What to Know About Shower Sizes: Bathroom Dimensions Guide

The shower area is the most essential part of the bathroom. When it comes to investing in new upgrades or remodeling your bathroom; one important factor to consider is knowing the standard shower sizes depending on the enclosure style and design.

Standard Shower Dimensions

This article aims to help you decide what size of bathroom shower dimensions you can accommodate in your home, as well as other fixtures and details you may want to incorporate.

Square-shaped Shower

The smallest and most compact shower unit measures 32 x 32 inches and can go up to 34 x 34″ and 36 x 36″.

These types of shower can be installed in the corners of your bathroom, and for floorplans that don’t have enough space, this square-shaped design can also be installed along one wall.

Shower and Tub Combo

The most common and typical standard size for a shower and tub combo is 60 x 30 x 72 inches. This includes the measurements of the porcelain tub and the space around the tub’s basin, which is required when installing a combo unit. 

Usually, a shower and tub combo is installed, having a glass enclosure for a much more modern and clean look. The height of glass stall enclosures varies from 79 inches to 81 inches and 87 inches.

Stand-alone Shower Stall

A stand-alone shower stall size, usually varies based on the space allotted in the bathroom for the showering area.  The standard size for a stand-alone stall area without the tub is 48 x 36 inches.  This layout has the minimum space, which gives you more room to move around.

Steam Shower

The dimensions for a standard steam shower measure 60 x 48 inches. An 8ft ceiling or 96 inches is the best height for a steam enclosure, according to Mr.Steam [a manufacturer of steam units].

In many instances, a steam generator is added to a regular enclosure, and in this case, it would vary based on the design.

Shower Enclosure Sizes

• • Standard sizes for Quadrant Enclosures:
    • 5′ x 27.5″
    • 5′ x 31.5″
    • 5′ x 35.5″
    • 4′ x 39.4″
    • Note: There are two choices for the height of these Quadrant Enclosures: 73 inches and 77 inches
  • Standard sizes for Offset QuadrantEnclosure: 
    • 4′ x 31.5″
    • 3′ x 31.5″
    • Height: 77″
  • Standard size for Neo Angle or PentagonEnclosure:
    • 5′ x 35.5″ x 77″ (height)

• Standard size for Square Enclosure:
  • 5′ x 27.5″
  • 5′ x 31.5″
  • 5′ x 35.5″
  • Note: There are two choices for the height of these Quadrant Enclosures: 73 inches and 77 inches.
• Standard size for Rectangular Enclosure:
  • 4′ x 31.5″
  • 3′ x 31.5″
  • Height: 77″ for both standard sizes

Shower Cabin Sizes

• Standard size for Cubicles:
  • 5′ x 31.5″
  • 5′ x 35.5″
  • 4′ x 39.4″
  • There are different height dimensions to choose from; 79″ | 81″ | 83″ and 87″

• Other sizes for Stalls:
  • 5′ x 35.5″
  • 5′ x 37.5″
  • 3′ x 35.5″
  • Height variation: 85″ and 87″

Sizes for Steam Showers

• • Standard size for Quadrant Steam Enclosures:
    • 5′ x 35.5″
    • 5′ x 37.5″
    • 38 x 38″
    • 39 x 39″
    • 4′ x 39.4″
    • 3′ x 47.3″
    • 2′ x 51.2″
    • 59 x 59″
    • Height: 73″ and 77″
  • Standard size for Square or Rectangular Steam Enclosures:
    • 3′ x 35.5″
    • 59 x 33.5″
    • 67 x 33.5″
    • 67 x 35.5″
    • Height: 77″

• Standard size for Offset Quadrant Steam Enclosure:
  • 3′ x 35.5″
  • Height: 83″ | 84″ and 87″
• Standard size for Round Steam Enclosure:
  • 4′ x 39.4″
  • Height: 89 inches
• Standard size for Steam Combo:
  • 5′ x 35.5″
  • 38 x 38″
  • 39 x 39″
  • 4′ x 39.4″
  • 3′ x 33.5″
  • 3′ x 47.3″
  • 2′ x 51.2″
  • 59 x 59″
  • 59 x 33.5″
  • 67 x 33.5″
  • 67 x 35.5″
  • Height: 83″ | 84″ | 85″ | 87″ and 89″

Read more about the different benefits of steam showers here.

Note: The most common thickness for glass enclosures is 3/8 inches; this type of glass is durable, safe, has a luxurious look, and is very cost-effective.  There are times when glass specifications can be ½ inch glass thick.

Shower Base Sizes

A base is often called a “shower pan,” but they don’t mean the same thing. 

A shower base is a structure installed underneath the stall itself; it is a substructure typically made of concrete that is slightly sloped to allow water to flow properly into the drain. 

With standard bases, the drain is either located in the center or an offset drain hole.

A solid base surface can also be made of natural or cultured marble, tile laid over a mortar base, acrylic, or fiberglass.

It can even be made of various types of metal, such as cast iron or copper, which are extremely durable and a very luxurious design concept.

Standard bases are usually in the shape of a square or rectangle, which ranges from 32 x 32 inches to 36 x 36 inches.

The standard size for a rectangular orientation is 60″ x 42″. 

For corner showers, the neo-angle base pans’ size ranges from 36 inches to 60 inches in diameter. 

Custom bases, which are built-in-place and constructed with a waterproof membrane, have made to order sizes.

Shower Walk-In Sizes

There are a lot of different sizes when it comes to walk in showers since it depends on the available space in your bathroom and your bathing needs.

Walk in showers should be no less than a minimum size of 32 inches in length x 32 inches in width. 

The usual dimensions of a standard walk in shower are 34 inches x 34 inches, 36 inches x 36 inches, and 42 inches x 36 inches; these sizes, of course, vary depending on the size of the bathroom. 

A comfortable walk in enclosure size would have an average dimension of 48 inches x 36 inches and goes up to 48 inches x 48 inches to give a little bit of extra room. 

A large walk in shower can measure up to 60 inches x 36 inches and can accommodate a bench.

The design height varies depending on how tall the ceiling is in your home, but typically, the highest stall height should be 8 feet. 

Other walk in stall dimensions are as follows:

• 60″ x 48″ x 96″ (height)
• 66″ x 66″ x 90″ (height)
• 54″ x 35″ x 89″ (height)
• 71″ x 47″ x 88″ (height)
• 42″ x 42″ x 82″ (height)

Standard Tub Shower Size

Generally, the standard wall-to-wall bathtub will have a dimension of 60 inches long and 30 to 32 inches wide.

Free Standing Tub Sizes with Attachment for Showerhead

• • 60″ long x 30″ wide
  • 55″ long x 27″ wide
  • 72″ long x 32″ wide
  • Tub Height: 24″

Free standing bathtubs are tubs that are not attached or connected to any walls or surfaces of the bathroom.  This type of bathtub requires a large bathroom area to accommodate the size and weight of the tub.

Alcove Tub Sizes with Shower

• • 60″ long x 30″ wide
  • 45″ long x 30″ wide
  • 72″ long x 42″ wide
  • Height: 15″

Alcove bathtubs are usually installed within a three-wall enclosure, usually making them ideal for a shower combination design concept.

Drop in Bath Tub Dimensions

• • 60″ long x 30″ wide
  • 45″ long x 30″ wide
  • 72″ long x 32″ wide
  • Height: 14″ to 20″

Drop in tubs are very similar to the standard bathtubs and are usually installed connected to a wall in your bathroom, just like the alcove type bathtub, or can be installed in an open area incorporating it to a peninsula in the middle of the bathroom.

Under Mount Bathtub Sizes

• • 60″ long x 30″ wide
  • 45″ long x 30″ wide
  • 72″ long x 32″ wide
  • Height: 14″ to 20″

Under mount bathtubs are very similar to a drop-in bathtub; the only difference is that their rims are covered in a small deck made of stone or tile.  This stone or tile will help hide the tub’s rim during installation.

Sizes for a Corner Bathtub

• • 60″ x 60″
  • 48″ x 48″
  • 72″ by 72″
  • Height: 22″

These corner bathtubs are often regarded as luxury bathtubs, usually installed in the master bathrooms since these tubs are ideal for de-stress, meditation, and calming soaks.

Walk-in Bathtub Sizes

• • 60″ long x 30″ wide
  • 48″ long x 28″ wide
  • 60″ long x 36″ wide

Walk-in bathtubs are a great option for those with mobility issues or for senior residents. 

This type of bathtub requires installation by professionals since the bathtub needs to be installed higher than the typical bathtub. A walk in bathtub has special handrails and grips that need to be mounted to aid in keeping the users’ head above water and help users go in and out of the bathtub.

ADA Shower Size

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has established guidelines for the minimum dimensions of bathing facilities for people with disabilities.

The ADA guidelines for a shower size:

ADA Transfer Shower –ADA guidelines require that showers must have an inside dimension of 36 inches x 36 inches for accessibility and functionality. Thresholds in the transfer stalls should have a height maximum of ½ inch above the finished bathroom floor.

There should be a 36 inches minimum opening at the entry of the enclosure. Mounted L-shaped seats should be placed no more than 3” from the front entry, and a back wall grab should be 18 inches from the control wall.  There should also be a 36 inches (wide) x 48 inches (long) minimum clearance from the control wall.

ADA Roll-in Shower – designed as wheelchair accessible, ADA guidelines require a minimum inside enclosure dimension of 60 inches x 30 inches.

This would allow enough room for a wheelchair or chair.  Thresholds in the transfer stall should have a height maximum of ½ inch above the finished bathroom floor.  There should be a 60 inches minimum opening from top to bottom. 

Mounted L-shaped seats should be placed no more than 3” from the front entry, and a back wall grab should be 18 inches from the control wall.  There should also be a 30 inches (wide) x 60 inches (long) minimum clearance adjacent to the opening.

Size of a Two-person Shower

When designing a double shower, remember that the width is more important as the bathing area needs to be wide enough to accommodate two people. 

You also need to consider the shape of your wet room area and if you prefer an enclosed or open design.  It is all about what makes the couple most comfortable and have enough space to move around freely.

Two of the most common two-person (double) shower sizes are 3 feet x 5 feet and 4 feet by 6 feet; or some are even larger measurements depending on the space available. 

The shower curb, which keeps the water in the stall, should be at least 2 inches above the drain’s top but not more than 9 inches.

Shower Door Sizes

Shower door sizes are determined by the type you want in your bathroom, and it’s a matter of personal taste.

Most of the standard stall doors are between 22 and 36 inches wide, and the average height of a door is 72 inches. If the door’s width is more than 36 inches, an extra panel needs to be installed to support the door’s weight.

The most common widths for shower doors are:

• Standard Stall and Tub Combo: 60″ width
• Large Stand-alone Unit: 54″ to 60″s width
• Small Stand-alone Unit: 42″ to 48″
• Other Common Door Heights:
  • 70″
  • 74″
  • 79″

Enclosure Door Sizes By Style

Sliding Door and Bypass Door Style

• • Average width: 60 inches
  • Actual Walk-in door opening: 21 ¼ inches wide to 25 3/8 inches wide
  • Best door style for tub combo, corner, and alcove units
  • Consist of two or more extra panels
  • This door type slides or rolls on top and/or bottom mounted tracks.
  • Standard Sliding Shower Door Sizes:
    • 56 5/8″ to 59 5/8″ wide
    • 44 5/8″ to 47 5/8″ wide

Hinged and Pivot Door

• • • Average width: 48 inches
    • Actual Walk-in door opening: 26 ½ inches wide
    • Can be mounted with single or double hinges allowing door to open either inward or outward swinging 180°
    • Can be attached on one side of the door to a fixed panel or directly be mounted to the wall.
    • Recommended for narrow corner and alcove stand-alone stall options
    • Standard Pivot Shower Door Sizes:
      • 39 1/8″ to 44″ wide
      • 27 5/16″ to 31 1/8″ wide
      • 43 1/8″ to 48″ wide

Standard Return Side Panel Sizes

• • • • 34″ to 35″ wide
      • 29″ to 30″ wide
      • 31″ to 32″ wide

Visit our gallery of the different types of shower doors here.

Average Shower Curtain Size

There are three standard shower curtain sizes that are designed to fit the average 60 inches bathtub:

• 70″ x 70″
• 70″ x 72″
• 70″ x 84″ (Extra tall curtain)
• 72″ x 72″
• 72″ (wide) x 96″ (length) Floor to ceiling curtain
• 84″ (wide) x 74″ (length) Alternate bathtub curtain

A full-cover curtain should be twelve inches wider than the total bathtub length. 

Extra-long curtains can also come in 72 inches x 84 inches and 78 inches x 78 inches.  For stalls, a narrower curtain comes in the range of 36 inches x 54 inches to 54″ x 78″.

To determine the right length of your shower curtains, measure the length from the curtain rod to the floor and subtract 2 inches from the total length.

Shower Liner Sizes

• 54″ x 78″
• 70″ x 72″
• 70″ x 84″ (Extra long)
• 72″ x 84″ (Extra long)
• 144″ x 72 inches (Extra wide)

Shower Bench Size

Built-in shower benches can be incorporated when designing the bathroom layout.  They make a great and functional feature for a bathroom design.  The seat of the bench should be comfortable enough and, at the same time, should leave enough space for the bathing area. 

The height of the shower bench should be 1 inch lower than the back of your knees.  ADA recommends 17 inches to 19 inches from the floor as the best bench height.

ADA also recommends depth should be a minimum of 15 inches to 16 inches from the seat wall, and the seat rear edge should have a maximum of 2 ½ inches. 

A corner L-shape seat usually requires 14 inches to 15 inches seat depth.  A foot stool can be 10 inches to 13 inches minimum surface up to a maximum of 15 inches.

Shower Shelving and Niches

Shelving and niches are the perfect options for that extra storage space you may need in your bathroom area since it’s convenient, functional, and doesn’t take up much space.  A good location for the bathing accessories niche is on a wall opposite or adjacent to the showerhead.

Shower Niche Sizes

• 12 inches (wide) x 24 inches (height) with a shelf in the middle 12 inches high is the best size recommendation
• Shower niche depth: 2.5 inches minimum to 3.5 inches maximum
• The recommended standard position of the niche should be at chest to eye level; at around 48 inches to 60 inches high. The bathtub niche should be placed lower; this means placing it just a little higher than the tub.
• Other wall niche dimensions:
  • 6″ x 6″
  • 12″ x 12″
  • 24″ x 12″ (Best Recommendation)
  • 35″ x 12″
  • 47″ x 12″
    

An alternative to using a niche is to install a ledge. This is generally a half-height wall that protrudes several inches and allows room to sit shampoo, conditioner, and soap.

When renovating your bathroom, it is often practical to install your shower stall where the current footprint is rather than moving its location. You will need a good plumbing contractor and bathroom door installer to achieve favorable renovation results.

Bathroom Shower Shapes Infographic

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