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how do you measure a elongated toilet seat

by Dr. Doyle Schiller Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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How to Measure for a Raised Toilet Seat

  • Have the person whom you intend to use the raised toilet seat stand on their feet if possible
  • Measure the distance between the floor and the top of his/her thigh, just behind the knee.
  • Now measure the distance between the floor and top of the existing toilet seat.
  • Subtract the second measurement from first measurement.
  • Order a raised toilet seat with that measurement.

Part of a video titled Choosing the Correct Size Toilet Seat - YouTube
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But you can definitely tell by measuring using a tape measure measure the distance from the centerMoreBut you can definitely tell by measuring using a tape measure measure the distance from the center of the mounting holes on the back of the bowl to the rim in the front.

Full Answer

How to know what size toilet seat I Need?

Steps to measure your toilet seat size:

  • Measure the diameter of the inside edge of the rim.
  • Calculate 15 inches for adults or 12 inches for children’s sizes.
  • Divide by two (or three) to get the radius and circumference. ...
  • Round up/down if necessary, so you have an even number for your calculations later on. ...
  • Determine your toilet seat size by multiplying the radius and circumference. ...

More items...

How to quickly measure for your new toilet seat?

  • Place a measuring tape in the center of the seat.
  • Straighten it back towards the middle of the hinges, between the bolts.
  • Make sure to measure at the longest point, which should be center to center.

How to choose the right toilet seat?

How to Choose Toilet Seat: Quick Buyer’s Guide

  1. Material. Source: projectforhome.com Currently, most toilet seats are made of plastic. ...
  2. Durability. Source: bobvila.com The durability of a product directly depends on the material which it is made of.
  3. Ease of use and cleaning. Source: philadov.com Any toilet seat has a fairly simple design and mounting. ...
  4. Price. ...
  5. Other characteristics. ...

How do you know what size toilet seat to buy?

Method 3 Method 3 of 3: Choosing a Replacement Seat

  1. Purchase a round seat if your bowl’s length is about 16 1⁄2 in (42 cm). In the U.S., modern seat sizes are standardized.
  2. Go with an elongated seat if the bowl’s length is around 18 1⁄2 in (47 cm). ...
  3. Select a seat that matches the bowl shape if you have a European toilet. ...
  4. Find your toilet’s make and model if it’s non-standard. ...

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Are all elongated toilet seats the same size?

No, there isn't a standard size for all toilet seats, due to a variety of toilet styles.

What size is a standard elongated toilet seat?

Typical width: 14" - 14-1/2" Typical round length: 16" - 17" Typical elongated/extended length: 18" - 19"

How do I measure my toilet seat size?

Here's how to measure for a toilet seat For length, place one end of your tape measure between the fixing holes and stretch out to the very front end of your toilet. For width, measure across the pan at the widest point. For height, measure the distance between the fixing holes and the cistern or wall.

Will elongated toilet seat fit on any toilet?

Elongated bidet seats and round versions share the same rear end where all the internal components are stored. The only difference is found in the length of the actual seat and lid portion. This means that either size bidet seat will be able to mount on either size toilet.

What does elongated toilet seat mean?

This refers to the measurement from the seat bolt holes to the tip of the bowl. A round front bowl generally has a dimension of approximately 16.5" from the seat bolt holes to the tip of the bowl. An elongated bowl is approximately 2" longer, or about 18.5".

Why are elongated toilets better?

Elongated bowls may also be slightly easier to use for taller adults and may flush with somewhat more force than round toilets. This might mean they're slightly easier to clean regularly and require fewer “double flushes” to empty the bowl after use.

Are replacement toilet seats universal?

Do all toilet seats fit the same? The simple answer is no, there are a range of different toilet seat fittings. Some are bottom fixing (fitted from beneath the fixing holes) and some are top fixing (usually required when there isn't access to the bottom of the pan, e.g. with a fully shrouded toilet).

What are the different types of toilet seat fittings?

Types Of Toilet Seat Fittings There are two types of toilet seat fixings: Bottom Fixings and Top Fixings. Top fixing toilets seats work by feeding two bolts into the pan which are then tightened from the top. Bottom toilet seat fixings are fitted from the top and then tightened from underneath, often with wing nuts.

How do you fit a plastic fitting toilet seat?

0:000:52How to fit a toilet seat - fitting guides from VictoriaPlum.com - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMost seats are fixed at the rear of the panel like this take out the old fixings. And clean the areaMoreMost seats are fixed at the rear of the panel like this take out the old fixings. And clean the area install the seal kit onto the new seat. And select the corresponding holes that will fit your pan.

What do I do if my toilet seat is too small?

What to Do if Toilet Seat is too SmallBuy a Custom Toilet Seat.Install an Adjustable Toilet Seat.Install a Square Toilet.

Which is better toilet round or elongated?

Most people find elongated toilet bowls to be more comfortable, but in a small bathroom, a round bowl can save space. Elongated toilet bowls measure up to 31" from the wall, while round fixtures max out at 28". Because round bowls are less expensive than elongated bowls, they save a few dollars, too.

Can I replace a round toilet with an elongated toilet?

You can replace a round toilet with an elongated toilet and vice versa as long as you have enough space and the toilet have the same rough-in. A round toilet seat can, however, not be replaced with an elongated seat.

How long are elongated toilets?

Elongated toilets are longer than round toilets by about 2 inches. On average, elongated toilets have a length of 18.5 inches. Round toilets have an average length of 16.5 inches.

How do I know if I have an elongated toilet?

Measure the length of the toilet bowl from the center of the toilet seat bolt holes at the back of the toilet, to the front edge of the toilet bowl. Round toilet bowls measure at about 16.5 inches. Elongated toilet bowls measure about 18.5 inches. That's it.

What is the standard size of toilet?

Standard toilet dimensions are typically between 28–30" deep, roughly 20" wide, between 27–32" high, and have a rough-in between 10–14".

How big is an oval toilet seat?

The most common toilet seat size is known as an elongated toilet seat. They are characterized by the long oval shape and corresponding elongated dimensions (19-22 inches in length, 13-15 inches in width). These seats are usually preferred by men mostly because of the increased surface area when sitting on it.

How to measure seat length?

Length: Start by measuring the length between the front of the seat and the two bolts. Make sure that you go down the center of the bowl. Depending on how your seat is constructed, you might need to snap up the covers of the bolts to take the measurement properly.

What shape is a European toilet seat?

If you have a European toilet, you’ll also want to select a seat that matches your bowl shape. In Europe, seats can be rounded, pointed, or D-shaped. It’s easy to see the difference with the naked eye, but you’ll also be able to use measurements to confirm similar to American-style toilet seats.

What is a round toilet seat?

Round Seats – These toilet seats are the most common in households, and they fit only on a round toilet bowl. They’re often slightly smaller and work well in compact bathrooms. However, they are not as comfortable as elongated seats because of their smaller size.

How to install bolts on a car seat?

Drop the bolts into place and thread the nuts onto the bolts. Note that bolts and nuts should come in the package with the new seat you purchase.

How far apart are bolts?

If you haven’t lifted the covers, a screwdriver can come in handy to help access the bolts. In the US, the default distance between these bolts is 5.5 inches, while in Europe it’s between 6 and 6.5 inches.

How to remove seat from car?

To remove the existing seat, pop off the bolt caps. Then, loosen the nuts with the adjustable wrench.

Do you measure the clearance between the bolt holes on a bidet?

For bidet attachments and raised seats – You should also measure the distance between the bolt holes and the tank because bidet attachments, raised seats, and similar seats, all require minimal clearance between the tank and the holes . In general, before you order a new seat, do some additional online research about the required clearance and make sure it’ll fit with your toilet. These products can be quite expensive, so you don’t want to waste your money on a model that won’t fit.

Elongated Toilet Dimensions

So what is all this hype about elongated toilets? Well, there’re many different pros and cons, but understanding them can help you choose the best toilet for your home.

One-Piece Elongated Toilets

If you purchase a one-piece toilet, you’ll get exactly what it sounds like: one piece. Many consider the one-piece elongated toilet the most contemporary and stylish of all the toilets. The tank and the bowl are combined on this model, which gives them that elegant, sleek look.

Two-Piece Elongated Toilets

A two-piece elongated toilet is also relatively self-explanatory as it consists of two parts: the tank and bowl. This can be both a pro and a con at the same time, but for very different reasons.

Alternative Elongated Toilet Dimensions

If you are struggling to find a suitable toilet for a small space, consider a compact elongated toilet. This choice offers the smaller size that a round toilet would offer but in the more comfortable elongated style. The smallest dimensions that you will likely find in this style of toilet are 21.5” deep, 14.5” wide, and 18.5” high.

Average Toilet Bowl Dimensions

From comfort to hygiene, the two types of toilet bowl shapes, elongated and round, have many pros and cons. While choosing one may seem like simply a design choice, understanding the many ins and outs of toilets will benefit you immensely.

Elongated Toilet Clearance Dimensions

There are few things as uncomfortable as a toilet that is lacking in legroom. After all, the bathroom should be an especially relaxing and comfortable space in the home.

Final Thoughts

The bathroom is one of the most challenging places to manage the space appropriately and still keep things aesthetically pleasing. Typical standard elongated toilets are between 28 and 30 inches deep and around 15 to 20 inches wide. Overall, the height is between 27 and 32 inches, and the seat height is between 15 and 17 inches.

Where is the width of a toilet seat measured?

The width of a toilet seat is measured from the middle of the toilet bowl which happens to be the widest part of the bowl.

How long does it take to measure a toilet seat?

How to Measure for a Toilet Seat in 5 Minutes. Are you about to replace your toilet seat but just can’t decide on what size of seat to buy? Measuring a for a toilet seat is a fairly easy task that should not take you more than five minutes. Toilet seats just like bowls are either round or elongated.

What are the different types of toilet seats?

Read it here. Let us look at an example of each one of these 2 types of toilets seats. 1. Round toilets seats. Round toilet seats have been around for a long time and are the most common seats in older houses which still have round toilet bowls. They are also referred to as standard toilet seats.

What is the difference between a round and elongated toilet seat?

The size of a toilet seat is therefore dependent on the type of toilet you have (round vs elongated.) That is why we measure the size of the toilet bowl and not the actual seat you are replacing. Elongated toilet bowls and seats have a bigger surface area than round toilet bowls and seats.

How many inches does a toilet seat bolt spread?

You will need to remove your toilet seat to measure the bolts spread. In United States the bolt spread is a constant 5.5 inches. The bolt spread in Europe is between 6 and 6.5 inches. Some toilet seats are designed to accommodate a range of bolt spreads instead of a fixed one.

What are toilet seats made of?

Toilet seats are either made of plastic or wood. Plastic toilet seats are more common than wood and are cheaper and long lasting. Read more on the pros and cons of plastic vs wooden toilet seats in this post.

How wide is a toilet seat?

The width of toilet seats in the US is normally between 14 and 14.5 inches.

How to measure a toilet?

Measure from the middle of the two holes to the front rim (length). Measure from the center of these holes to the back wall or cistern. Measure the distance from one hole to the other (bolt spread). Measure the toilet width at its broadest part (width).

How to check the model of a toilet?

It can also be helpful to check the model of your toilet. Look under the toilet seat to confirm its brand name and model number. You can also lift your cistern lid and check under it, or check the inner sides of the cistern. The brand and model is often in one of these three spots.

How much bolt spread does a toilet have?

The shape makes a huge difference because some specialty models (like square toilets and d-shaped toilets) have bolt spreads of up to 10 inches. If you buy the toilet based on a visual assessment, you won’t lift the lid to check the bolts. And even if you do, you can’t always tell it’s wider.

What to do if toilet doesn't touch wall?

If your toilet doesn’t touch the wall, measure up to the cistern or the back rim of the toilet. This measurement matters because it affects how your toilet seat is mounted. You don’t want to have to cut down a toilet seat that won’t squeeze into place.

What is bidet toilet?

Bidets that use a bidet toilet seat. Square or rectangular-shaped toilets. Wall-mounted tankless toilets. Oval toilets that use ‘inverted’ u-shaped seats which are open at the front . When you’re buying the toilet itself, you need to measure the floor distance from the wall to the base of your toilet.

Why is width important for a toilet?

For curvy toilets, width isn’t important, because their sizing is based on their length. But for toilets with unusual shapes like square, rectangle, or d-shape, the width matters. Find the widest point and measure the toilet from one side to the other.

How to clean a toilet seat?

This area is usually covered, and it sometimes stays down when you flush, so it has a lot of germs and splash-back. Wipe the bare seat with disinfectant. You can wipe the sides of the toilet too, and the rims. Wipe any sections you’re likely to touch, including to removed seat cover.

Where do you measure the seat bolts on a toilet?

you measure from the front edge of the rim of your toilet bowl to the center point between the two seat bolts holes

How to measure a toilet bowl?

To measure the toilet bowl size, you simply measure the distance from the front edge of the bowl to the center point in between the at bolt holes. Generally, in the US, the round or standard toilet bowl is 16 1/2 “, and the elongated is 18 1/2 “.

How to choose a raised toilet seat for an elderly parent or loved one ?

Height and size aside, you need to consider what is the appropriate type of seat for an elderly person.

How many pads does a health smart toilet seat riser have?

HealthSmart Portable Raised Toilet Seat Riser – has 4 non-slip pads which adhere to the inside of the toilet bowl

What is a ring on a toilet seat?

Risers are rings of plastic, oval or round, which are to be attached to your toilet under your existing toilet seat through the seat’s bolt holes.

What is the difference between a round toilet bowl and a standard toilet bowl?

The standard toilet bowls are smaller by a few inches than the elongated bowls, and are also referred to as round.

How big is a standard toilet bowl?

Generally, in the US, the round or standard toilet bowl is 16 1/2 “ , and the elongated is 18 1/2 “.

How Do I know if My Toilet Seat is Round or Elongated?

To replace a toilet seat, you must first know the type and size of toilet you already have. This is easy for plumbers who don’t even have to measure anything but a homeowner will need to measure to be sure.

Where to measure toilet bowl length?

As I have mentioned, you need to measure the length of the toilet bowl between the center of the 2 seat-mounting holes and the front edge of the bowl.

What does it mean when a toilet bowl is elongated?

This means that a big part of the toilet seat will not be supported. The moment you sit on it you will ether fall off or it will snap.

How to loosen a toilet seat bolt?

Use a Philips screwdriver to turn the toilet seat bolts counterclockwise to loosen them. As you are likely to find out, the bolt will start spinning instead of loosening. In that case what you should do is back off the nut underneath the bowl using a wrench.

What is the difference between a round and an elongated toilet seat?

Round toilet seats as their name imply have a round or circular front. Elongated toilet seats on the other hand are oval shaped.

What is the difference between a plastic toilet seat and a wooden toilet seat?

Wooden toilet seats are stylish, warmer, but they scratch and/or break easily. Plastic toilet seats don’t break that easy but are relatively colder to sit on.

How long is an elongated toilet?

Elongated toilets are usually about 18.5 inches in length. If you measure and get between 18 and 19.5 inches then you have an elongated toilet seat.

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1.3 Ways to Measure a Toilet Seat - wikiHow

Url:https://www.wikihow.com/Measure-a-Toilet-Seat

22 hours ago As we said, toilet seats come in two sizes: round and elongated. Every toilet seat is one of these two, indicated on its packaging. Using a tape measure, determine the distance between the …

2.Videos of How Do You Measure a Elongated Toilet Seat

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11 hours ago  · Here are the 3 key measurements to take: Length: Start by measuring the length between the front of the seat and the two bolts. Make sure that you go down the... Distance: …

3.Measure a Toilet Seat for a Perfect Fit - Explained How …

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5 hours ago For an elongated toilet seat, the dimensions average at approximately 18.5 inches long and 14 inches wide. Many credit the extra length as making the toilet more hygienic because it gives …

4.Elongated Toilet Dimensions (with Drawings) – Upgraded …

Url:https://upgradedhome.com/elongated-toilet-dimensions/

13 hours ago  · Measuring an elongated toilet seat. You’ll first have to measure the overall length of your toilet seat, from the front of the lid to where it meets the back of the toilet bowl. For …

5.How to Measure for a Toilet Seat in 5 Minutes - Toilet …

Url:https://toilethaven.com/2020/03/23/how-to-measure-a-toilet-seat/

20 hours ago To know if you have a round or elongated toilet seat, remove your toilet seat and measure the distance between the center of the toilet seat mounting holes and the front edge of the bowl. …

6.How to Measure Toilet Seat? (Step-by-Step Tutorial)

Url:https://www.sunrisespecialty.com/toilet-seat-sizes

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8.How to Know if Your Toilet Seat is Round or Elongated

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