How to Measure for a New Toilet: A Step-by-Step Guide

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How to Measure for a New Toilet

A new toilet can be a great way to improve the look and function of your bathroom. But before you can buy a new toilet, you need to make sure you measure your existing toilet so you know what size to buy.

Measuring for a new toilet is easy, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of measuring for a new toilet, so you can be sure you get the perfect fit for your bathroom.

We’ll cover everything you need to know, from the different types of toilets to the measurements you need to take. So whether you’re a DIY novice or a seasoned pro, read on for all the information you need to know about measuring for a new toilet.

Measurement How to Measure What it’s for
Toilet Bowl Depth Measure from the back of the toilet bowl to the front of the toilet bowl. To determine the size of the toilet flange
Toilet Bowl Height Measure from the floor to the top of the toilet seat. To determine the height of the toilet
Toilet Bowl Width Measure from the left side of the toilet bowl to the right side of the toilet bowl. To determine the width of the toilet
Toilet Rough-In Measure from the back of the toilet flange to the wall. To determine the distance between the toilet and the wall

How Do You Measure For A New Toilet?

Measuring the Toilet Bowl

Toilet bowls come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so it’s important to measure your existing bowl before you start shopping for a new one. The three most important measurements to take are the bowl width, bowl depth, and bowl height.

Bowl width

The bowl width is the distance from the front of the bowl to the back of the bowl. This measurement is important because it will determine the size of the toilet seat that you need. Most toilet seats are available in standard widths of 17 inches, 18 inches, and 19 inches.

Bowl depth

The bowl depth is the distance from the front of the bowl to the back of the bowl at its deepest point. This measurement is important because it will determine how much water the toilet can hold. Most toilets have a bowl depth of 13 inches, but some models have a deeper bowl depth of 14 inches or more.

Bowl height

The bowl height is the distance from the floor to the top of the bowl. This measurement is important because it will determine how high the toilet seat is. Most toilets have a bowl height of 15 inches, but some models have a higher bowl height of 16 inches or more.

Measuring the Toilet Tank

In addition to measuring the toilet bowl, you will also need to measure the toilet tank. The two most important measurements to take are the tank width and tank height.

Tank width

The tank width is the distance from the left side of the tank to the right side of the tank. This measurement is important because it will determine the size of the toilet tank cover that you need. Most toilet tank covers are available in standard widths of 17 inches, 18 inches, and 19 inches.

Tank height

The tank height is the distance from the top of the tank to the bottom of the tank. This measurement is important because it will determine how high the toilet tank is. Most toilets have a tank height of 16 inches, but some models have a taller tank height of 17 inches or more.

By measuring your existing toilet, you can be sure to find a new toilet that fits your needs. Be sure to take all of the necessary measurements, including the bowl width, bowl depth, bowl height, tank width, and tank height.

3. Measuring the Toilet Rough-In

The toilet rough-in is the distance between the back wall of the toilet and the center of the drain pipe. This measurement is important because it determines the type of toilet you can install.

To measure the toilet rough-in, you will need a tape measure.

1. Locate the drain pipe. The drain pipe is the vertical pipe that connects the toilet to the sewer line. It is typically located in the back corner of the bathroom.
2. Measure the distance from the back wall of the toilet to the center of the drain pipe. This is the toilet rough-in measurement.

The standard toilet rough-in measurement is 12 inches. However, some toilets have a different rough-in measurement, such as 10 inches or 14 inches. It is important to check the toilet’s specifications before you buy it to make sure it will fit in your bathroom.

Water supply pipe location

The water supply pipe is the horizontal pipe that connects the toilet to the water supply. It is typically located on the left or right side of the toilet.

To measure the water supply pipe location, you will need a tape measure.

1. Locate the water supply pipe. The water supply pipe is the horizontal pipe that connects the toilet to the water supply. It is typically located on the left or right side of the toilet.
2. Measure the distance from the front of the toilet to the center of the water supply pipe. This is the water supply pipe location measurement.

The standard water supply pipe location measurement is 12 inches. However, some toilets have a different water supply pipe location, such as 10 inches or 14 inches. It is important to check the toilet’s specifications before you buy it to make sure it will fit in your bathroom.

Drain pipe location

The drain pipe is the vertical pipe that connects the toilet to the sewer line. It is typically located in the back corner of the bathroom.

To measure the drain pipe location, you will need a tape measure.

1. Locate the drain pipe. The drain pipe is the vertical pipe that connects the toilet to the sewer line. It is typically located in the back corner of the bathroom.
2. Measure the distance from the floor to the center of the drain pipe. This is the drain pipe location measurement.

The standard drain pipe location measurement is 12 inches. However, some toilets have a different drain pipe location, such as 10 inches or 14 inches. It is important to check the toilet’s specifications before you buy it to make sure it will fit in your bathroom.

4. Choosing the Right Toilet

When choosing a new toilet, there are a few factors to consider, including size, style, and features.

Size

The size of the toilet is important to consider because it needs to fit in your bathroom. The standard toilet size is 28 inches wide by 18 inches deep. However, there are also smaller and larger toilets available. If you have a small bathroom, you may want to consider a compact toilet. If you have a large bathroom, you may want to consider a larger toilet.

Style

The style of the toilet is also important to consider. There are two main types of toilets: one-piece toilets and two-piece toilets. One-piece toilets are more expensive, but they are also more stylish. Two-piece toilets are less expensive, but they are not as stylish.

Features

The features of the toilet are also important to consider. Some toilets have features such as a bidet, a heated seat, and a self-cleaning function. These features can add to the cost of the toilet, but they can also make it more convenient to use.

Here are some tips for choosing the right toilet:

  • Consider the size of your bathroom.
  • Consider the style of the toilet.
  • Consider the features of the toilet.
  • Set a budget for your toilet purchase.

By following these tips, you can choose the right toilet for your bathroom.

Measuring for a new toilet can be a daunting task, but it is important to get the measurements right so that you can buy the right toilet for your bathroom. By following the steps in this guide, you can easily measure your toilet rough-in, water supply pipe location, and drain pipe location. You can then use these measurements to choose the right toilet for your bathroom.

How do I measure for a new toilet?

To measure for a new toilet, you will need to know the following measurements:

  • The rough-in distance (the distance from the wall to the center of the toilet drain pipe)
  • The toilet bowl width
  • The toilet bowl depth
  • The toilet seat height

To measure the rough-in distance:

1. Remove the toilet seat.
2. Locate the toilet flange, which is a metal ring that is attached to the floor and supports the toilet.
3. Measure the distance from the wall to the center of the toilet flange.

To measure the toilet bowl width:

1. Stand in front of the toilet and look at the bowl.
2. Measure the distance between the two outside edges of the bowl.

To measure the toilet bowl depth:

1. Stand in front of the toilet and look at the bowl.
2. Measure the distance from the front of the bowl to the back of the bowl.

To measure the toilet seat height:

1. Sit on the toilet and place your feet flat on the floor.
2. Measure the distance from the top of the seat to the floor.

Once you have measured all of the necessary dimensions, you can use them to compare to the dimensions of different toilets to find one that will fit your bathroom.

Here are some additional tips for measuring for a new toilet:

  • Make sure to measure carefully and take your time.
  • If you are unsure of how to measure, you can ask a professional for help.
  • Be sure to factor in the thickness of the toilet flange when measuring the rough-in distance.
  • If you are replacing an existing toilet, you can use the old toilet as a template to measure for the new one.

What if my toilet is not centered on the wall?

If your toilet is not centered on the wall, you will need to either move the toilet flange or purchase a toilet that is specifically designed for an off-center installation.

To move the toilet flange, you will need to remove the toilet and the flange. Then, you will need to reattach the flange to the floor in the desired location.

If you do not want to move the toilet flange, you can purchase a toilet that is specifically designed for an off-center installation. These toilets have a wider base that allows them to be installed closer to the wall.

What if my toilet is too close to the wall?

If your toilet is too close to the wall, you will not be able to install a new toilet without moving the toilet flange. To move the toilet flange, you will need to remove the toilet and the flange. Then, you will need to reattach the flange to the floor in the desired location.

Once you have moved the toilet flange, you can install a new toilet.

What if my toilet is too far from the wall?

If your toilet is too far from the wall, you may be able to install a new toilet without moving the toilet flange. However, you may need to use a longer toilet flange bolts or a toilet that has longer bolts.

If you are unable to install a new toilet without moving the toilet flange, you will need to move the flange. To move the toilet flange, you will need to remove the toilet and the flange. Then, you will need to reattach the flange to the floor in the desired location.

Once you have moved the toilet flange, you can install a new toilet.

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Measuring for a new toilet may seem like a daunting task, but it is actually quite simple. By following the steps in this guide, you can ensure that you get the right size toilet for your bathroom.

Here are the key takeaways from this guide:

  • The first step is to measure the rough-in dimensions of your current toilet. This will tell you the distance between the center of the toilet drain and the back wall.
  • Once you know the rough-in dimensions, you can start shopping for a new toilet. Be sure to compare the rough-in dimensions of the toilets you are considering to make sure they are compatible with your bathroom.
  • When you are ready to install your new toilet, be sure to follow the instructions carefully. This will help you avoid any problems.

By following these steps, you can easily measure for a new toilet and install it correctly. This will ensure that you have a comfortable and functional toilet that you can enjoy for years to come.

Author Profile

Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell is the owner of toiletty.com. She is a mom of two and is very passionate about home improvement.

Liana has ten years of home improvement experience, and in her own words, she said: “I love improving the home, and I’m very passionate about keeping the home in the best possible condition. I love it!”

Liana Farrell balances beauty and functionality when she goes about her home improvement jobs.