How to Measure for a Replacement Toilet in 5 Easy Steps

AvatarByLiana Farrell Toilet Queries

How to Measure for a Replacement Toilet

If your toilet is old, leaking, or simply not working properly, it may be time for a replacement. But before you can buy a new toilet, you need to know how to measure for it. This can seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite simple.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of measuring for a replacement toilet. We’ll cover everything you need to know, from the different types of toilets to the measurements you need to take. By the end of this article, you’ll be able to confidently measure for a new toilet and find the perfect one for your bathroom.

What You’ll Need

To measure for a replacement toilet, you’ll need the following tools:

  • A tape measure
  • A pencil
  • A notepad

Step 1: Choose the Right Type of Toilet

Before you can start measuring, you need to decide what type of toilet you want. There are three main types of toilets:

  • Flushing mechanisms. There are two main types of flushing mechanisms: gravity and pressure-assisted. Gravity toilets use the force of gravity to flush waste, while pressure-assisted toilets use a pressurized air tank to create a powerful flush.
  • Tank styles. Toilet tanks come in two styles: one-piece and two-piece. One-piece toilets have the tank and bowl molded together into a single unit, while two-piece toilets have a separate tank and bowl.
  • Seat styles. Toilet seats come in a variety of styles, including round, elongated, and comfort height. Round seats are the most common, while elongated seats are wider and more comfortable. Comfort height seats are taller than standard seats, making them easier for people with mobility issues to use.

Once you’ve decided on the type of toilet you want, you can start measuring.

Step 2: Measure the Existing Toilet

The first step is to measure the existing toilet. This will give you the dimensions you need to find a replacement toilet that will fit in your bathroom.

To measure the existing toilet, you’ll need to measure the following:

  • The rough-in size. The rough-in size is the distance from the back of the toilet to the wall. This measurement is typically 12 inches, but it can vary depending on the toilet.
  • The toilet bowl width. The toilet bowl width is the distance from the front of the bowl to the back. This measurement is typically 18 inches, but it can vary depending on the toilet.
  • The toilet bowl depth. The toilet bowl depth is the distance from the front of the bowl to the back of the seat. This measurement is typically 14 inches, but it can vary depending on the toilet.

Step 3: Choose a Replacement Toilet

Once you’ve measured the existing toilet, you can start shopping for a replacement toilet. When choosing a replacement toilet, be sure to consider the following factors:

  • The rough-in size. The rough-in size of the replacement toilet must match the rough-in size of the existing toilet.
  • The toilet bowl width. The toilet bowl width of the replacement toilet should be the same as the toilet bowl width of the existing toilet.
  • The toilet bowl depth. The toilet bowl depth of the replacement toilet should be the same as the toilet bowl depth of the existing toilet.
  • Other features. Consider other features such as the flushing mechanism, tank style, and seat style when choosing a replacement toilet.

Step 4: Install the New Toilet

Once you’ve chosen a replacement toilet, you can install it. Installing a toilet is a relatively simple task, but it’s important to follow the instructions carefully.

To install a new toilet, you’ll need the following tools:

  • A wrench
  • A screwdriver
  • A plunger
  • A new wax ring
  • New toilet bolts
  • Plumbing putty

Step-by-step instructions for installing a new toilet:

1. Disconnect the water supply to the old toilet.
2. Remove the old toilet.
3. Install the new wax ring on the bottom of the new toilet.
4. Position the new toilet over the drain opening.
5. Secure the new toilet to the floor with the toilet bolts.
6. Connect the water supply to the new toilet.
7. Flush the toilet to check for leaks.

Congratulations! You’ve now successfully installed a new toilet.

Measurement How to Measure What it’s for
Toilet Bowl Height Measure from the floor to the top of the toilet seat To determine if the new toilet will fit in your bathroom
Toilet Bowl Depth Measure from the front of the toilet bowl to the back of the toilet bowl To determine if the new toilet will clear the pipes in your bathroom
Toilet Bowl Width Measure from the left side of the toilet bowl to the right side of the toilet bowl To determine if the new toilet will fit in your bathroom
Toilet Rough-In Measure from the back of the toilet flange to the center of the toilet drain To determine if the new toilet will fit in your bathroom

How to Measure for a Replacement Toilet?

Replacing a toilet is a relatively simple DIY project, but it’s important to get the measurements right before you start. If you don’t, you could end up with a toilet that doesn’t fit properly or that doesn’t work correctly.

This guide will walk you through the process of measuring for a replacement toilet, from start to finish. We’ll cover everything you need to know, including how to measure the toilet bowl, the rough-in, and the water supply and drain pipes.

By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to confidently measure for a new toilet and install it yourself.

Measure the Toilet Bowl

The first step is to measure the toilet bowl itself. You’ll need to know the bowl width, length, and height.

To measure the bowl width, place a tape measure across the front of the toilet bowl, from the inside of one side to the inside of the other side.

To measure the bowl length, place a tape measure from the front of the toilet bowl to the back.

To measure the bowl height, place a tape measure from the top of the toilet bowl to the floor.

Here are the typical measurements for a standard toilet bowl:

  • Bowl width: 18 inches
  • Bowl length: 28 inches
  • Bowl height: 15 inches

Measure the Rough-In

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

To measure the rough-in, follow these steps:

1. Remove the toilet seat.
2. Locate the toilet drain pipe. It will be a 3-inch PVC pipe that connects to the bottom of the toilet bowl.
3. Measure from the wall to the center of the toilet drain pipe.

Here are the typical rough-in measurements:

  • 10 inches: Standard
  • 12 inches: ADA-compliant
  • 14 inches: California-compliant

Measure the Water Supply Pipe

The water supply pipe is the pipe that supplies water to the toilet. It’s typically a 1/2-inch copper pipe.

To measure the water supply pipe, follow these steps:

1. Locate the water supply pipe. It will be a 1/2-inch copper pipe that connects to the bottom of the toilet tank.
2. Measure the diameter of the pipe.

Here are the typical water supply pipe diameters:

  • 1/2 inch: Standard
  • 3/8 inch: Low-flow

Measure the Sewer Drain Pipe

The sewer drain pipe is the pipe that connects the toilet to the sewer line. It’s typically a 3-inch PVC pipe.

To measure the sewer drain pipe, follow these steps:

1. Locate the sewer drain pipe. It will be a 3-inch PVC pipe that connects to the bottom of the toilet bowl.
2. Measure the diameter of the pipe.

Here are the typical sewer drain pipe diameters:

  • 3 inches: Standard
  • 4 inches: Large-capacity

By following these steps, you can easily measure for a replacement toilet. Be sure to take your measurements carefully, and compare them to the specifications of the toilet you’re considering. This will help you avoid any problems during installation.

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

  • If you’re not sure how to measure, ask a professional for help.
  • Make sure to measure the toilet in both directions. The toilet may not be symmetrical, so it’s important to get both measurements.
  • Be sure to write down your measurements so you don’t forget them.

Replacing a toilet is a relatively simple project, but it’s important to get the measurements right. By following these steps, you can easily measure for a replacement toilet and install it yourself.

Measure the Toilet Tank

Toilet tanks come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so it’s important to measure your old tank before you buy a new one. Here’s how to do it:

1. Locate the bolts that hold the tank to the bowl. These bolts are typically located on the back of the tank, near the bottom.
2. Remove the bolts and carefully lift the tank off of the bowl. Be careful not to drop the tank, as it can be heavy.
3. Use a tape measure to measure the width, length, and height of the tank. Record these measurements so you can compare them to the dimensions of new tanks.

Here are the specific measurements you need to take:

  • Tank width: Measure the distance from the left side of the tank to the right side.
  • Tank length: Measure the distance from the front of the tank to the back.
  • Tank height: Measure the distance from the top of the tank to the bottom.

Once you have these measurements, you can start shopping for a new toilet tank. Be sure to compare the dimensions of the new tank to the dimensions of your old tank to make sure they’re compatible.

Measure the Toilet Seat

Toilet seats also come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so it’s important to measure your old seat before you buy a new one. Here’s how to do it:

1. Locate the bolts that hold the seat to the bowl. These bolts are typically located on the back of the seat, near the bottom.
2. Remove the bolts and carefully lift the seat off of the bowl. Be careful not to drop the seat, as it can be heavy.
3. Use a tape measure to measure the width, length, and height of the seat. Record these measurements so you can compare them to the dimensions of new seats.

Here are the specific measurements you need to take:

  • Seat width: Measure the distance from the left side of the seat to the right side.
  • Seat length: Measure the distance from the front of the seat to the back.
  • Seat height: Measure the distance from the top of the seat to the bottom.

Once you have these measurements, you can start shopping for a new toilet seat. Be sure to compare the dimensions of the new seat to the dimensions of your old seat to make sure they’re compatible.

By measuring your old toilet tank and seat, you can ensure that you buy a new one that fits properly. This will save you time and money in the long run.

Here are a few additional tips for measuring your toilet:

  • If you’re not comfortable removing the tank or seat, you can take measurements from the outside of the toilet.
  • Be sure to measure the tank and seat at their widest and longest points.
  • If you’re still not sure what size toilet you need, you can always take your measurements to a hardware store and ask for help.

    How do I measure for a replacement toilet?

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

  • The rough-in measurement, which is the distance from the back of the toilet to the center of the drain pipe. This measurement is typically 12 inches, but it can vary depending on the toilet model.
  • The toilet bowl width, which is the distance between the inside edges of the toilet bowl. This measurement is typically 18 inches, but it can vary depending on the toilet model.
  • The toilet bowl depth, which is the distance from the front of the toilet bowl to the back of the toilet bowl. This measurement is typically 28 inches, but it can vary depending on the toilet model.

Once you have these measurements, you can compare them to the dimensions of the toilets you are considering to ensure that they will fit in your bathroom.

What is the rough-in measurement for a toilet?

The rough-in measurement for a toilet is the distance from the back of the toilet to the center of the drain pipe. This measurement is typically 12 inches, but it can vary depending on the toilet model.

What is the difference between a toilet bowl width and a toilet bowl depth?

The toilet bowl width is the distance between the inside edges of the toilet bowl. This measurement is typically 18 inches, but it can vary depending on the toilet model.

The toilet bowl depth is the distance from the front of the toilet bowl to the back of the toilet bowl. This measurement is typically 28 inches, but it can vary depending on the toilet model.

How do I know if a toilet will fit in my bathroom?

To determine if a toilet will fit in your bathroom, you will need to measure the following:

  • The rough-in measurement, which is the distance from the back of the toilet to the center of the drain pipe.
  • The toilet bowl width, which is the distance between the inside edges of the toilet bowl.
  • The toilet bowl depth, which is the distance from the front of the toilet bowl to the back of the toilet bowl.

Once you have these measurements, you can compare them to the dimensions of the toilets you are considering to ensure that they will fit in your bathroom.

I need to replace my toilet, but I don’t know what size to get. Can you help me?

Sure. To determine what size toilet you need, you will need to measure the following:

  • The rough-in measurement, which is the distance from the back of the toilet to the center of the drain pipe.
  • The toilet bowl width, which is the distance between the inside edges of the toilet bowl.
  • The toilet bowl depth, which is the distance from the front of the toilet bowl to the back of the toilet bowl.

Once you have these measurements, you can compare them to the dimensions of the toilets you are considering to ensure that they will fit in your bathroom.

You can also consult with a plumber or a home improvement store to get help choosing the right size toilet for your bathroom.

In this article, we have discussed how to measure for a replacement toilet. We have covered the different types of toilets and the measurements you need to take in order to find the right one for your bathroom. We have also provided tips on how to install a new toilet and how to troubleshoot any problems that may arise.

We hope that this article has been helpful and that you are now able to measure for and install a new toilet with confidence. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact a professional plumber.

Key Takeaways

  • The three main types of toilets are one-piece toilets, two-piece toilets, and wall-mounted toilets.
  • The most important measurements you need to take when replacing a toilet are the rough-in measurement, the bowl height, and the toilet’s width and depth.
  • To install a new toilet, you will need to remove the old toilet, connect the new toilet to the water supply and drain, and secure the toilet to the floor.
  • If you experience any problems with your new toilet, you can troubleshoot the issue yourself or contact a professional plumber for assistance.

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.