What Is The Standard Toilet Height?

As I’ve wanted to find the standard toilet height, I did some research on ‘toilet heights,’ but then, the research complicated me more than I already was. I came across many heights such as standard height, comfort height, ADA height, and regular height. But the best thing what happened was, I was able to unfold the complexity. And I thought why not share it here, so that, you can save your time.

What’s the standard toilet height? There are two common standard toilet heights. The old ‘Standard Height’ and the new ‘ADA Toilet Height’ (ADA stands for Americans with Disabilities Act). Standard toilet height is 15 – 16 1/8 inches from the floor to seat top. ADA toilet height is 17 – 19 inches from floor to seat top.

That being said, don’t stop there. There’s a lot more to toilet heights. Just knowing the heights won’t help. We must get into details. That’s why I’m going to share the in-depth insights on bathroom heights. Let’s dive in!

Standard Toilet Height – 15″ – 16″

Standard toilet heights measure 15 to 16 inches from floor to seat top. Without the seat they measure around 14 to 15 1/2 inches. This is the standard height that was followed since toilets were introduced to the modern community. So, you can understand why the term ‘standard and regular’ are used to describe this height.

If you consider standard toilet heights, there are numerous benefits that you can consider. You can be either short or tall. However, you will be able to use the toilet without letting your legs become numb after some time.

Standard toilet height is most suitable toilet height for shorter and average height people. It’s also a great option to avoid constipation. Even for kids, there is no better option.

If you hadn’t known the height that you were accustomed to, this is it. The standard toilet height is the height that you’ve got used to when you were small. (Or if you are from a younger generation maybe you got used to the new taller ‘Comfort Height’.)

Yet, there are specific disadvantages to standard height toilets. For example, you might struggle when standing up once done. And elderly and tall people often find it too low for them.

Note: if you have kids, you must think twice if purchasing the taller comfort height toilets. Basically, standard toilet height is better posture position of releasing what is in your bowels. Even the studies have emphasized the benefit of a lower posture when relieving yourself.

This standard height is also a good posture position to get used to early on in life. It will allow you to avoid health issues later on. Besides, it helps clean your bowels pretty easily. If you or anyone in your house is suffering from constipation, you should consider standard toilet height as that has a lower sitting position.

However, as I already mentioned you must not forget the disadvantages related to standard toilet heights. If you know the pros and cons, the step of purchasing will become easier. But, you are not left without a choice because there are options for differently-abled and older people. If you are not in average height slightly taller, then, this can be tough for you to settle for standard height.

ADA Toilet Height – 17″ – 19″

ADA toilet height means an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) toilet. The height matches ADA-compliant toilets, i.e. 17”-19” from floor to height of the bowl rim, along with the seat.

This height is more like the chair height. If there are any differently abled, adults, or people with leg pain, this toilet height can be ideal.

Well, handicap toilet height has been introduced by the Americans with Disabilities Act, in 1990. This height has been proposed to give equal rights to the handicapped people. ADA standard mentions the height, grab bar positions, holder positions, and the overall flush mechanism.

However, when installing ADA toilet height, you must make sure to check whether the handicapped people will be able to maneuver. This just means the area should be spacious with 18 inches or more distance from the walls on either side. There are requirements available in the standard ADA, hence, consider it.

Your bathroom layout will directly influence the clearance requirements of the ADA standard. If you still feel complicated, you can consult the building authorities to discuss it. Keep reading to find more information on toilet heights.

How To Measure Toilet Height?

The right toilet height is measured from the flat floor until the seat’s top section. When measuring it with the person’s height, it is essential for the person to wear regular shoes or footwear.

To measure the right height, the person should sit on the chair. And the knees should be placed in a right angle. However, when measuring the toilet height, you must be considerate about your height as well.

Now, let us learn the difference between toilet heights. It is good to know a lot than knowing nothing at all.

Comfort Height Toilet

The comfort height toilets are taller when compared to the standard designs. They are sometimes used synonymous insteads of ADA height but usually in the market when you say comfort height its understood the toilet seat height is around 17 or 17-1/2 inches. Thus, comfort height toilets more comfortable for tall and senior person. For them a comfort height model is easier. It relieve the pressure on your joints and knees because of the higher sitting posture. I’ve written about this more in my post about standard height vs comfort height toilets.

The top three American toilet brands all have their own unique term for defining their toilet seat heights. Lets have a look at these terms next.

Chair Height Toilet

Chair height is another term used for the taller comfort height toilets because 17 inch is the height of a normal chair seat level. Chair height is mostly used by Kohler in their documents to differentiate their models from other toilet brands.  As per Kohler reference, the chair height toilet is 17” or more.

Right Height Toilet

Like Kohler other brands too have their own unique term for taller comfort height toilets. The term right height toilet is used by the American Standard brand. They usually use it for toilets with seat heights ranging from 16.5 to 19 inches.

Universal Height Toilets

Toto toilets calls their comfort height toilets as Universal height toilets. These Toto universal height toilets usually have a bowl height of around 16-1/2 inches. With the seat thickness their height increases to about 17 or 17.5 inches. Thus Universal height models are ADA Compliant toilets, that’s to say have a seat height of 17-18 inches from the ground to the top of the toilet seat.

What’s the Best Toilet Height?

Below are some simple tips to be use when finding the best toilet height. Although I have shared a lot of insights, this is going to be really helpful. There are only two things to bear in mind when finding the best height toilet for you.

• How easy it is to sit and stand up
• How comfortable is being  seat on this height level.

Basically, your height, physical needs, and the way you use the toilet will affect your decision.

• If you are a short person a taller toilet height like comfort height can be too high for you. For kids too a comfort height toilet might feel like sitting on a cliff edge. So standard height toilets are the best for households with kids and short adults.
• If you are tall, senior or disabled then a taller height toilet like a ADA compliant ‘comfort height toilet is more suitable. It’s easy to sit and getup.
• For very tall people who are over 6′ 2″ etc. even a 17 inch seat height, comfort height toilet might not be enough. (for them even a standard height toilet might feel like crushing or squatting down). So some toilet brands like Signature Hardware sell a 19 inch high toilet.  This 19 inch seat height toilet is ideal height for a person around 5′ 10′ to 6 feet. For really tall people you have the tallest toilets which we have discussed in the article on 21 Inch toilet bowl height.

As you can see the ideal toilet height depends on your personal height. However if you are going to share the toilet, you also need to consider their heights too.

On average a person spends 102 minutes of a week in the toilet. Despite the time, it is a daily ritual. Hence, you must be vigilant when selecting the right height.

As per several medical research and studies, the squat position is the best way to relieve oneself. (floor squat toilets are still used in many Asian and developing countries and sometimes in developed countries like in Japan and Korea)  Overall, your primary concern must be your health. So if you want you can still sit with a squat position while a modern standard or comfort height toilet if you really want. There are special toilet foot stools sold on Amazon that are popular bought by many experiencing constipation and bowel movements.

Also, if your family consist of members with different heights, you must make sure to add accessories to the toilet height to match it in a way to suit everyone. This method is recommended because you can’t change the toilet heights as per the heights of family members.

Best Toilet Height for Tall People, Elderly and Disabled

If you are tall, you must not consider toilets with standard-heights and the toilet seat with 15-16 inches, as it will be uncomfortable. Hence, you can go for a comfort height toilet. The seat height of a comfortable height toilet would be higher than the regular toilet seat height; thus, you can be comfortable. The height ranges from 17-18 inches when measured from the ground to the top of toilet seat.

If you are very tall and comfort height toilets are not enough, there are 20 inch tall toilet or above. Checkout our 18 inch high toilet or 20 & 21 inch toilet page for more information.

Best Toilet Height for Short People

standard height toilet is best for short people who have a height of around five feet or five and a half. Standard height toilets come in 15 to  16 inches seat height. But, if you are craving for a taller model, you can opt for it.

How To Raise A Toilet Height?

Through research, I found another important thing that everyone needs to know, i.e., increasing the toilet height. Most people struggle to stand up once they are done if their toilet is placed at a lower level. You can raise the height by replacing a taller seat.

Another option is you can opt for spacer through which you will be able to raise the height. Or you can consider a toilet pedestal (toilet plinth) to increase the height- this helps to improve the entire height. If you don’t prefer any of these, you can raise the height with the base of cement or tile.

Finding the standard height of the toilet can be pretty tough if you are going to do on your own. Hence, this my insights will be a great help.

RELATED QUESTIONS:

What is the standard toilet height in the UK?
You already know the standard height of USA, but what about the UK? Knowing a little more information on toilet heights will not hurt you. However, the height of the toilet in the UK is 14-15 inches from the ground to the bowel’s top.

What’s the standard toilet height in Australia?
The height of the toilet in Australia is 15 inches (400-430mm) from the ground to the toilet’s seat. The height is measured based on the ergonomic chair height (350mm-150mm). Hence, it is easy to use the toilet.

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This post was written by Shakira Shareef. She is a cleanliness enthusiast and contributing writer. She likes to apply her knowledge of content writing and research skills to investigate and write on topics ranging from interior design to toilet products. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, writing poetry, and watching F.R.I.E.N.D.S TV series.