Standard bath sizes in Australia: A complete guide

Designing a bathroom is no easy feat. While every element is crucial to its overall success, your bath is arguably the most eye-catching and influential fitting so getting it right is crucial. As the largest feature in the bathroom, size is a key factor, especially if space is limited. There is a decent range to choose from when it comes to standard bath sizes in Australia which gives you plenty of options for picking one that will fit your space and meet your needs.

Before diving into bath sizes, it's important to first determine how much floor space you have to work with. This will allow you to consider your bath in proportion to the overall bathroom layout.

For a square or rectangular bathroom, it is easy to calculate floor space. Simply measure the length and width of your bathroom and multiply these numbers. For example, if the length is 4 m and the width is 4 m, then your floor space sum is 16 m².

For bathrooms that have an irregular shape, it is best to section your floor space into separate box-like shapes. This will make it easier to calculate.

By calculating your bathroom floor space, you’ll be able to place your bathroom into a particular size bracket. A small bathroom in Australia is typically considered around 6m², an average size bathroom is around 8m² and a large bathroom is anything over 20m².

Using this, you can make a comparable choice for a small, average or large bath. A small bath is typically considered one that measures 1400mm (length) x 600mm (width), an average bath is approximately 1700mm x 700mm and a large bath is 1800mm x 800mm and above.

Of course, these aren’t hard and fast rules and you can go for a small bathtub in a large bathroom for example, but these recommendations usually work well with regards to bath size and overall proportion.

Related article: Renovating small bathrooms - the dos and don’ts

There are also a few other considerations when it comes to thinking about the size of your bathtub. The first is the shape of the bath. If you’re looking to save space, a bath with rounded corners will give you a bit of extra space in the area around your bath compared to one with straight edges.

You should also consider the space you’ll need in and around your bath too. This is particularly important if you’re thinking about a freestanding bathtub. Ideally, you’ll want at least 150mm - 300mm of space around all its sides to ensure it doesn’t feel cramped. You’ll also want to have enough space to access all sides when it comes to cleaning it and the floor around.

The type of bath you choose will also have a natural bearing on its size and is often the biggest factor when it comes to your final choice.

As just mentioned, different types of baths are sized differently depending on their characteristics. Having an idea of what these are is the final piece of the puzzle to determining which bath will work best for you.

Alcove Bath

An alcove bath is defined by its installation and has three walls that surround it. This rectangular bath is placed in a bathroom's recess area - hence the name "alcove."

It is less than a bathtub type, and more so an installation technique. This bath is perfect for smaller bathrooms as medium to large bathrooms tend to lack areas where walls are close enough to form an alcove.

The bath size for an alcove is about 1300mm x 700mm. This bath type is simple in design but can be efficient if you have less bathroom space to work with.

Alcove baths are wall-mounted with the front side open; this way you can add a shower curtain for privacy. They tend to be easier to get in and out of as well.

Drop-in Bath

A drop-in bath is a bath size you can take and drop anywhere. You can place it wherever you want inside a frame. It can be in the middle, side, or back of the bathroom. The rectangular tub alone is considered unfinished, so many place tile or stone as the outer structure.

A drop-in bath size is about 1500mm x 700mm. Drop-in baths can also have a deeper depth of 400mm.

The installation of a drop-in bath is a bit more complex. Because it is not wall-mounted, you will need to develop a frame around the bathtub for proper support. This bath size is perfect for you if you have a medium-sized bathroom and enjoy deep soaks.

Freestanding Bath

The modern, stylish design of a freestanding tub instantly draws the eye. This typically oval-shaped bath is usually free of an outer border. A freestanding bath can be complex to renovate around, especially when there are a variety of freestanding bath designs to purchase from.

A freestanding bath has a wide range of sizes from 1400mm - 1800mm x 600mm - 800mm. These bath sizes are best suited for medium to large bathrooms.

Related article: Freestanding baths - a buyer’s guide

Corner Bath

If you love luxury, a corner bath is perfect for you. As the name suggests, corner baths are tucked into a bathroom corner with one side tapered off. They are square-shaped, though some types are triangular. These tubs are best for large bathrooms; in some instances, a corner bath can fit into an alcove.

A corner bath size ranges from 1600mm x 1600mm. These tubs are all about treating yourself and enjoying a luxurious bath.

By knowing your floor space and the standard bath sizes in Australia, you will be able to choose the type of bath that will work best for you. Whether it's a tidy alcove bath for a small bathroom or ensuite or a lavish corner bath for a luxurious bathroom, there’s a bathtub out there that will meet all your requirements on a daily basis and look great too.