Guide to Standard Shower Sizes and Dimensions

When it comes to imagining their ideal shower size, most people would probably say “the bigger, the better.” But depending on the size of the bathroom and the space you have to work with, designing the biggest possible shower might not be a feasible goal.

Understanding standard shower sizes will give you a better idea of what’s actually doable in your plans for a bathroom renovation, and set your sights on a remodeling plan that’s reasonable and achievable.

What Are Standard Shower Sizes?

What does the code say?

According to the International Building Code, showers must be at least 30-in. x 30-in. That is, of course, the absolute smallest size you would want to design a shower to be, and should only be considered if you’re tight on space. Otherwise, you’ll probably want something larger.

Prefab vs. custom tile walls

The other limitations come mainly from the kind of shower you want to build. If you’re planning a walk-in shower and covering the walls with tile or some other waterproofing material, the size can be pretty much whatever you want it to be. Standard sizes for walk-in showers are 36-in. x 42-in. and 48-in. x 48-in.

If you’re planning on putting in a new preformed or prefabricated shower, however, you’re automatically limited by standard prefab sizes. These range from 32-in. x 32-in. all the way up to 60-in x 74-in.

When selecting a prefabricated shower, study the space available and find a size that fits into and complements it. You don’t want to end up with a shower that unnecessarily takes up most of your bathroom.

How to Measure For Your New Shower

Before you settle on any larger design choices for a bathroom remodel, take accurate measurements of your current shower. Measure from the base of the floor to the top of your existing shower unit. Measure the depth and the height in two places and go with the larger of the two measurements if there are any slight differences.

Also be sure to measure the rest of the bathroom, keeping an eye out for any other areas a shower might fit. It’ll take some plumbing, but you can always change the location of your shower head.

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