Bathtubs come in far more sizes than people expect, and the wrong one either will not fit through the door or leaves you sitting with your knees at your chin. The "standard" tub in most Canadian homes is 60" long by 30" wide (152 x 76 cm), but freestanding tubs run from 55" to over 72", corner tubs are nearly square, and soaking depth varies from a shallow 14" to a luxurious 24". This guide lays out every common size in inches and centimetres, shows how much room each one really needs, and walks through measuring your bathroom so the tub you order is the tub that fits.
Key takeaways
- Standard alcove tub: 60" x 30" x 14"–20" (152 x 76 cm). Fits the 5-foot alcove in nearly every Canadian bathroom built since the 1950s.
- Freestanding tubs: 55"–72" long, 27"–35" wide, 22"–28" tall. The most popular sizes are 59"–60" (fits where an alcove tub was) and 67" (comfortable for anyone up to 6'2").
- Allow 4"–6" of clearance around a freestanding tub for cleaning and the filler, and check the doorway: most tubs need a 30" clear opening.
- Soaking depth (water depth to the overflow) matters more than length. 15" or more covers your shoulders reclined.
- Measure the alcove at the studs or finished wall, floor to ceiling, at three points. Old walls are rarely square.
The four measurements that matter
- Length (L): outside, end to end. For an alcove tub this must match the alcove within about 1/4".
- Width (W): outside, side to side. Determines how much floor the tub takes.
- Height (H): floor to the top of the rim. Affects how easy it is to step in and how a freestanding filler must be sized.
- Soaking depth: from the bottom of the tub to the overflow drain. This is the water depth you actually get, and it is often 4"–6" less than the tub height. Manufacturers do not always list it; ask.
Also note the interior bathing length (the flat floor between the sloped ends), which on a 60" tub is typically only 44"–48". That is why a 60" tub feels short to a tall adult and a 67" freestanding tub feels generous.
Standard alcove (three-wall) bathtub sizes
An alcove tub has one finished front (the apron) and sits between three walls. It is the tub-shower combo in most homes and the one to measure most carefully, because it has to fit the opening exactly.
| Size | Inches (L x W x H) | Centimetres | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 60 x 30 x 14–20 | 152 x 76 x 36–51 | The default in Canadian homes; fits a 5' alcove |
| Standard, wider | 60 x 32 x 18–20 | 152 x 81 x 46–51 | Deeper soaking tubs in the same alcove, if the room allows 2" more |
| Compact | 54 x 30 x 14–16 | 137 x 76 x 36–41 | Small bathrooms, older homes, basement suites |
| Short | 48 x 30–32 x 14–16 | 122 x 76–81 x 36–41 | Tiny bathrooms; often a deeper "Japanese" soaking style |
| Long | 66–72 x 32–36 x 18–22 | 168–183 x 81–91 x 46–56 | Larger ensuites with a 6' alcove |
Left-hand or right-hand drain? Stand facing the tub from the room. If the drain is at the left end, it is a left-hand tub. Alcove tubs are made in both, and they are not interchangeable.
Drop-in and undermount bathtub sizes
These have no finished sides. They sit in a tiled or stone deck, either on top (drop-in, with a visible rim) or under it (undermount). Because the deck is custom-built, the tub size is flexible, but the deck adds 6"–12" to every dimension.
| Tub size (inches) | Centimetres | Deck footprint (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 60 x 30–32 | 152 x 76–81 | 72 x 42 |
| 66 x 32–36 | 168 x 81–91 | 78 x 48 |
| 72 x 36–42 | 183 x 91–107 | 84 x 54 |
Corner bathtub sizes
Corner tubs are triangular or five-sided and fit into a 90° corner. They look compact on paper but take a lot of floor because the front edge cuts diagonally across the room.
- Small: 48" x 48" (122 x 122 cm), height 18"–20"
- Standard: 60" x 60" (152 x 152 cm), height 20"–22". The most common.
- Large / two-person: 72" x 72" (183 x 183 cm), often with jets
Corner tubs need a minimum room width of about 6' on both walls and hold a lot of water (up to 400 L), so check the water heater capacity and floor structure.
Freestanding bathtub sizes
Freestanding tubs are finished on all sides and stand on the floor away from the walls (or against one wall, with a gap). Sizes are described by overall length, and the useful range for a home bathroom is 55" to 72".
| Length | Typical W x H (inches) | Centimetres (L x W x H) | Who it suits | Minimum room |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55" | 28–30 x 23–24 | 140 x 71–76 x 58–61 | Small bathrooms, condos, bathers under 5'6" | 5' x 7' |
| 57" | 29–30 x 23–24 | 145 x 74–76 x 58–61 | Same footprint as a compact alcove tub | 5' x 7' |
| 59"–60" | 29–31 x 23–24 | 150–152 x 74–79 x 58–61 | The most popular size. Replaces a standard alcove tub in the same space. | 5' x 8' |
| 63"–65" | 30–32 x 23–25 | 160–165 x 76–81 x 58–64 | Comfortable for most adults up to 6' | 6' x 8' |
| 67" | 30–32 x 23–25 | 170 x 76–81 x 58–64 | The "sweet spot" for ensuites: full recline for bathers up to 6'2" | 6' x 9' |
| 71"–72" | 32–35 x 24–26 | 180–183 x 81–89 x 61–66 | Tall bathers, two people, spa-style bathrooms | 7' x 10' |
"Minimum room" assumes the tub is the main feature with a toilet and vanity elsewhere and allows for the clearances below. A freestanding tub in a 5' x 8' bathroom is possible, but it is a tight fit that usually means giving up the shower.
Clearances around a freestanding tub
- Tub to wall (sides and back): 4"–6" minimum for cleaning. Less than 3" and you will never get a mop in; tubs pushed against a wall need caulking and look like an alcove tub.
- Filler side: 6"–10" so the floor-mounted faucet sits comfortably between tub and wall, plus room for the floor rough-in. Our bathtub faucet guide covers the rough-in.
- Entry side: at least 21" of clear floor (Ontario Building Code minimum in front of fixtures), 30" or more is comfortable.
- To the toilet: 15" from the toilet centre line to the tub edge is the code minimum; 18" feels better.
- Window and door swing: check that nothing swings into the tub zone.
Depth, capacity and the water heater
| Tub type | Soaking depth | Water to overflow | Water heater needed (tank) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard alcove 60 x 30 | 12"–14" | 110–150 L | 40 gal (150 L) is fine |
| Deep alcove / soaking 60 x 32 | 15"–18" | 170–230 L | 50 gal (190 L) |
| Freestanding 55"–60" | 15"–17" | 180–230 L | 50 gal |
| Freestanding 67"–72" | 16"–19" | 230–300 L | 60 gal, or a tankless unit rated 7+ GPM |
| Corner 60 x 60 | 16"–20" | 280–400 L | 60–80 gal |
A bath is about two-thirds hot water. If the tub holds 250 L, you need roughly 165 L of hot water, which is a full 40-gallon tank. Fill a big tub from a small heater and the last third comes in cold.
How to measure your bathroom
For an alcove tub
- Measure the alcove length at the back wall, at the front edge, and in the middle. Use the smallest number. Measure between finished surfaces if the tile is staying, or between studs if the walls are being redone (tub manufacturers usually list a stud-to-stud dimension).
- Measure the width from the back wall to where the apron will sit. A 30" tub needs 30"; a 32" needs 32".
- Note the drain location: left or right.
- Check the height of the window sill, if there is one. A taller tub may cover it.
For a freestanding tub
- Draw the room to scale on graph paper with the door, window, toilet and vanity.
- Cut out a paper rectangle at the tub's outside dimensions and place it, keeping 4"–6" from walls and 21" or more of open floor on the entry side.
- Mark where the drain is. A centre drain works from either end; an end drain must line up with the floor drain (or the floor is opened to move it).
- Decide where the filler goes and check that there is a joist bay, not a joist, under that spot.
- Tape the outline on the floor with painter's tape and live with it for a day.
Check the route in
Measure every doorway, hallway turn and stairwell between the front door and the bathroom. A 30"-wide tub needs a 30" clear opening, which most interior doors provide only with the door removed from its hinges. Tubs can be tilted on edge to pass a narrow door, so the critical number is usually the tub height (23"–26"), not the width.
Which size should you buy?
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Replacing a tub-shower combo in a 5' alcove, keeping the tile | 60 x 30 alcove tub in the same drain hand. No exceptions. |
| Removing the alcove tub, adding a walk-in shower elsewhere, want a soaker in the old spot | 59"–60" freestanding tub, centre drain |
| Ensuite 8' x 10' or larger | 67" freestanding, the most comfortable size for one adult |
| Two bathers, or anyone over 6'2" | 71"–72" freestanding, 60-gallon water heater |
| Condo or small bathroom that still wants a real bath | 55"–57" freestanding. Deeper than an alcove tub, same floor space. |
| Kids' bathroom | 60 x 30 alcove with a shower. Easy to bathe children, easy to resell. |
Freestanding tubs at MyBath, by size
Every size from 55" to 71", in stock in Ontario
Acrylic freestanding tubs with matching floor-mount fillers, delivered across Ontario from our warehouse. Free delivery on orders over $600 within Ontario. Exact dimensions and drain positions are on every product page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the standard bathtub size?
60" long, 30" wide and 14"–20" tall (152 x 76 x 36–51 cm). It fits the 5-foot alcove found in most Canadian bathrooms and is the size to buy when replacing a tub-shower combo without retiling.
What size freestanding tub should I get?
59"–60" if it is replacing a standard tub in the same space, 67" for an ensuite where one adult wants a full recline, and 71"–72" for two people or anyone over 6'2". Allow 4"–6" of clearance around it.
How much space do you need for a freestanding tub?
The tub's footprint plus 4"–6" on the sides and back, 6"–10" on the faucet side, and at least 21" of open floor on the entry side. A 60" tub therefore needs roughly 5' x 8' of bathroom; a 67" tub about 6' x 9'.
Will a 60-inch tub fit in a 60-inch alcove?
Yes, that is what it is designed for. Alcove tubs are made slightly under 60" so they slide in. Measure at three points and use the smallest, and confirm the drain hand.
How deep should a soaking tub be?
Look for 15" or more of water depth to the overflow. Standard alcove tubs give 12"–14"; freestanding and deep soaking tubs give 15"–19", enough to cover your shoulders when reclined.
How do I get a bathtub through the door?
Remove the door from its hinges for a full-width opening, and tilt the tub on its side; the tub height (usually 23"–26") then becomes the width that has to pass. Measure hallway corners and stair landings too.
