Standard Washer and Dryer Dimensions (with Photos)

You might not like doing laundry, but it’s pretty much a fact of life that it has to get done. No matter what your laundry needs, you have to pick the washer and dryer that will work best for you. Obviously, your appliances need to fit in your laundry area, but the inside dimensions play a big role in performance.

Typical washers and dryers are 27 inches wide, 31 to 33 inches deep, and between 36 and 39 inches tall. However, the capacity of the machines is also a critical factor to consider when selecting your appliances. Washing machines range from 2.3 to 5.0 cubic feet, with the average being 3.5; a dryer’s capacity is typically larger.

A washing machine’s average size is roughly 27 inches wide x 31 inches deep x 39 inches tall.

However, there are models that are taller but shallower if you have a smaller footprint for your machine. For example, a washing machine could be closer to 28 inches deep, but it has a height of 42 inches.

The interior space of a washing machine also varies from unit to unit. However, the average capacity is 3.5 cubic feet. This measurement is critical when choosing your machine, especially if you plan to wash overly bulky items.

For example, some large machine-washable products, like 8 x 10 Ruggables, require a larger washing tub. Ruggable specifies that you need at least a 3.5 cu. ft. machine to wash its 8 x 10 rugs.

If you routinely wash large loads of laundry, then you might want to consider an extra-large capacity machine. Opting for a 4.2 or 5.0 cubic feet washer can drastically cut down on your number of loads.

A dryer is usually slightly larger than a washing machine, at least in terms of capacity. This extra space is because clothes and other items tend to fluff up in the dryer, taking up more space.

A typical dryer is approximately 27 inches wide, 26 to 29 inches deep, and between 39 and 42 inches tall. This height includes the control board and is similar for both gas and electric models. For the most part, a dryer will have the same height and depth as its matching washer.

These dimensions usually match since these appliances are typically designed to stand side-by-side. However, the width of each machine can sometimes vary, especially since the dryer’s capacity is normally larger.

A standard dryer has an average capacity of about 6 cubic feet. A large-capacity dryer has closer to 7.5 cu. ft. and an extra-large dryer can be over 9 cu. ft.

The larger the capacity of the dryer, the larger the exterior dimensions. When purchasing a washer and dryer set, the dryer will usually feature double the capacity of its matching washing machine.

When considering the space for your dryer, don’t forget to account for the venting. Standard dryers need an exhaust vent to send heat and moisture outside of the house. The ductwork should be kept to a minimum, as too much can affect your dryer’s performance.

Keep the overall length of your dryer duct run to less than 60 feet. Also, ensure there are minimal turns and bends. Plus, leave between 3 and 5 inches behind your dryer for hook-ups and venting.

The door of a dryer or washing machine takes up about 22 to 23 inches when open. In addition to this space, you also want to account for any additional space you need to maneuver around.

Though, in general, front-load washers are dryers come in the most diverse array of sizes. They can be grouped into three main categories: compact, full-size, and mega-capacity. The following table outlines some standard dimensions for each of these types of front-load washers and dryers:

However, these measurements do not include the additional four inches for connections. With the lid open to about 90 degrees, top-load washers fall between 52 inches to 58 inches total in height. Ensure there is enough clearance above your top-load washer for the lid to open fully and remain open without assistance. Since it’s also good to keep the washer lid (or door) open after a wash, this makes things much simpler.

When it comes to top-loading dryers, you can basically pair any dryer with your top-load washer. The standard dimensions for top-load dryers are very similar to their top-load washer counterparts:

Related Questions

How much space does the agitator take up in a washing machine?

The agitator is the spindle that sticks up in the middle of the washing machine tub. Some machines don’t have an agitator, and instead, have a small hub called an impeller. If your machine has an agitator, it will hold slightly less than an impeller machine of the same size. Although agitator machines were once on the smaller side, you can now get extra-large capacity models up to 6 cu. ft. The most important thing to remember is to not overload your machine, even without an agitator. Clothes need room to move freely to get cleaned thoroughly.

How do washer and dryer pedestals affect the dimensions of the appliances?

If you need extra storage space in your laundry area, pedestals under front-load machines can offer a solution. However, keep in mind they’ll give your appliances a boost, raising the height up to 15 inches. This extra height can make loading these machines easier. However, remember to account for the raised height when planning any storage areas above your machines.