Bathroom Layout Checker

Will it fit, and will it feel OK? Enter your bathroom measurements and see each clearance rated against the code minimum, the comfortable NKBA guideline and, if you want, ADA accessibility.

1. Standard or accessible?

2. Toilet

in
in
in

3. Sink

in
in

4. Shower

in
in
in

5. Door and room

in

Measure to finished surfaces. Door clear opening is the space between the door face (open 90°) and the stop, not the slab size; a 32 in door gives about 30 in clear.

Results

Pass = meets the comfortable guideline (or ADA in accessible mode). Tight = meets the code minimum but not the comfortable guideline. Fail = below the minimum.

How this bathroom layout checker works

Each measurement is compared to up to three levels. They are different things, so we keep them separate:

MeasurementIRC minimumNKBA comfortable2010 ADA
Toilet center to side wall or object15 in18 in16–18 in from the nearest side wall (604.2)
Space beside toilet (ADA)n/an/a60 in wide clearance overall (604.3.1)
Clear space in front of toilet21 in30 in56 in deep from the rear wall (604.3.1)
Clear space in front of sink21 in30 in30 × 48 in floor space (606.2, 305.3)
Sink center to wall or fixture15 in (30 in center to center between fixtures)20 in18 in typical
Shower interior900 sq in and a 30 in circle36 × 36 in36 × 36 in transfer, or 60 × 30 in minimum roll-in (608.2)
Clear space in front of shower24 in30 in36 in deep × 48 in long (transfer, 608.2.1.1) or 30 in deep × 60 in long along the opening (roll-in, 608.2.2.1)
Door clear openingNo IRC minimum for interior bathroom doors (we flag 24 in as common practice)32 in32 in (404.2.3)
Turning spacen/an/a60 in circle (304.3)

Where we could not find a single published figure (for example the ADA sink centerline, which appears in the standards' figures and in ANSI A117.1 rather than as one numbered rule), we used the commonly cited value and say so. Use this as a planning check, not a plan review. Your local building department and the plans for your project always win.

Sources

Estimates only — not engineering, legal or code advice. Check requirements with your local building department and a licensed professional before you build.

Common questions

How much space do you need around a toilet?

The IRC (R307.1) requires the toilet centerline to be at least 15 inches from any side wall, vanity or obstruction (a 30-inch-wide space) and at least 21 inches of clear space in front. The NKBA recommends 30 inches of clear space in front and 18 inches from the centerline to the side.

What is the minimum shower size allowed by code?

The IRC requires a shower compartment with at least 900 square inches of finished interior floor area that can fit a 30-inch circle, so 30 × 30 inches is the minimum. Many designers consider 36 × 36 inches the smallest comfortable size, and the NKBA guideline uses 36 × 36.

How much clearance do you need in front of a shower?

The IRC figure calls for at least 24 inches of clear space in front of a shower entry. The NKBA recommends 30 inches. ADA roll-in showers need a 30 × 60 inch clear floor space beside the opening.

How far should a sink be from the wall?

The IRC requires 15 inches from the sink centerline to a side wall or obstruction, and 30 inches center to center between adjacent sinks. The NKBA suggests 20 inches from the centerline for comfort, and ADA layouts typically use at least 18 inches.

What are ADA bathroom toilet requirements?

The 2010 ADA Standards (section 604) place the toilet centerline 16 to 18 inches from the side wall, with a clear floor area 60 inches wide (measured from the side wall) by 56 inches deep (measured from the rear wall). The 59-inch figure you may see for floor-mounted toilets comes from older ADA guidelines and ICC A117.1, not the 2010 ADA Standards. Bathrooms also need a 60-inch turning circle or T-shaped turning space, and a door with a 32-inch clear opening.

Do home bathrooms have to meet ADA?

Not usually. The ADA applies to public places and commercial facilities. Single-family homes are not covered, but many owners use ADA numbers when designing for aging in place or a wheelchair user. Some multifamily housing falls under the Fair Housing Act instead.

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