Standard Bathtub Dimensions For Every Type of Bathtub in 2024

As with a nice scented candle or finely polished glass, the bathtub is an essential part of completing the look and feel of your bathroom. But whether you are looking for a fancy copper bathtub or more budget material like fiberglass, the size, and shape of your bathtub should be the first question you address.

The standard dimensions for all bathtubs

In general, standard dimensions will give you a rough figure for the size of the bathtub. However, they all vary depending on the shape and type of bathtub you are looking to purchase.

For a typical standard, wall-wall bathtub, the measures will be roughly 60 inches long, 30-32 inches wide.

Bathtub Sizes: Break down for all different types of bathtubs

What is the standard water depth for bathtubs?

As with dimensions, standard water depth will vary based on the shape and model of the tub. The most common depth for standard bathtubs though would be 14-20 inches.

Now, before we continue any further, there are a few things you should consider before choosing your bathtub. Specifically, how much weight can your floor support and can your water heater handle a larger tub? Will you be looking for a simple remodel or just a replacement for an existing bathtub? Who will be using your tub and more so, ease of access to people in your household? Will it be primarily for cleaning or more for de-stress and relaxation? Answering these questions will help decide the correct dimension of tub that is right for you.

• Freestanding Bathtub Dimensions
• Alcove Bathtub Dimensions
• Drop-In Bathtub Dimensions
• Undermount Bathtub Dimensions
• Corner Bathtub Dimensions
• Walk in Bathtub Dimensions

Freestanding Bathtubs

Freestanding tubs are tubs that are unconnected to any walls or surfaces. Depending on the material, freestanding tubs are slightly heavier and are usually distinguishable by the smooth lines and modern design. Freestanding tubs require a rather large bathroom to accommodate the size of the tub as well as the increased weight. If you’re unsure about the size of a freestanding tub and want to learn more about the materials, Badeloft offers FREE bathtub templates and material samples for freestanding bathtubs. Click HERE to request one.

Common or standard dimensions for a freestanding bathtub are:

• 60 inches long (5ft), 30 inches wide (2.5ft) with 19 inches of water depth (1.89ft).
• Small freestanding bathtubs can run 55 inches long(4.58ft), 27 inches wide (2.25ft) with a water depth of 15(1.25ft).
• Large ones begin at 72 inches long (6ft), 32 inches wide (2.67ft) with 20 inches of water depth (1.6ft).

Alcove Bathtub

The most common bathtub on the market, and what most people consider to be the standard bathtub. Affordable and easy to install, the only drawback is its relatively small size. Alcove bathtubs usually fit within a three wall enclosure, making them ideal for a shower combination as well.

Common dimensions for alcove bathtub are:

• 60 inches long (5ft) 30 inches wide (2.5ft) with 16 (1.3ft) inches of water depth.
• Smaller sizes typically run 45 inches long (3.75 ft), 30 inches wide (2.5ft) with 14 inches of water depth (1.16 ft).
• Large size you are looking at 72 inches long (6ft), 42 inches wide (3.5ft) and 20 inches of water depth (1.6ft).

Drop in Baths

Most bathtubs have a visible finished side, usually called an apron or skirt, which is flat or bowed. Drop in tubs have no finished sides and are usually installed in an alcove or peninsula jutting out in the middle of your bath space. Dimension wise, drop in tubs are similar to the normal standard of bathtubs with slightly more freedom-depending on your space available, you can install in an alcove or in an open area, allowing your dimensions to be both wider and longer compared to an alcove bathtub.

Standard dimensions for drop in tubs are:

• 60 inches long(5ft), 30 inches wide (2.5ft) with a water depth of 16 inches (1.3ft).
• Small sizes start at 45 inches long (3.75 ft), 30 inches wide (2.5 ft) with 14 inches of water depth (1.16ft).
• Large sizes running 72 inches long (6ft), 32 inches wide (2.67ft) with a water depth of 20 inches (1.6ft).

Undermount Bathtubs

Almost identical to a drop in bathtub, except its rim is covered in a small deck top made of stone or tile which will usually obscure the rim during installation. The stone and tile surround offers a more pleasant aesthetic compared to a drop in tub, but do keep in mind that you pay for that luxury.

Standard dimensions again are similar to drop in tubs running at:

• 60 inches long(5ft), 30 inches wide(2.5ft), with a water depth of 16 inches(1.3ft).
• Small ones begin at 45 inches long (3.75ft), 30 inches wide (2.5ft) with 14 inches of water depth (1.16ft).
• Large ones start at 72 inches long (6ft), 32 inches wide (2.67ft) with a water depth of 20 inches (1.6ft).

Corner Baths

Luxury first, corner bathtubs generally are not used for normal bathing. Corner tubs are usually installed in master bathrooms and are ideal for de-stress, meditation, and calming soaks. The design is also different, as it is shaped closer to a triangle than the typical rectangle of a normal bathtub.

Common size or standard dimensions of a corner bath are:

• 60 inches by 60 inches or 5ft by 5ft with a water depth of 20 inches (1.6ft).
• Small sizes run 48 inches by 48 inches (4ftx4ft) with a water depth of 18 inches (1.5ft).
• Large sizes running at 72 inches by 72 inches (6ftx6ft) with a water depth of 20 inches. (1.6ft).

Walk in Baths

For those with mobility issues or many senior residents, the walk-in baths are a great option. A walk in bathtub is a bathtub that is elevated higher, with a door on the side that allows you to walk in and sit in your bathtub. This, of course, means that slippage or any accidents that happen in the shower will lessen as there are special handrails and grips designed to keep your head above the water and to ease you in and out of the bathtub itself.

The downside, of course, is that most walk-in bathtubs will require professional installation. Also, since the water does not flow unless you are standing inside of it, they tend to create a heavy drain on your water heater as you wait for the large tub to fill with water before coming to temperature.

Standard dimensions for a walk in are:

• 60 inches long (5ft), 30 inches wide (2.5ft) with a water depth of around 30 inches (2.5ft).
• Smaller sizes typically run 48 inches long (4ft), 28 inches wide (2.3ft)with a water depth of around 30 inches (2.5ft) 
• Large sizes run 60 inches long(5ft), 36 inches wide (3ft)with a water depth of around 30 inches(2.5ft).

Bathtub Volume and Filling

So now that you are familiar with the dimensions of your bathtub, it is essential to understand the size of your bathtub in water volume. This will help you decide what size bathtub is appropriate for you and understand how fast your bathtub will fill and how much water it will use. 

Volume and Filling of the Standard Bathtub

A standard bathtub holds around 80 gallons of water and takes roughly 5-7 minutes to fill up. Understanding bathtub water capacity is important as this style of bathtub is the standard variant for a reason. It holds a large amount of water and fills up quickly. The only downside is that its design will ultimately cool the water faster, which will result in more water usage.

Freestanding Bathtub Volume

A freestanding bathtub can hold 90-100 gallons of water and take 7-15 minutes to fill. The primary benefit of this style and volume is that individuals can submerge themselves, bringing numerous health benefits. In addition, freestanding bathtubs are constructed from materials that trap heat, resulting in a more comfortable bathing experience. However, their downside is that it takes longer to fill up and weighs significantly more than other bathtubs, meaning floor reinforcement is crucial. 

Non-traditional Bathtub Volume

If you are looking for something between a standard bathtub and a freestanding, there are non-traditional designs. For example, some designs can hold just 70 gallons of water, whereas some can hold up to 120 gallons. The primary advantage of these bathtubs is that their unique design gives them a wide range of functionality in any home. Japanese Soaking bathtubs are an example of this, holding a low volume of water while having a quick fill time. The drawback to these bathtubs is that their unique design may also require more space than traditional bathtub designs.

Bathtub Volume Considerations

There are many considerations one should take as they think about the amount of water a bathtub can hold. Standard bathtub usage can impact the following considerations.

1. Environmental Impact

We all enjoy having a relaxing bath, but using 70-120 gallons of water is not financially and environmentally sound. When it comes to overall water usage, we should limit baths to at least once a week to not tax our region’s water supply or increase your water bill.

2. Bathtub Maintenance

A big bathtub is a relaxing fixture in any bathroom, but consider that the larger the bathtub, the more maintenance and care it requires. For example, a large bathtub will need to be maintained at least once a week due to the increased size, whereas a smaller bathtub will need to be maintained every two weeks.

3. Time and Space

Remember that a bathtub is quite large and is not an appropriate fit for all bathroom sizes, so consider where you add your bathtub carefully. Ensure that the volume and weight of the bathtub is appropriate for your home and that the fill time makes sense for its location. 

Each style of bathtub offers a wide variety of sizes to fit your specific bath space, including bathtubs for small spaces. Carefully consider the proper dimensions against the size of your bathroom and ultimately decide what kind of use this bathtub will see. In short, be practical and you will surely find the right bathtub.

Eric Jensen

Eric is the founder and president of Badeloft USA. He has been the president of Badeloft’s US division for over ten years and oversees all marketing and branding aspects of Badeloftusa.com.
His expertise lies in small business development, sales, and home and bathroom industry trends and information.

Contact us with any business related inquiries.