Standard vs. Comfort Toilet Heights

There are two main toilet heights: standard height and comfort height. With a 2- to 3-inch difference between the two types, it's important to choose the toilet height that works for users.

• Standard height toilets: 14-1/2 to 16 inches high
• Comfort height toilets: 17 to 19 inches high

Learn about standard versus comfort toilet heights before purchasing a new toilet for the home.

Understanding Toilet Heights

Toilets will generally range from about 14-1/2 inches to 21 inches high. Most toilets do not exceed 19 inches high. Standard height and comfort height toilets tend to have a 2- to 3-inch height difference. A third and less common toilet called a tall height toilet is 19 inches high.

Opting for a shorter toilet is a good idea if the toilet will be installed in a children's bathroom or if the users tend to be shorter. However, a comfort height toilet may be a better option for taller users with difficulty lowering to the seat and standing up again after use.

Standard Height Toilets

Standard height toilets sit lower to the ground than comfort height toilets, typically measuring about 14-1/2 to 16 inches high.

Standard height toilets are best for children and shorter users who may not like the additional height of a comfort height toilet. Children can climb up onto the seat easier, allowing them to use the toilet without a step stool.

Also, standard height toilets weigh less than comfort height toilets, and can often take up less space, making standard height toilets ideal for smaller bathrooms.

Comfort (or Chair) Height Toilets

Comfort height toilets—also called chair height toilets—may be the better choice for taller users, as well as people with mobility problems. The higher seat makes it easier for some people to sit down and stand back up.

Users who are taller than 5'4" may feel more comfortable sitting down and standing up from a comfort height toilet. These toilets measure 17 to 19 inches from the ground at the base of the toilet to the top of the toilet seat.

Instead of sinking to a toilet seat that is just over a foot off the ground, users can sit comfortably at a height of 17 to 19 inches. This added height makes it easier for taller users, but it's also safer for those that have difficulty getting up from a low seat, like seniors and people with mobility challenges.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires an ADA-approved toilet to be 17 to 19 inches high.

	Standard Height	Comfort Height
Height	14-1/2 to 21 inches	17 to 19 inches
Comfort	Comfortable for kids and short adults	More comfortable and safer for taller users or those with mobility challenges
Difficulty sitting	Toilet seat height is easier to access for shorter people	May require a step stool to help kids and smaller adults
Disability	Not suitable for homes with disabled users	Meets the toilet height requirements set out by the ADA