Standard Shower Dimensions & Sizes (with Drawings)

When you’re taking a shower, you pay more attention to the shower’s dimensions than you probably realize. Every time you turn around and bump your elbow, you might think about how your shower is too small. On the contrary, if you love taking long showers, it might be because you have enough room to be comfortable.

To comply with ADA accessibility requirements, a standard shower must be 36×36 inches. However, the International Residential Code allows for a shower size of 30×30, which is mostly used in smaller bathrooms to conserve space. If space allows, a comfortable size for a shower is 48×36 inches.

If you’re unsure of how much space you need, take a little spin in your would-be shower space, literally. Stand up, stretch out your arms, and turn in a circle; do you have enough room? If you’re banging into walls, your shower will probably be less-than-comfy, but you have to consider several factors.

Related Content: Standard Walk-In Shower Dimensions | Shower Door Alternatives | Shower Bench Dimensions

The ideal size for a standard shower is 48 “x36”, but it can be as small as 30 “x30”. The latter size is the absolute minimum size for a shower. One of the most affordable shower choices is a prefab shower kit.

A standard shower is traditionally set up using enclosed panels and some type of shower door. These showers commonly feature a shower pan and either a framed or frameless glass panel enclosure. You can place various tile styles or other surfaces on the floor and walls to create unique designs.

You can purchase shower kits in various sizes, ranging from 36 to 42 inches square. Smaller kits, measuring 32 by 32 inches, can cost as low as $400. You can also find larger units, like 30 by 60 inches, for closer to $1,800.

If space is at a premium in your bathroom, a corner shower can offer a space-saving design. You often find corner showers in three-quarter baths. These bathrooms typically feature a toilet, a sink, and a shower stall.

Simply orient the shower so that the door faces the most convenient direction with the rest of the bathroom. A corner shower works best if at least 36 x 36 inches along the walls. With this size, you can at least avoid bumping your elbows while you’re moving around and washing your hair, etc.

However, if you want a larger shower, get a unit that comes out along each wall 42 inches. These six extra inches on each wall make a big difference in the comfort level of your shower stall.

To save a bit more floor space in your bathroom, you can opt for a more triangular-shaped corner shower. These units go along two walls but cut across the front instead of sitting square. Depending on the shower size, you can gain between 2 and 4 square feet of floor space with this style.

When it comes to designing the perfect two-person shower, it’s all about what makes the couple the most comfortable. Some of the most common sizes for a two-person shower are 3 x 5 feet and 4 x 6 feet. However, some are even larger if space (and budget) allows.

You also need two showerheads or a large overhead rainfall-style showerhead in a two-person shower. If you use two separate showerheads, you usually place them on opposite walls of the shower.

However, if you opt to place the showerheads on the same wall, position them at least three feet apart. Each person must have enough space to move around freely.

Another consideration for a two-person shower is the drain. A standard shower requires a minimum 2-inch drain pipe. However, since two people are using the shower, you might want to go with a 4-inch pipe to account for extra drainage.

Whether you have a single or a double shower, a standard shower needs a shower curb. This refers to the raised edge at the bottom of a shower. The curb keeps the water in the shower instead of flowing out onto your bathroom floor.

According to the U.S. building code, the shower pan curb needs to be at least two inches above the drain’s top. Typically, a shower curb should not be more than 9 inches above the top of the drain.

Additionally, a shower curb should slope so that water flows back toward the drain. Therefore, you won’t end up with standing water around your shower curb. To determine how far from the shower floor the curb should sit, consider the floor’s slope.

For example, assume the floor slopes ¼ inch per foot in a 3-foot shower. If the curb is 3 feet from the drain, it would likely be 1 ¼ inch up from the shower floor. If the shower is larger, the curb will probably need to be higher, and so forth.

Standard showers usually include a shower door set in glass panels. The panels need to be at least 5 ½ inches wide to allow for proper tempering and hardware support. The usual standard shower door is between 22 and 36 inches wide.

If you have a shower opening larger than 36 inches, then you need an extra door panel. Alternatively, you would need a custom door designed for wide spaces. One such option might be sliding shower doors, which can range from 45 to 47 inches wide.

You can also get larger sliding doors that range from 57 to 59 inches wide. No matter what style shower door you go with, most doors have a height of 72 to 79 inches. If you have high ceilings in your bathroom and want a taller door, you would likely need to go custom.

You can’t have a shower without water, which means you need a showerhead. The most significant factor to keep in mind when installing a shower head is how high to put it.

If you install a shower head too low, it results in a very uncomfortable experience, especially if you’re tall.

The usual height for a shower head is 80 inches, and the minimum height is 72 inches. However, even if 72 inches is comfortable for you, don’t forget about other people who might use the shower.

The ceiling in a shower can range from about 84 to 120 inches. Therefore, keep the ceiling height in mind when installing your showerhead. If your shower includes a seat, this can also influence where you place the showerhead.

Many showers feature benches, which come in various styles, shapes, and sizes. If you decide to install a seat in your shower, keep in mind a few basics. The seat of the bench should be about 17 to 19 inches from the floor.

The standard depth is about 15 inches but can be slightly more or less than this based on your preferences. You can install a bench on the wall and fold it up when not in use. This lets you still maximize your floor space. Check out these teak shower bench ideas.

The showerhead is typically installed on the wall above the bath faucet. It should be placed as high as possible for comfort but within the guidelines of the fixture and pipes. The controls for the tub also operate the shower.

You also want to use a shower liner in addition to your bath curtain. The liner acts as your shower enclosure. It helps keep water from the shower spraying out onto your bathroom floor.

Standard shower/bathtub combination sizes:

Steam showers have been shown to provide therapeutic advantages, such as improved circulation and reduced pain.

Steam showers can be built to order or purchased in standard sizes. However, these spa-like enclosures are most energy efficient at a height of 7 to 8 feet, so make sure you have enough vertical space in your bathroom.

A sloped ceiling and nonporous ceramic tiles in a steam shower can help retain heat and prevent condensation buildup. If you’re not sure, talk to a local shower installation specialist to figure out what kind of slope you’ll need.

Standard steam shower sizes:

Related Questions

How high should you install a grab bar in a shower?

If you install a grab bar in your shower, mount it about 33 to 36 inches above the floor. 

Are there specific size requirements for an outdoor shower?

Typically, an outdoor shower needs to be at least 3 x 3 feet square. However, you don’t necessarily need walls for an outdoor shower, although you want to consider privacy. You also need a drain, but likely nothing overly complicated. If you plan to install an outdoor shower, it’s essential to consult your local building codes before starting the process.

How big does my shower liner need to be?

Base the size of your shower liner on the size of your shower pan. The liner should be slightly larger; add about one-foot extra to the length and width. For example, if the shower pan is 3 x 4 feet, your liner should be 4 x 5 feet.  If you have a bench, the liner should go up and over the bench. It should also go up the wall about an extra 6 inches. Therefore, measure carefully before getting your shower liner.