How To Measure An Elongated Toilet Seat: Step By Step Guide
Imagine you’ve just purchased a new elongated toilet seat that you’ve been eyeing for weeks, but when you try installing it, it doesn’t fit your toilet bowl!
Avoid this frustrating situation by learning how to measure your elongated toilet seat properly. Here is a step-by-step guide on measuring your toilet bowl and ensuring that your new toilet seat fits like a glove. Let’s dig deep into this article;
Table of Contents
What Is An Elongated Toilet Seat?
Before diving into measuring an elongated toilet seat, let’s define what it is. An elongated toilet seat is a type of toilet seat longer than a standard round seat. It has an oval shape, providing more seating space for the user. Measuring correctly is vital to get the perfect fit for your toilet.
How To Measure An Elongated Toilet Seat?
Length from the bolt-hole center to the bowl front, width at the widest point, and the 5.5-inch bolt spread — then compare with the manufacturer’s dimensions.
- Measure the length of your toilet bowl.
The first step in measuring an elongated toilet seat is to measure the length of your toilet bowl. Start by locating the bolt caps at the back of the toilet seat. Remove these caps to expose the bolts.
Measure the distance between the bolt holes’ center to the toilet bowl’s front. This measurement should be from the center of the bolt holes, not from the back of the toilet seat. This measurement is the length of your toilet bowl and is the most important measurement you’ll need.
- Measure the width of your toilet bowl.
Now measure the width of your toilet bowl. It is the distance across the widest part of the bowl, usually from one side to the other.
Measure the distance at its widest point, usually at the center of the bowl. The measurement will help you determine whether the toilet seat you’re considering is wide enough to fit your toilet bowl.
- Measure the distance between the bolt holes.
The next step is to measure the distance between the bolt holes. This measurement is the distance between the centers of the two bolts that hold the toilet seat in place.
Make sure to measure from the center of one bolt hole to the center of the other. This measurement will ensure that the toilet seat you’re considering will fit the bolt holes in your toilet bowl.
- Determine the shape of your toilet bowl.
There are two main shapes of toilet bowls: round and elongated. As we mentioned earlier, elongated toilet seats are longer than round seats.
To determine the shape of your toilet bowl, measure the distance from the center of the bolt holes to the front of the toilet bowl. If this measurement exceeds 18 inches, your toilet bowl is elongated. If it’s less than 18 inches, your toilet bowl is round.
- Check the manufacturer’s specifications.
Now that you have all the necessary measurements, it’s time to check the manufacturer’s specifications for the toilet seat you’re considering. Look for the product dimensions, including the length, width, and distance between the bolt holes.
Compare these measurements to those you took earlier to ensure the toilet seat will fit your toilet bowl.
- Consider the shape and style of the toilet seat.
Once you’ve confirmed that the toilet seat will fit your toilet bowl, it’s time to consider the shape and style of the seat. Elongated toilet seats come in various shapes and styles, including contoured, cushioned, and plastic.
Consider the material and design of the seat to find the best match for your bathroom decor.
Final Words
Measuring an elongated toilet seat may seem daunting, but it’s a straightforward process that can save you time and frustration in the long run. Make sure to consider the shape and style of the toilet so you can confidently find the perfect fit for your toilet bowl and enhance the overall look and feel of your bathroom. Don’t forget to check the manufacturer’s specifications and consider purchasing a toilet seat with adjustable hinges for a more customized fit.
Plumber’s field tip: measure with the old seat OFF — the plastic bolt caps hide the true hole centers and throw people off by half an inch. And take a photo of your tape measurements to the store; I can’t count the returns I’ve seen from people who measured ‘about right’. If your length reads 17–18 inches, you may have a compact-elongated bowl — check the brand before ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you measure an elongated toilet seat?
Measure three things: the bowl length (from the center of the bolt holes to the front of the bowl), the bowl width at its widest point, and the bolt spread (center to center between the two bolt holes). Compare all three with the seat manufacturer’s specifications before buying.
How do I know if my toilet bowl is elongated or round?
Measure from the center of the bolt holes to the front of the bowl. If the measurement exceeds 18 inches (about 18.5 inches), your bowl is elongated. Around 16.5 inches means a round bowl.
What is the standard bolt spread for a toilet seat?
5.5 inches center-to-center in the US. Measure from the center of one bolt hole to the center of the other. Some European pans use different spacing, so always verify before ordering.
What is the length of an elongated toilet seat?
About 18.5 inches measured from the bolt-hole center line to the front of the bowl. The overall seat length varies slightly by type and brand, which is why measuring your own bowl first matters.
Where do I measure the bowl length from?
From the center of the bolt holes at the back of the bowl to the very front edge of the bowl, not from the back of the tank or the back of the old seat. This is the most important measurement for seat fit.
Sources
Alex Miller is a writer and researcher at ToiletsAdviser, where he spends his days doing the homework most of us dread: comparing flush systems, decoding spec sheets, and reading hundreds of owner reviews so you don’t have to. He covers toilet reviews, buying guides, and hands-on how-to content, with a soft spot for the unglamorous details — rough-in dimensions, MaP flush scores, glaze quality — that decide whether a toilet is a joy or a headache five years from now. His rule is simple: if he wouldn’t recommend it to a friend, it doesn’t get recommended here.
