1 Standard Sizing Non-Standard Seats 2 Toilet Bowl Shape Elongated Bowls Round Bowls 3 Measuring Your Toilet Seat Seat Length Seat Width Post Holes 1 Standard Sizing 0 How to select the ideal toilet seat size may be on your mind. Are there standardized dimensions for various toilets?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the various options? Fortunately, understanding toilet seat sizes is not too difficult.
Or perhaps you have a question about how to change a toilet seat. If so, you don’t absolutely need to get a brand-new toilet.

All you have to do is find a seat that fits your model’s dimensions. In this situation, it’s critical to learn how to measure your toilet seat and get one that fits.

toilet seat standard sizing

STANDARD SIZING

Although the proportions of every toilet seat vary, there are some established parameters that you should be aware of. Most modern toilets have these measurements written in their specifications.

It’s doubtful that you’ll come across any toilets that don’t suit these specifications, and if you do, they’re probably older versions that were made before dimensions were standardized.

Two bolts that hold the toilet seat to the bowl itself should be included with the seat. No matter the size or design of your toilet, there are typically 5.5 inches between these openings.

Although you can always measure your toilet to be sure, it’s quite uncommon to have a different width.
The breadth of toilet bowls also seems to be rather comparable. Although there isn’t a set size for models, most are about 20 inches broad.

Typically, there is less variation than 0.5 inches. Again, if in doubt, measure the breadth of your toilet bowl, particularly if it’s an older or odd design.

ANONYMOUS SEATS There are a few uncommon instances where you’ll discover that your toilet isn’t the right size. This may slightly restrict your seating options.
Finding the proper seat measurements might be challenging if your toilet is an older model or an antique, which makes things even more difficult.
To be certain that you have the correct information on the seating, it is best to measure all of your toilet’s dimensions.

If you are aware of the precise toilet model, you can determine whether the maker has seats made to fit that type. Similarly, if you only know the name of the manufacturer, you can check to see whether their website has a section specifically for toilet seats that aren’t standard.

Once you’ve found one that fits your dimensions, you can browse.
You might not always be aware of the manufacturer. Alternately, the maker of earlier versions may now be inactive.

At this stage, you’ll need to search online for a custom-made, unusual toilet seat. Additionally, you might need to place a special order with a nearby hardware or plumbing store.

SHAPE OF A TOILET BOWL

toilet bowl shape

The form of your toilet bowl is the main element influencing different toilet seat sizes.

There are two primary types of toilet bowls: round and elongated. An extended bowl cannot be used with a round seat, and the opposite is true.

Therefore, it’s crucial to know what kind of seat you have.

It also helps to know the distinctions between round and elongated bowls if you’re shopping for a new toilet. Each variety has distinct advantages and disadvantages of its own.

ELEVEN-FOOT BOWLS Over the past few decades, elongated toilet bowls have become more and more prevalent. They often have an oval shape rather than a circular one.

An elongated toilet bowl will also have oval-shaped seats. They typically measure no less than 19 inches in length and no more than 15 inches in width.

Typically, an elongated bowl will be four inches longer than a conventional circular bowl. The elongated bowl’s primary benefit is that it appeals to both men and larger ladies because the seat has more surface area.

They can sometimes be easier to obtain because of the extra comfort.
If you have a little bathroom, those four inches in length can be a problem. They could occupy too much room.
Additionally, the accessibility of a huge toilet in a tiny bathroom may suffer. For those with mobility limitations, there is less space to move around.

RUBBER BOWLS While elongated bowls have gained popularity recently, circular bowls are still the norm in most bathrooms. When installing a toilet, you’ll frequently discover that the bathroom is designed to accommodate a circular bowl rather than an elongated one.

Toilet seats aren’t typically exactly round, despite their name. They could also have an oval shape.
Their main characteristic is their size, which makes them ideal for tiny spaces because they are significantly smaller than elongated seats.

The breadth of the chairs could range from 13 to 15 inches. They can be up to 18 inches in length, but are typically at least 16 inches long.

The majority of antique toilets have round bowls. You will require a circular seat to fit on top in these circumstances.
A seat that is too lengthy will stick out awkwardly and not completely cover the toilet bowl rim.

Sometimes it’s simpler to clean a round dish than an elongated one. This is so that they may be cleaned more easily because they are more compact and smaller.

Around the rim, they might also have more consistent ports. With each flush, these parts enable water to flow into the toilet bowl.

Round toilet seats aren’t the most comfortable to sit on, despite all of this. A circular seat could make you feel more exhausted if you have digestive problems that make you need to spend a lot of time in the restroom.

Round toilet seats are frequently less expensive because they are smaller than elongated ones.
APPRAISAL OF YOUR TOILETSEAT

measuring toilet seat

It’s crucial to have the proper seat proportions because toilet sizes vary greatly. You’ll need to take a few measures if you need to replace your toilet seat.

Fortunately, the procedure is not too complicated.
The length, width, and post holes are the only three fundamental measurements that you will require. Let’s examine the appropriate measurements for each.

LANE LENGTH The most variable length is the one on your toilet. Whether you have a short, elongated bowl or a large, circular bowl, the length may vary by more than eight inches.

Therefore, this is the most crucial measurement you will perform.
Between the post holes is where you want to start. You will secure the seat in these holes on the rear of the toilet bowl.
From the center of the holes to the front of the toilet, measure in a straight line.
You should measure up to the bowl’s outer border. Your measurement will be off if you stop at the inner edge of the bowl.

You may determine if your toilet is an extended or round style by measuring the length of the bowl. In general, elongated models are longer than circular ones.

A typical maximum length for a round model is 18 inches, while a maximum length for an extended model is 22 inches.
PITCH WIDTH The breadth of the seat needs to be measured next. The width of most toilets is comparatively uniform.
The average size of them is 20 inches wide, give or take a half-inch.
Some models, nevertheless, might be more compact. Your toilet might only be between 13 and 15 inches wide.
This is especially true of kid-sized toilets.
Elongated toilet seats are often narrower than round ones. However, as previously said, they hardly ever stray much from the 20-inch standard.

Make sure to measure across the toilet bowl’s widest point. When you see toilet seat dimensions online, they’re talking about the broadest place; this is how the width is decided.

A POST HOLE The dimensions of your toilet seat that are most consistently measured are the post holes. However, it would be wise to measure just to be certain.

You can find your post holes at the toilet bowl’s back edge. These are the holes where the bolts go to keep your toilet seat in place.

It’s crucial that the toilet seat you purchase has the same spacing between the holes as your toilet model. You won’t be able to secure the seat at all if you do not.

You don’t even need to use a tape measure because the space between the holes is so narrow. The perfect tool is a ruler.

Measure the distance to the opposite inner edge by placing the ruler against the inner edge of one hole. Next, determine the separation between the outer edges.

The difference between these two dimensions could be greater than half an inch. Since this is the largest gap, the measurement between the outer borders is the most crucial.

The typical distance between post holes is 5.5 inches. Any typical toilet seat ought to fit if your measurements are close to these.
To ensure you can secure the bolts, you might need to acquire a specific toilet seat if the gap is significantly wider or smaller.

CONCLUSION There are several toilet seat sizes, just as there are various toilet bowl sizes. You need to know whether your toilet bowl is circular or elongated before you go buying.

Additionally, you must accurately measure the seat’s proportions.
Longer seats are frequently more practical and pleasant. They take up more space and are more difficult to clean.
A round seat, which is much smaller and more compact, can be preferred by people remodeling a small bathroom.

Overall, selecting the perfect toilet seat shouldn’t be too difficult if you have the correct measurements. Any seat that fits the dimensions should work, though buying one directly from the maker of your toilet is the simplest option.

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