The Best Method For Measuring A Toilet Seat

Did you know that the average woman spends about two years and forty days of her life in the bathroom? According to Daily Infographic, this breaks down even further to about 259 days on the toilet alone. For men, believe it or not, the timespan is even longer. So it makes sense that you would want a comfortable throne to spend so much of your time on. When purchasing a new toilet seat, it's imperative to measure the old one correctly so the new one will fit just right.

While it's true that there are standard sizes, there are also a few differences that can throw the whole thing off if you don't know what to look for. Before measuring, the first thing to note is that there are two main types of toilet seats; round and elongated. If you have a small bathroom or a bathroom mostly used by children, a round seat will work best. However, those with tall or disabled family members may be more comfortable with an elongated seat. It's typically more comfortable, easier to clean, and generally uses less energy. Regardless of your preference, it's important to know the best method for obtaining accurate toilet seat measurements.

The great thing about measuring your toilet seat is that regardless of the specific shape, the method of measuring is the same. Start by locating the bolts and measuring the distance between them. The standard size is typically 5 ½ inches. The next measurement you will take is the width of the seat at its widest point. Then, find the middle between the two bolt holes and measure from there to the middle of the outside edge of the toilet. The standard measurement is 16 ½ inches for round seats and 18 ½ inches for elongated seats. 

By having these measurements with you when you go shopping, you can be sure to find a seat that will properly fit your toilet. But there are many other things to consider besides getting the toilet seat size right. For one thing, toilets can be either one or two pieces or wall-mounted or wall-hung. There are also all kinds of cool toilet seat features nowadays, but sometimes, the entire toilet needs replacing, especially if it's part of a bathroom remodel.

In the case you're replacing the entire toilet, there are a few additional measurements that will come in handy. The first is called the rough-in measurements, taken to ensure the toilet will fit in your space. To do this, you'll need to grab a tape measure and start at the wall your toilet goes up against, and locate the bolts that hold it to the ground. Measure the distance between the wall and the center of the nearest bolts. The typical rough-in measurement is 12 inches, but sometimes it may be 10 or 14 inches.

When you find a new toilet, measure from the bolt holes to the back of the toilet. As long as this number is less than the first measurement you took, the toilet should fit. If you have limited space on either side, measure between the outside of the flange bolts to the walls or other barriers before removing the old toilet. This will avoid any chance of purchasing a toilet that ends up being too large or too small for your bathroom.