Bathtub Sizes
Most bathtubs in North American homes are 60 inches long and 30 to 32 inches wide, but there are many other sizes — from compact 54-inch tubs to 72-inch soakers and corner tubs. Enter your space and the calculator shows which standard tub types fit, then estimate how much water a tub holds and how deep you can soak.
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Standard bathtub size: most US alcove tubs are 60 inches long by 30 to 32 inches wide (about 152 × 76–81 cm) and 14–16 inches deep overall. A standard tub usually holds about 35–50 gallons to the overflow. Measure wall-to-wall length, back-wall-to-apron width, drain side, and the path into the bathroom before choosing a replacement.
Bathtub fit and capacity calculator
Capacity estimate
Bathroom Tub Planning Pack
Printable bathtub size chart, a bathroom measuring worksheet, a tub selection checklist and a water heater sizing worksheet.
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- Measuring worksheet (PDF/DOCX)
- Selection checklist (PDF, DOCX)
- Water heater sizing (PDF, DOCX)
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Printable Water Heater Sizing SheetStandard bathtub size chart
Use these typical outside dimensions as a starting point, then confirm the exact specification sheet before buying.
| Tub type | Typical outside size | Footprint | Overall depth | Capacity note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alcove standard | 60 x 30–32 in | 12.5–13.3 sq ft | 14–16 in | 35–50 gal typical |
| Alcove large | 60 x 36 in | 15.0 sq ft | 16–20 in | Varies |
| Compact | 54 x 30 in | 11.25 sq ft | 14–16 in | Less than standard |
| Long alcove | 66 x 32 in | 14.7 sq ft | 16–20 in | Varies |
| Soaking | 60 x 32 in | 13.3 sq ft | 18–22 in | Large tubs 60–100+ gal |
| Drop-in | 60–72 x 32–42 in | 13.3–21.0 sq ft | 18–22 in | Check spec sheet |
| Freestanding | 55–72 x 28–32 in | 10.7–16.0 sq ft | 18–24 in | Varies widely |
| Corner | 60 x 60 in | 25.0 sq ft | 18–22 in | Uses more water |
| Walk-in | 52–60 x 28–32 in | 10.1–13.3 sq ft | 36–42 in | Check fill volume |
Standard bathtub sizes
| Type | Length × width (in) | Overall depth (in) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alcove (standard) | 60 × 30 | 14–16 | Three walls; the most common tub in homes |
| Alcove (wider) | 60 × 32 | 14–18 | A little more room; common replacement size |
| Alcove (large) | 60 × 36 | 16–20 | Wider bathing area |
| Small / compact | 54 × 30 | 14–16 | Small bathrooms and older homes |
| Long alcove | 66 × 32 | 16–20 | Taller bathers |
| Soaking (alcove or drop-in) | 60 × 32 | 18–22 | Deeper water for soaking |
| Drop-in / platform | 60–72 × 32–42 | 18–22 | Set into a deck or surround |
| Freestanding | 55–72 × 28–32 | 18–24 | Clawfoot and modern freestanding designs |
| Corner | 60 × 60 | 18–22 | Triangular footprint for corners |
| Walk-in | 52–60 × 28–32 | 36–42 | Low step-in door for accessibility |
Sizes are typical ranges from common manufacturers; always check the exact specification sheet, including rough-in dimensions, before buying or building.
The standard tub: 60 × 30 or 60 × 32
The most common bathtub in North American homes is an alcove tub about 60 inches long, 30 to 32 inches wide and 14 to 16 inches deep overall, fitted between three walls with a built-in apron on the open side. Because alcove tubs must fit wall to wall, the finished alcove is framed to 60 inches plus a small allowance for the tub flange. Replacing an alcove tub is easiest with the same length; changing width is usually simpler than changing length.
Measuring for a new tub
- Measure the alcove length from wall to wall at the height of the tub rim, in three places.
- Measure the depth from the back wall to the edge of the finished floor where the apron will sit.
- Note which end the drain is on (left or right hand, looking at the tub).
- Measure doorways and hallways — the tub has to get into the room.
- Check floor structure for heavy tubs such as cast iron or large soakers.
- Allow clear floor space in front of the tub: about 30 inches is common for comfortable access.
How deep is a bathtub?
Overall depth (floor to rim) is typically 14–16 inches for standard tubs and 18–22 inches or more for soaking tubs. The usable water depth is lower, because the overflow drain sits a few inches below the rim: standard tubs often allow about 10–12 inches of water, and soakers 14 inches or more. If a deep soak matters, compare the “water depth to overflow” figure on specification sheets, not just overall depth.
How much water does a bathtub hold?
Capacity depends on the inside dimensions and shape. The calculator multiplies the inside length and width at the water line by the water depth, applies a shape factor for sloped backs and rounded corners, and converts cubic inches to gallons (231 cubic inches per US gallon). A typical standard alcove tub holds roughly 35–50 gallons to the overflow, while large soaking tubs can hold 60–100 gallons or more — worth checking against your water heater capacity.
Worked example
An alcove measuring 60 × 32 inches fits the standard alcove sizes (60 × 30 and 60 × 32), a 60 × 32 soaking tub and a 54 × 30 compact tub with filler strips, but not a 66-inch long tub or a 60 × 60 corner tub. A tub with an inside water line of 48 × 22 inches and 12 inches of water to the overflow holds about 44 gallons (roughly 166 litres) with the default shape factor.
Choosing the right tub
- Alcove: most space-efficient and easiest with a shower combination.
- Soaking: deeper water for relaxing; check your water heater and floor strength.
- Freestanding: a design statement; needs clearance around it and floor- or wall-mounted fillers.
- Drop-in: sits in a deck, giving a ledge for accessories.
- Corner: fits a corner and often includes jets; uses a lot of water.
- Walk-in: a door and seat for people with limited mobility; you sit inside while it fills and drains.
Water heater and weight
A tub is only as good as the hot water you can put in it. A common rule is that a water heater should hold at least two-thirds of the tub’s capacity, since hot water is mixed with cold. Water weighs about 8.34 lb per gallon, so a 70-gallon soaker holds nearly 600 lb of water before a bather gets in — plus the tub itself, which for cast iron can be 300 lb or more. Check floor framing for large tubs, especially on upper floors.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I measure bathtub size?
Measure the finished alcove length at the tub rim in several spots, then measure from the back wall to the front apron or floor line. Also record left- or right-hand drain and check doorways and halls so the tub can be carried in.
How many square feet is a bathtub?
A 60 x 30 in tub uses 1,800 sq in, or 12.5 sq ft. A 60 x 32 in tub uses about 13.3 sq ft; add any required clearance in front of the tub separately.
What size tub for a 6 foot person?
Look at 66- to 72-inch-long tubs or deeper soaking tubs, but compare the interior basin length and water depth to overflow. Outside length alone can be misleading because sloped backs and decks reduce usable space.
What is the standard bathtub size?
About 60 inches long, 30–32 inches wide and 14–16 inches deep.
What size tub fits a 5-foot alcove?
A 60-inch alcove tub, 30 or 32 inches wide.
How many gallons does a standard bathtub hold?
Roughly 35–50 gallons to the overflow, depending on shape and depth.
How deep is a soaking tub?
Usually 18–22 inches overall, with more water depth than a standard tub.
What is the smallest standard bathtub?
Compact tubs are about 54 inches long; some Japanese-style soaking tubs are even shorter but deeper.
How much space do I need in front of a tub?
About 30 inches of clear floor space is a common guideline for comfortable access.
Is my data stored?
No, it runs in your browser.