A bathtub is an essential part that completes the aesthetic look and feel of your bathroom. However, with bathrooms being very small spaces, finding a bathtub of the perfect size that comfortably fits in the space is a daunting task.
We are here with this ultimate guide that will discuss everything about the bathtub sizes. We shall learn the various types of bathtubs and their dimensions.
By the end of this article, you will be able to narrow down your search on the right bathtub size for your bathroom.
Let us get started with our discussion right away.
What Are The Different Sizes Of Bathtubs?
Bathtubs come in different sizes and shapes. Below is a list of the various sizes of bathtubs that are commonly available.
- Alcove Bathtubs
- Drop-In Bathtubs
- Oval Bathtubs
- Whirlpool Bathtubs
- Corner Bathtubs
- Freestanding Bathtubs
- Walk-In Bathtubs
- Undermount Bathtubs
Here is a table showing the different dimensions of the various types of bathtubs. This table should give you a quick understanding of where to place the tub and which sized bathroom it is ideal for:
| Types Of Bathtubs | Dimensions | Where To Place | Ideal For |
| Alcove Bathtubs | 6 ft X 3.5 ft X 1.6 ft | An alcove bathtub should be enclosed by walls on three sides. | Alcove bathtubs are ideal for bathrooms of all sizes. |
| Drop-In Bathtubs | 6 ft X 2.6 ft X 1.6 ft | You should place the drop-in bathtub inside a shell. | Drop-in bathtubs are suitable for bathrooms of different sizes. |
| Oval Bathtubs | 5 ft X 3.5 ft X 2 ft | You need to place an oval bathtub in the center of the bathroom or in between three walls. | Oval bathtubs are a perfect fit for enlarged medium and large-sized bathrooms. |
| Whirlpool Bathtubs | 5 ft X 3 ft X 2 ft | Whirlpool bathtubs should be placed inside a shell or between three walls. | Whirlpool bathtubs are best suitable for medium and large-sized bathrooms. |
| Corner Bathtubs | 6 ft X 6 ft X 1.6 ft | The corner bathrooms are meant to be at the corner of the bathroom. | Corner bathtubs are exclusively for large bathrooms. |
| Freestanding Bathtubs | 6 ft X 2.6 ft X 1.6 ft | You should place freestanding bathtubs in the center of the bathroom. | Freestanding bathtubs are best suitable for large bathrooms. |
| Walk-In Bathtubs | 5 ft X 3 ft X 2.5 ft | Walk-in bathtubs should be placed to the side of the bathroom. | Walk-in bathtubs are best suitable for medium and large-sized bathrooms. |
| Undermount Bathtubs | 6 ft X 2.67 ft X 1.6 ft | Undermount bathtubs come fit inside a deck. | Undermount bathtubs are a perfect fit for medium and large-sized bathrooms. |
Let us Discuss About Each Bathtub in Detail Below:
1. Alcove Bathtubs
You can define an alcove as a space that is confined by three walls. Logically, this is how you place or install a bathtub inside the bathroom. In narrow bathrooms, you position the tub in a way that two walls of the room form a natural alcove shape. This kind is generally suitable for smaller rooms with dimensions of 6 ft x 6 ft or 7 ft x 7 ft. This is the minimum size a bathroom should be for accommodating an alcove bathtub.
When it comes to larger bathrooms, there is no possibility to form a natural alcove shape, as the walls are farther from one another. In such spaces, you need to construct an additional partition wall that separates the tub alcove and the privacy alcove. When compared to the smaller or medium-sized bathrooms, the larger ones have a handful of options to position the bathtub within the space.
Bathtubs that are specially designed for alcoves come with finishing on the front panel. However, it has both ends and backside open, as the alcove walls cover these sides.
Alcove bathtubs are available in sizes ranging from four and a half to six feet long and have a width of about 30 to 36 inches. It provides the users with a large list of selections for choosing the appropriate tub suitable for the space.
Standard Dimensions for the Alcove Bathtub:
Here is a table depicting the common dimensions for the alcove bathtubs.
| Bathtub Size | Length | Width | Depth |
| Small | 45 inches long (3.75 ft) | 30 inches wide (2.5 ft) | 14 inches of water depth (1.16 ft). |
| Medium | 60 inches long (5 ft) | 30 inches wide (2.5 ft) | 16 inches of water depth (1.3 ft) |
| Large | 72 inches long (6 ft) | 42 inches wide (3.5 ft) | 20 inches of water depth (1.6 ft) |
2. Drop-In Bathtubs
The drop-in bathtub is another familiar style of bathtub. It comes specially designed in such a way that it fits easily into a constructed deck. However, the tub will have a tile finishing on the top and the other exposed sides of the tub.
As the name says, these tubs drop into a cut-out inside the deck. They are almost similar to the drop-in sinks or countertop sinks that come fitted into a countertop. The drop-in bathtubs do not contain any factory-finished sides, unlike others. This kind of style is mostly used for luxurious whirlpool tubs or those bathtubs that can easily accommodate two persons.
Let us consider a drop-in bathtub in a medium-sized bathroom. Here, the tub deck comes exposed only on one side, as it sits in an alcove. However, this is not the case with a larger bathroom. In such rooms, the tub deck comes exposed on both sides, as it fits into the corner of the bathroom.
In the case of very large or enlarged bathrooms, you can easily fit these tubs into the pedestal decks with all sides exposed.
Drop-in bathtubs are suitable for bathrooms of different sizes. They are ideal for larger spaces because of the extra space consumed by the constructed deck. When fitting a drop-in bathtub, you need to construct the deck in such a way that there is a deck space of at least six inches on all sides of the tub. In other words, the deck structure should be at least one-foot longer and wider than the tub itself.
Standard Dimensions for the Drop-in Bathtub:
Here is a table depicting the common dimensions for the drop-in bathtubs.
| Bathtub Size | Length | Width | Depth |
| Small | 45 inches long (3.75 ft) | 30 inches wide (2.5 ft) | 14 inches of water depth (1.16 ft). |
| Medium | 60 inches long (5 ft) | 30 inches wide (2.5 ft) | 16 inches of water depth (1.3 ft) |
| Large | 72 inches long (6 ft) | 32 inches wide (2.67 ft) | 20 inches of water depth (1.6 ft) |
3. Oval Bathtubs
An oval bathtub is yet another popular type of bathtub that is available in drop-in or freestanding models. Although these tubs look normally sized in all directions, they are not as what they appear. The oval bathtubs are not long in size, but only wider.
If you compare an oval bathtub and alcove tub of standard size, i.e., 60 inches, the oval tuns are six inches wider than the latter. If you prefer a drop-in model in an oval tub, you need to ensure there is a wide apron to let the tub rest inside. For this, you need to plan accordingly while designing the layout of your bathroom.
If you have a medium-sized bathroom, an oval bathtub will be the wrong choice. Since it comes with a wider dimension, fitting an oval tub in a medium-sized room is not only tricky but also impractical. These tubs are the best suitable option for larger bathrooms and look very effective.
Moreover, if you have an enlarged medium-sized bathroom, you can opt for this.
Standard Dimensions for the Oval Bathtub:
Here is a table depicting the common dimensions of the oval bathtubs.
| Bathtub Size | Length | Width | Depth |
| Medium | 60 inches long (5 ft) | 36 inches wide (3 ft) | 24 inches of water depth (2 ft) |
| Large | 60 inches long (5 ft) | 40 inches wide (3.5 ft) | 24 inches of water depth (2 ft) |
4. Whirlpool Tubs
In appearance, the whirlpool bathtubs look much bigger than the normal tubs. However, they can fit in a standard alcove. These tubs are acrylic and come with a thin shell for hiding the tubes. This design allows the proper action of the jet function.
The whirlpool tubs are usually available in regular rectangular sizes and even in large walk-in models. These bathtubs are best suitable for medium and large-sized bathrooms that can easily accommodate a standard drop-in tub or an alcove tub.
If you are someone who prefers having a long soak in the tub, these are the best bet. They allow the water to stay hot for a long time and maintain the water movement. The whirlpool tubs are available in various jet options that can blow water or only air.
You may say that you use bath salts or oils while taking a shower. Even for such a kind, you can prefer a whirlpool tub with the blow air option. Bathtubs that come with a water cycle feature, make sure you do not allow the soap or salts to pass through the jet tubes.
Standard Dimensions for the Whirlpool Bathtub:
Here is a table depicting the common dimensions of the whirlpool bathtubs.
| Bathtub Size | Length | Width | Depth |
| Medium | 60 inches long (5 ft) | 32 inches wide (2.67 ft) | 18 inches of water depth (1.5 ft) |
| Large | 60 inches long (5 ft) | 36 inches wide (3 ft) | 24 inches of water depth (2 ft) |
5. Corner Bathtubs
As the name goes by, the corner bathtubs are exclusively for installing at the corner of the bathroom. These bathtubs are designed exclusively for large bathrooms. They are ideal for people who like taking long showers or long hot soaks in the bathtub.
The design of the corner bathtubs is different from the other tubes. They are almost triangular in shape, unlike others that are rectangular-shaped.
Just like the whirlpool bathtubs, even these tubs occupy more space. Hence, they are suitable for bathrooms with larger spaces. If you have a large room, you can probably consider accommodating one to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your bathroom. Corner bathtubs may not be a suitable choice for small bathrooms and fitting one in can be tricky and also impractical.
The corner bathtubs are available in a wide range of sizes to choose from. Most manufactures produce the tubs in standard sizes, though. As these bathtubs get installed in corners of the bathroom, the length and width tend to be the same for them.
Standard Dimensions for the Corner Bathtub:
Here is a table depicting the common dimensions for the corner bathtubs.
| Bathtub Size | Length | Width | Depth |
| Small | 48 inches long (4 ft) | 48 inches wide (4 ft) | 18 inches of water depth (1.5 ft). |
| Medium | 60 inches long (5 ft) | 60 inches wide (5 ft) | 20 inches of water depth (1.6 ft) |
| Large | 72 inches long (6 ft) | 72 inches wide (6 ft) | 20 inches of water depth (1.6 ft) |
6. Freestanding Bathtubs
Freestanding tubs are easily recognizable bathtubs when compared to the others. As the name says, these tubs are freestanding units and do not come attached to any walls.
You can install them at the center of the room to create a luxurious and opulent effect. Since you do not position them to the wall, they require a lot of space. Hence, the freestanding tubs are not a suitable option for smaller bathrooms that have limited space.
There is one advantage to installing freestanding bathtubs. You have the liberty to choose your own dimensions, as they are not restricted to any precise measurements. All it requires is a bathroom with adequate spacing, and you do not have to worry about the dimensions.
However, remember that you do not install your freestanding bathtub in a space that cannot accommodate the tub. It might make the room look cramped and even limit your movement.
Standard Dimensions for the Freestanding Bathtub:
Here is a table depicting the common dimensions for the freestanding bathtubs.
| Bathtub Size | Length | Width | Depth |
| Small | 55 inches long (4.58 ft) | 27 inches wide (2.25 ft) | 15 inches of water depth (1.25 ft). |
| Medium | 60 inches long (5 ft) | 30 inches wide (2.5 ft) | 19 inches of water depth (1.89 ft) |
| Large | 72 inches long (6 ft) | 32 inches wide (2.67 ft) | 20 inches of water depth (1.6 ft) |
7. Walk-In Bathtubs
Walk-in bathtub is yet another choice of tubs for many. It is exclusively designed for those who prefer limited mobility. These tubs feature a door in the door to enter and exit the bathtub without raising your leg over the tall rim.
The difference between the walk-in bathtubs and other regular tubs is that they are a little elevated than the latter. It allows people with restricted mobility to bathe effortlessly while sitting.
The upside of installing a walk-in bathtub is that it minimizes the chances of slipping and accidents. It comes with specially designed handrails and grips that help in keeping your head above the water. Furthermore, it allows you to be at ease while taking shower and going in and out of the bathtub.
However, there is one downside to the walk-tubs. It requires a professional to install the tub. Besides this, you need to stand inside to allow the water to flow. This leads to creating a heavy drain on your water heater while you wait for the large tub to fill with water before it comes to the set temperature.
Standard Dimensions for the Walk-in Bathtub:
Here is a table depicting the common dimensions for the walk-in bathtubs.
| Bathtub Size | Length | Width | Depth |
| Small | 48 inches long (4 ft) | 28 inches wide (2.3 ft) | 30 inches of water depth (2.5 ft). |
| Medium | 60 inches long (5 ft) | 30 inches wide (2.5 ft) | 30 inches of water depth (2.5 ft) |
| Large | 60 inches long (5 ft) | 36 inches wide (3 ft) | 30 inches of water depth (2.5 ft) |
8. Undermount Bathtub
An undermount tub is similar to a drop-in tub. However, the only difference is that the rim comes covered with a tile or stone framing. The standard measurements of an undermount tub include a length of 60 inches, a width of 30 inches, and a water depth of 16 inches.
An undermount bathtub is a perfect go if you want to incorporate a luxurious and spa-like feel in your bathroom. Apart from being an appealing visual element in the space, these bathtubs create a lavish feel. However, the only downside of undermount bathtubs is that they include high installation costs.
Undermount bathtubs are a perfect fit for medium and large-sized bathrooms.
Standard Dimensions for the Undermount Bathtub:
Here is a table depicting the common dimensions for the undermount bathtubs.
| Bathtub Size | Length | Width | Depth |
| Small | 45 inches long (3.75 ft) | 30 inches wide (2.5 ft) | 14 inches of water depth (1.16 ft). |
| Medium | 60 inches long (5 ft) | 30 inches wide (2.5 ft) | 16 inches of water depth (1.3 ft) |
| Large | 72 inches long (6 ft) | 32 inches wide (2.67 ft) | 20 inches of water depth (1.6 ft) |
Conclusion:
Bathtubs come in various sizes, shapes, and styles. Depending on the space in your bathroom, you need to choose the right one. If you have a smaller bathroom, an alcove bathtub is the best bet. Similarly, for medium and large-sized spaces, you can opt for drop-in, walk-in, and undermount bathtubs. If you have a medium-sized bathroom with an enlarged configuration or a large bathroom, oval, whirlpool, corner, and freestanding bathtubs are the suitable options. You can choose a perfect size that is adequate for your space. If you are still confused, you can use this article as a reference to make an informed decision. Please share this information with your friends and help them with the easy decision-making process of the bathtub size.
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