free up floor space to innovative shower baths that provide users with a larger showering area, our extensive bathroom baths collection features options for almost any situation.

Shop baths

At Victorian Plumbing, we have tubs to suit all sizes. Why not browse our wide range of baths today and use our simple filters to find the right dimensions for your room. Found our brief guide to standard bath sizes helpful? Want more bathtub tips? Try our recent guide on What to Consider When Hiring a Bathroom Fitter. For all sorts of other bathroom inspiration - from style guides to DIY advice - stick with us here on the Victorian Plumbing Blog.

Sarah Victorian Plumbing

Sarah

Sarah is one of our resident bathroom experts here at Victorian Plumbing. She loves writing helpful bathroom design and DIY articles, as well as detailed buying guides.

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