Toilet height is one of those specs nobody thinks about until they sit on a toilet that is wrong for them: knees up around the chest on a low one, feet dangling on a tall one. The industry has two main heights. Standard toilets have a rim about 14"–15" off the floor. Comfort height toilets (also sold as chair height, right height, universal height or ADA height) have a rim at 16.5"–17.5", and some go to 19". Two inches sounds like nothing. It changes how easy it is to sit and stand for every person in the house, every day. This guide explains the numbers, who each height suits, the trade-offs, and how to choose.
Key takeaways
- Standard height: rim 14"–15", seat about 15"–16". Best for children, shorter adults and anyone who prefers a squatting posture.
- Comfort height: rim 16.5"–17.5", seat 17.5"–18.5" (a dining chair is 18"). Best for tall adults, seniors, anyone with knee, hip or back issues, and most master ensuites.
- "ADA height" means a seat of 17"–19"; it is a comfort height toilet with an accessibility certification.
- Measure from the floor to the top of the bowl rim (without the seat) and add about 1" for the seat.
- Most households do well with comfort height in the main and ensuite bathrooms and standard height in a kids' bathroom.
- A wall-hung toilet can be set to any height you want at installation.
The numbers
| Name(s) | Rim height (no seat) | Seat height (with seat) | Compare to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard / regular height | 14"–15" (36–38 cm) | 15"–16" | A low stool |
| Comfort / chair / right / universal height | 16.5"–17.5" (42–44 cm) | 17.5"–18.5" | A dining chair (18") |
| ADA / accessible height | 16"–18" | 17"–19" (the ADA specification) | Same as comfort height, certified |
| Tall / extra height | 18"–19" (46–48 cm) | 19"–20" | A bar-height stool is 24"; this is the top of the range |
| Wall-hung, adjustable | 15"–19", set at rough-in | 16"–20" | Whatever you choose |
Manufacturers are inconsistent about whether they quote rim or seat height. If a listing says "17 inch height," check the spec sheet: 17" to the rim is a tall comfort-height toilet; 17" to the seat is at the low end of comfort height.
Who benefits from comfort height
- Adults over about 5'10". A standard toilet puts the knees well above the hips, which is fine for some and uncomfortable for many.
- Seniors. Standing up from 15" requires significantly more quad and knee strength than from 18". This is the reason comfort height became the default in new construction.
- Anyone with knee, hip or back problems, or recovering from surgery.
- Wheelchair users and anyone who transfers from a chair: the ADA range of 17"–19" matches wheelchair seat height.
- People planning to age in place. Replacing a toilet later is easy; buying the right one now is easier.
Who is better off with standard height
- Children. On a comfort-height toilet a six-year-old's feet dangle 20 cm off the floor, which makes toilet training and independence harder. A step stool solves it, but a standard toilet in a kids' bathroom is simpler.
- Adults under about 5'4". Feet may not rest flat on an 18" seat, which leads to the next point.
- Anyone who values a squatting posture. Sitting with knees above the hips (as on a lower toilet) straightens the colon and makes elimination easier. Comfort height users who want this use a footstool.
- Households with an existing bidet seat that was sized to a standard bowl; some bidet seats add 1"–2" of height on top of the rim.
How to measure your current toilet
- Lift the seat and lid.
- Measure from the floor to the top edge of the porcelain rim at the front of the bowl. That is the rim height.
- Lower the seat and measure again to the top of the seat. Add about 1" for a standard seat, 1.5"–2" for a thick soft-close or bidet seat.
- Compare to the table above. If the rim is 14"–15", you have a standard toilet; 16.5"+ is comfort height.
While you are there, measure the rough-in (wall to bolt centre) too; you will need it to order a replacement. Our rough-in guide explains.
Other ways to change the height
| Option | Adds | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raised toilet seat (clamp-on) | 2"–6" | $30–$80 | Medical look, can shift; a short-term fix after surgery |
| Toilet riser / base spacer | 2"–3.5" | $40–$100 | A porcelain-look block under the whole toilet; needs longer bolts and a flange extender; looks fine |
| Thick soft-close or bidet seat | 0.5"–1.5" | $40–$800 | Small gain; a bidet seat also warms the seat |
| Replace with a comfort-height toilet | 2"–3" | $200–$600 + install | The proper fix; new flapper, better flush, dual flush |
| Wall-hung toilet | Any height, 15"–19" | $2,000–$3,500 installed | In a renovation only; see our wall-hung guide |
| Footstool (to lower the effective posture) | Raises feet 7"–9" | $15–$30 | The answer for kids and squat posture on a tall toilet |
Height and the rest of the bathroom
- Grab bars: if you are choosing comfort height for accessibility, add a grab bar on the wall beside the toilet at 33"–36" high, anchored into blocking. It does more for safety than the toilet height alone.
- Toilet paper holder: 26" from the floor and 8"–12" in front of the bowl works for either height.
- Tank height and the window sill: comfort-height toilets are taller overall (29"–33" to the tank top). Check the window and any shelf behind the toilet.
- Bidet seats: confirm the seat fits the bowl shape (elongated is the norm on comfort height) and note the 1"–2" it adds.
- Skirted and one-piece designs come in both heights; height does not limit style.
Choosing for each bathroom
| Bathroom | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Master ensuite | Comfort height, elongated bowl |
| Main family bathroom | Comfort height with a footstool, unless the household is mostly small children |
| Kids' bathroom | Standard height, round or elongated bowl |
| Powder room (guests) | Comfort height; it suits the widest range of visitors |
| In-law suite or aging-in-place | Comfort or tall height, grab bars, elongated bowl, bidet seat |
| Rental unit | Comfort height; it is what tenants expect from a modern unit |
Toilets at MyBath
Rim heights vary by model and are listed on each product page's spec sheet. If you are unsure whether a model is comfort height, ask us before ordering and we will confirm the measurement.
Find the right toilet at MyBath
One-piece, two-piece, wall-hung and smart toilets from MyBath, Toto and Duravit. Delivered across Ontario, free on orders over $600.
Frequently asked questions
What is the height of a comfort height toilet?
The rim sits 16.5"–17.5" from the floor, and the seat about 17.5"–18.5", the same as a dining chair. Standard toilets are 14"–15" to the rim.
Is comfort height the same as ADA height?
Essentially. ADA specifies a seat height of 17"–19". Comfort height toilets fall in that range, and models marketed as ADA-compliant carry the certification.
Are comfort height toilets bad for you?
Not bad, but the more upright posture is less ideal for bowel movements than a squat. A footstool that raises the knees restores the squat posture on a tall toilet, and it is a common accessory.
Should I get comfort height if I have kids?
For the family bathroom, comfort height with a footstool works for everyone. For a dedicated kids' bathroom, standard height makes independence easier until they are about ten.
How do I know if my toilet is standard or comfort height?
Lift the seat and measure from the floor to the top of the bowl rim. 14"–15" is standard; 16.5" or more is comfort height.
Can I make my existing toilet taller?
A toilet riser under the base adds 2"–3.5" and looks reasonable; a clamp-on raised seat adds up to 6" but looks medical. Replacing the toilet with a comfort-height model is the permanent fix.
