Did you know that there are multiple toilet height options on the market? Different models come with different heights.
But the right one for you could vary depending on how much space you have, your comfort levels, and other needs.
Let’s explore how the height of a toilet is measured, from both the tank and the seat. Then let’s find out how to pick the correct measurement for your project.
Comfort vs Standard Height
As the name might imply, “comfort height” toilets are… well, comfortable. They’re meant to be easy to sit down on and stand up from.
Not only are these toilets easier to sit on for long periods of time, but they’re also ideal for elderly individuals and people with mobility issues.
Now, there aren’t any officially coded standards for what makes something “comfort” versus “standard” height. But these are the basic rules of thumb:
- Comfort toilet seats tend to be higher than 17 inches.
- Standard toilet seats tend to be lower than 17 inches.
When you’re talking about the height of a toilet, typically the measurement you’ll use is chair height. Chair height refers to the height of the seat from the ground.
There might be measurements taken with and without the seat on.
“Comfort Height” is a brand term specific to Kohler toilets. But there are many other toilets from other manufacturers that meet the same height specifications.
Every “Comfort Height” Kohler toilet is anywhere from 17 to 19 inches off the ground. This is ADA-compliant based on the Americans with Disabilities Act standards.
Different Kohler models might have very different designs, flush systems, materials, and price points. But the “Comfort Height” options all fall within that same height range.
Who Benefits From A Standard Height Toilet?
Standard height toilets might sound like they have a lot of drawbacks compared to comfort ones. But there actually are some circumstances in which they function better than a comfort option.
Here are some examples of when you might want a standard height toilet:
- You are a shorter person or have children who need a lower toilet.
- You’re shopping on a budget, and the standard models are less expensive than the comfort ones.
For short people, “comfort” options can actually be more difficult. So the best toilet, in this case, is a standard one.
Who Benefits From Comfort Height Toilets?
On the other hand, you might want a taller toilet in these circumstances:
- You need a seat height that is ADA compliant due to age, mobility issues, or other reasons.
- You need a new toilet that’s built for tall people.
- You are doing a remodel of commercial or public space with taller people in mind.
Most homeowners will find that the right height toilet is taller than average. If you want to make your bathroom more accessible in anticipation of old age, an ADA-compliant toilet is a great place to start.
Toilet Height Measurements
You can determine the toilet seat height by measuring from the floor to the top of the seat. You can also measure the bowl height if you want to get the right height without factoring in the seat.
A plumber may be able to offer guidance on choosing an ideal model.
Though Kohler uses the Comfort Height branding, you can also find high chair height toilet models on Amazon from companies like Toto and American Standard.
Comfort heights have an average of about 17 inches without a seat. The measurement from the floor to the toilet bowl might be 16 to 18 inches.
With the seat, that increases to anywhere from 17 to 19 inches.
With a standard height toilet, the measurement without the seat is usually just 15 inches at most. It might be 16 inches with the seat installed.
Sometimes the toilet is only 15 inches tall including the seat.
You’ll hear comfort height toilets referred to as ADA compliant toilets. But standard toilets actually tend to work better for constipation issues, thanks to the way the body is positioned when you sit.
If you’re building in a commercial or public place, you will most likely need to use a comfort height model. Residences tend to have more freedom in terms of what height their toilets are.
Pros and Cons Of Comfort vs Standard Height
Standard Height
Pros:
- Allows more natural squatting for bowel movements
- Ideal for people who are frequently constipated
- Good for shorter people
- Good for kids
Cons:
- Difficult to stand from
- Uncomfortable for those with joint issues
- Uncomfortable for taller people
Comfort Height
Pros:
- More comfortable for most people, especially tall individuals
- Compliant with the ADA for public spaces
- Relatively inexpensive
Cons:
- Can cause kids and shorter people to have dangling feet, which might impede circulation
- Not the most natural position for dealing with constipation
- Might cause children to lose their balance
Other Considerations
When you’re picking out a toilet, there are plenty of considerations besides the height.
Elongated or Round
Are you looking for a taller model? Why?
If it’s because of the increased comfort, you might also want an elongated toilet. Most taller options are elongated models, but not all of them.
Flush toilets with an elongated bowl are more comfortable to sit on. They have a larger surface area, and they align better with a person’s anatomy.
Sitting on a round toilet can become tiring quickly.
On the other hand, round toilets are easier for children to use. For this reason, they’re often found in places like elementary schools.
One-Piece or Two-Piece
Both standard and comfort height toilets can be purchased in one or two-piece models. You just have to decide which is right for you.
One-piece toilets tend to be the pricier option. These models are designed with the toilet tank and bowl all fused into one system.
Because of this, they’re much heavier than their two-piece counterparts. If you’re installing one of these, make sure you have several people on hand to maneuver it.
A two-piece toilet has a separate tank and bowl. These models tend to be more inexpensive, and they can be easier to install if you’re working alone.
However, the fastening components that connect the pieces will break down over time.
Flush System
The vast majority of toilets will use a gravity flush system to remove waste. This pulls waste downward into the pipes while allowing water to scrub the surface of the bowl.
But there are additional pieces of flush technology that can make a big difference.
Some examples of things you might look for in your toilet flush system include:
- The flush valve is larger than a standard 2 inches, allowing more water to flow into the bowl at once.
- There is a dual flush system that uses less GPF, or gallons per flush, to remove liquid waste.
- There are jet nozzles that scrub the bowl clean with each flush.
- The system is partially pressurized, creating more force and preventing clogs as water moves through the pipes.
Many of today’s toilets use just 1.6 gallons of water or less per flush. The EPA has certified certain models for having a high level of water efficiency.
Some dual-flush systems even use less than a gallon when removing urine and other liquid waste!
Final Thoughts
Toilets tend to range in height from 14 to 18 inches without the seat, or 15 to 19 inches with the seat.
Standard toilets are shorter and closer to the ground. While they might be the most frequently used in residential homes, they’re also not the most comfortable.
But they do give you a better natural position when you’re passing a bowel movement.
Many of today’s toilets use a taller design instead. Since these models are much easier to sit down on and stand up from, they’re favored by people with mobility issues.
In fact, many of them are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
If you need a tall toilet for comfort reasons, it’s also a good idea to get one with an elongated bowl. Elongated toilets are more common than round ones these days.
Their seats have a long oval shape that’s much more comfortable to rest on.