I pulled these sizes from real jobs. They’re not clear dimensions unless noted (mm). Use them as a starting point, then fine‑tune for your height, fixtures, and layout.
Why I trust these numbers
- They reduce back/neck strain at the sink.
- They prevent rough‑in mistakes (expensive rework).
- They leave room for doors, glass, and future maintenance.
At‑a‑glance summary
Vanity ≥600 W, 450–500 D, ≈850 H (user ~168 cm), mirror bottom +100–300 above counter.
Toilet zone 450–500 front clearance, ≥200 each side, seat 350–400 H
Rough‑ins floor toilet 300/400 rough‑in; wall‑hung studs 320–340 H, waste 220–240 H
Shower 900×900 or 1200×900, head 2100–2200 H, turning circle ≈900
Doors/aisles door ≥700 clear, handle side ≥250, passage ≥900
Tub 1500–1700 L × 700–800 W × ≈550 H (model‑specific)
Table 1: Vanity (Sink Area) Dimensions
| Item | Recommended | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum vanity width | ≥600 | Single bowl comfort start |
| Counter depth | 450–500 | Keeps elbows close; less lower‑back load |
| Counter height | ≈850 | For user ~168 cm; adjust to body height |
| Mirror bottom above the counter | 100–300 | Avoids head bumps; good visibility |
| Single bowl zone | 550–600 | Bowl + faucet footprint |
| Side clearance to the wall | 600–900 | With 450 side‑step activity space |
My take: I’ve tested 850 mm counters across dozens of homes—forward bend is minimal, and water splashes are reduced. If two adults share, I bias the height toward the taller user and add a low‑profile step for kids.
Table 2: Toilet Zone and Accessories
| Item | Dimension | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front clearance | 450–500 | Comfortable kneel/service space |
| Side clearance (each side) | ≥200 (250 ideal) | Shoulder room + grab bar allowance |
| Seat height (floor to seat top) | 350–400 (≈400 common) | Comfort height trends slightly higher |
| Paper holder height | ≈750 | Reach 300–400 from the seat front |
| Towel shelf/rail height | ≈1700 | Shelf depth 250–270 |
| Bidet spray head/outlet | 660 / 500 | Keep those off the floor |
| Brush holder | ≈200 | Tuck beside/behind bowl |
Table 3: Toilet Rough‑ins (Avoid Rework)
| Type | Critical Measurement | Range/Spec | Field note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Floor‑mounted toilet | Rough‑in (wall to waste center) | 300 or 400 | Verify model; some vary 300–400 |
| Wall‑hung toilet | Anchor stud center height | 320–340 | Per carrier frame spec |
| Wall‑hung toilet | Waste outlet center height | 220–240 | Match trap alignment |
Opinion: Rough‑in mismatches are the most common bathroom error I see. Measure on site after tile thickness is known, then order fixtures.
Table 4: Shower and Circulation
| Item | Dimension | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shower enclosure (square) | 900×900 | Minimum for comfortable turning |
| Shower enclosure (rectangular) | 1200×900 | Best small‑bath upgrade |
| Turning circle | ≈900 diameter | Arms free; easier to shave/turn |
| Showerhead height | 2100–2200 | Tune to the tallest user |
| Door/leaf clearance | Plan full swing | Avoid collisions with the vanity/toilet |
My take: In tight rooms, a 1200×900 rectangle beats a square every time—better elbow room and shelf placement.
Table 5: Doors, Aisles, and Tub Basics
| Item | Dimension | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Door clear width | ≥700 | Comfortable entry; mobility devices need more |
| Handle‑side clearance | ≥250 | Prevents the handle from hitting the vanity/wall |
| Main passage/aisle | ≥900 | Bend, carry baskets, pass safely |
| Bathtub (common sizes) | L 1500–1700 × W 700–800 × H ≈550 | Confirm delivery path and access panel |
| Drop‑in tub cutout | Per manufacturer | Keep service access for the drain/overflow |
Ergonomics cheat codes I actually use
- Vanity height: counter height mm ≈ user height mm × 0.45–0.50 (round to nearest 10).
- Shower controls: mount valves 1000–1100 high and reachable from outside the glass so you can start water without getting soaked.
- Mirror centerline: ~1100 works for most; add tilt or better lighting for mixed heights.
Planning checklist (hand this to your designer/GC)
- Vanity: ≥600 W, 450–500 D, ≈850 H; mirror bottom +100–300
- Toilet: 450–500 front, ≥200 sides, seat 350–400; paper ≈750; towel ≈1700; bidet spray 660/500
- Rough‑ins: floor toilet 300/400; wall‑hung 320–340 studs, 220–240 waste
- Shower: 900×900 or 1200×900; 900 turning circle; head 2100–2200; door swing clear
- Doors/aisles: door ≥700; handle side ≥250; passage ≥900
- Tub: 1500–1700 × 700–800 × ≈550; verify access panel and delivery route
Personal tips to get it right the first time
- Set heights and rough‑ins before you fall in love with fixtures. Specs drive everything.
- Keep “kneel space” in front of every fixture for service. Future‑you will be grateful.
- Prioritize ventilation and GFCI power locations early; they’re hard to move later.
- If you must compromise, never shrink front or side clearances below the minimums—comfort and code both suffer.