Bathroom layout planner and size guide
A bathroom packs a lot into a small space, so a few centimetres decide whether a layout works. Use these typical fixture sizes and clearances to sketch your options, then draw the room to scale in a free floor planner.
Typical fixture sizes
Sizes vary by model, so check the product you plan to buy. These are common starting points.
| Fixture | Typical size (width × depth) |
|---|---|
| Single-bowl sink or vanity | 600 × 500 mm (24 × 20 in) |
| Double vanity | 1200 × 500 mm (48 × 20 in) |
| Standard bath | 1700 × 700 mm (67 × 28 in); short 1500 mm, long 1800 × 800 mm |
| Shower tray | 800 × 800, 900 × 900 or 1200 × 800 mm |
| Toilet | about 400 × 700 mm (16 × 28 in) |
| Washing machine | about 600 × 600 mm (24 × 24 in) |
Clearances to plan for
- Toilet: keep at least 380 mm (15 in) from the centre of the bowl to the nearest wall or fixture, and about 530 mm (21 in) clear space in front. Local codes may differ, so check yours.
- Sink: leave about 500 mm (20 in) clear in front so you can stand and bend.
- Shower: 900 × 900 mm is a comfortable minimum, and 800 × 800 mm works in tight spaces.
- Door swing: make sure the door does not hit the toilet or vanity. An outward-opening or sliding door saves space.
Common bathroom layouts
Small bathroom, about 1.5 × 2.0 m
Put the bath or shower along the short wall, the toilet and sink along the long wall. This three-fixture layout is the most common and the cheapest to plumb.
Shower room, about 1.2 × 1.8 m
Swap the bath for a 800 × 800 mm shower and a narrow vanity. Hang the door to open outward.
Family bathroom, about 2.2 × 2.7 m
Room for a double vanity, a bath and a separate shower. Group all fixtures on one or two walls to keep pipe runs short.
Plumbing tips for DIY planners
- Keep the toilet close to the soil stack. Long drain runs need the right fall and are costly to change later.
- Place the sink, bath and shower on the same wall as the water supply where you can.
- Mark where the hot, cold and sewer lines run before you fix the fixture positions.
How to draw your bathroom to scale
- Open Floorplanner and draw the four walls with your measured lengths.
- Add the door and, if any, the window with their exact widths.
- Place the plumbing fixtures (sink, toilet, bath, shower and washing machine are included) and size them from the table above.
- Try two or three layouts and compare how much free floor space each leaves.
Frequently asked questions
What is the smallest practical bathroom size?
A full bathroom with toilet, sink and shower can fit in about 1.5 × 1.5 m (5 × 5 ft) with a compact shower. A bath usually needs at least 1.7 m in one direction.
How much space do I need in front of a toilet?
About 530 mm (21 in) of clear space is a common minimum, and 600 mm (24 in) or more is more comfortable. Check your local building rules.
Can I plan a bathroom for free?
Yes. Floorplanner is free, runs in the browser and has bathroom fixtures built in.
Should the door open in or out?
Outward or sliding doors save floor space in small bathrooms, but check that the door does not open into a hallway where it blocks traffic.
Ready to try it? Open Floorplanner. It is free, runs in your browser and needs no sign-up.