Standard Shower Size For Your Bathroom Space

The standard shower size in US households is between 32 and 36 inches. If you don’t have a bathtub, your shower will consume most of your available floor space. Before you start a bathroom remodel, determine the size of your bathroom area.

Standard Shower Size

If you’re considering a shower installation project, we’ll provide enough information to ensure a successful result. We’ll also show you different shower options, like mixer showers, and how they can transform your bathroom area into a contemporary spa setting.

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Determine the size and dimensions to help with your bathroom remodel process. Make sure your shower has enough room for things like a shower bench, shower pan, and shower rods. You’ll need to install an appropriate shower size, so ceiling height and floor space are also important.

Minimum Shower Dimensions

With shower installation, the minimum shower size is 32 x 32 inches. However, most typical shower sizes are 36 x 36 inches. However, the bigger, the better when it comes to showers if you have the space.

Standard Shower Dimensions

Let’s take a look at shower enclosures and standard dimensions of residential showers.

 shower size

The standard enclosure shower sizes are 36 inches wide and 60-inches long. However, there are about a dozen “standard shower sizes” in the US alone. But showers bigger than 48-inches wide or 60-inches long are rare.

Longer showers over 48 inches wide are tub-shower units. Because otherwise, the standard sizes are as follows: 32 inches x 32 inches and all the up to 48 inches x 48 inches.

Shower Stall Dimensions 

Shower Stall Dimensions 

A shower can refer to any type of closed-in shower. But it refers to a shower that has been sunk into the wall. The size for this type of shower doesn’t change by much but it can look different. 

The sunken shower or built-in shower is 36-inches wide or around 60 inches wide. However, it depends on if it has a bathtub. Most shower stalls are built-in and customizable. 

Corner Shower Size

Corner Shower Size
Image from Root Architecture

When it comes to corner showers, the size doesn’t change. This is because the corner shower is still square. It can be arched, which will change the shower opening size, but not enough to matter. 

When it is curved or cut off on the corner, it means that the shower base has to be wider. Like 42-inches instead of 36-inches wide. This gives adds length to make up for the corner that was lost.

Standard Sizes Of Shower Accessories

Other Shower Dimensions and size

It’s not just shower size that matters, but the size of everything else that makes up the shower. Let’s go over some common shower dimensions that can help you plan better for custom showers. Although they do affect the look and safety of your bathroom, they are primarily sized due to convenience.

Standard Shower Doors

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Shower door sizes matters when installing a new shower and will depend on your interior shower space. If the door to your stand alone shower stall is too small some people may not be able to use it. However, if your glass shower enclosure is too large, for example, you risk slippage and other bathroom hazards.

The standard shower door size is between 22 inches wide and 36 inches wide. Any narrower would be uncomfortable. You can go a few inches wider, however, but if you do, an extra panel will be needed for safety. If you don’t want to worry about a shower door, then consider walk in showers or a shower curtain. Walk in showers are easier to move around in and safer for those with pre-existing medical conditions.

Shower Head

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Showerhead size isn’t important. However, the distance between the shower head, floor, and controls is important. The standard showerhead height is about 80 inches, which is both safe and comfortable.

Meanwhile, the minimum height for a showerhead is 72 inches. If your ceilings are low, you can get by with less than 80 inches, but any less than 72 inches will cause problems.

Shower Controls

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The controls are also known as shower valves. Shower valve heights vary but on average are between 30 and 50 inches above the floor.

For tub-shower units, the height can be a few inches above the tub or in the tub as part of the faucet. You can get hybrid valves that work with the tub or a separate one to control at a higher spot.

Shower Bar

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A shower bar is something that you can hold onto when you need balance and support. Not all showers have them but they can be useful for hanging your washcloths and more.

Around 30 to 48 inches is good. To help measure, have a family member put their hand out as if holding onto a bar and go from there.

Shower Bench

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Shower benches are uncommon, but they can be installed in most showers. They offer a great place to sit when tired or when you need to shave your legs comfortably. Shower benches do vary in size though.

Most are 18-inches tall. However, length varies. For chairs, they are around 15-inches, but for benches, they need to be at least twice the length of the shower. You could also include a shower pan with a shower bench.

How Much Does A Shower Cost?

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The cost of a shower varies depending on the type of shower and the brand. On average, the cost of installation is double the cost of materials, but prices vary.


Walk In Shower

Walk-in shower dimensions are large but customizable. They can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 to build. Because they’re so large and require more materials, they take longer to build than typical shower sizes and labor costs are higher.

The main cost is the material. If you use tile, you will pay more than if you want fiberglass or a cheaper option.


Tiled Shower

Tiled showers feature tile backer board covered in tile along with tiled floors (or teak floors). The cost is between $10 to $20 per square foot to install. But this depends on the type of tile you use for your shower unit.

Ceramic tiles have a large price range with tiles costing anywhere from $1 to $20 per square foot. Porcelain tiles cost $3 to $8 per square foot. Stone tiles cost $5 and $50 per square foot. Then glass tiles can cost anywhere from $10 to $50 per square foot. 


Pre-Built Shower

Pre-build shower dimensions are 100% up to you. The installation cost for a prefab shower is very reasonable. They cost less than $500 for the unit itself. Unless you buy marble or acrylic, then you may pay closer to $1,000.

With installation, unless your plumbing is intricate, you won’t pay more than a few hundred dollars. Many people choose to DIY their pre-built showers because installation is easy. 


Shower Tub Walk In

A tub shower combo on average costs under $4,000. This is for a $500 to $2,000 bathtub and a $500 to $1,000 surround. You’ll need to add an extra $1,000 thousand for installation. Houses with bathtubs sell better than those without them. A tub combo unit is considered the best option for families.


The Right Shower Doors For Your Bathroom Area

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Finding the right shower dimensions is easy. Think about your family, shower area, and the style of shower you want. You’ll need to decide if you want a large shower and tub combo, a shower overhead, power showers, or separate shower doors.

Allow enough space in your bathroom to move around and get dressed. Do not cut yourself short on space for the sake of having a larger shower. Start with the minimum dimensions, or go with the 36-inch standard and work from there. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ

What Is An Alternative To A Walk In Tub?

Slide-in style bathtubs share similar characteristics with walk in tubs, but they’re not the same. For example, they have higher walls, and their seats are built into them. The special seats can rotate, allowing users to bathe.

What Is A Wet Room?

A shower area with a bathtub inside of it is a wet room. Most wet rooms have a freestanding or soaking tub inside the shower space, but they’re separated from the sink and toilet by a glass enclosure.

How Can I Make My Shower Environment Friendly?

For an eco-friendly shower, aerating showerheads offer the most benefits. The special shower heads combine air and water to restrict water flow while delivering the same pressure as a power shower.

Is A Shower Or Bath Better For The Environment?

Standing showers are good for the environment because they use less water than when you take a bath. Most people take five-minute showers, which require 10 gallons of water. Meanwhile, the average bath uses 15 gallons of water or more.

How Can I Remove Build-up From A Shower Arm? 

One DIY method that removes build-up from a shower arm is to soak it overnight in vinegar.

Standard Shower Size Conclusion

You want to create a comfortable shower environment. Your shower dimensions are easy to determine. It comes down to the basic needs of your family. The size of a new shower door for a steam shower in your wet room for example will depend on your bathroom remodel.

With shower-only installation, placement is important. Shower kits come in different sizes, so you won’t have a problem finding one for your remodel. If you have a frameless glass panel enclosure, then you won’t need to adhere to standard shower sizes.

Walk-in shower sizes offer flexibility and do not adhere to international residential code. You may want to consider a shower bathtub combo, but again, only if you have the space. You should also include safety features like a shower rod or shower pans if you have elderly family members. There are also high-tech options like digital showers and electric showers.