Standard Height vs Comfort Height Toilets | Which To Choose

According to a study conducted by UK retailer B&Q, the average adults spend around 23 minutes per day on the toilet or 373 days in a lifetime. Around 30% of people reported being unhappy with the comfort of their toilet comfort.

This report serves to remind us about the importance of the various height toilet seats we have available to us here in the US. There’s the standard toilet and the ‘Comfort Height’ toilet. But what’s the difference between standard height vs comfort height toilets, and which is best for you?

Why Are The Different Height Toilets

Standard Height Toilet

It goes without saying that any product termed ‘Standard’ will be designed and manufactured for the masses.

The standard toilet height is suited to the majority of family homes that comprise children and adults. At 14.5 inches high it is low enough for smaller individuals, children, and adults to use with relative comfort. However, no two people are the same and an increasing proportion of the population is looking for something more specific

Comfort Height Toilet

Taller people find the standard-height toilet simply too low to the ground, meaning it’s not so comfortable to use and more difficult to stand up from a seated position. The same applies to the growing elderly population and people with mobility conditions.

2010 ADA Standards have very specific requirements for toilet sizes stating that ‘accessibility toilets’ should be installed with the top of the seat between 17” and 19” above floor level.

This is where the comfort height toilet seat comes into play. It measures 16.5 inches high, plus the height of the toilet seat making it up to 19” combined height. Offering the user an additional 2 inches of elevation over standard height and therefore reducing the mechanical strain on joints and muscles.

Comfort toilets are the same height as a standard chair that we use for sitting. However, let’s not forget the toilet is made up of two elements, the bowl, and the toilet seat. So let’s detail the correct point of measurement to check what toilet height you have and if a comfort seat would benefit you.

Measuring Your Toilet

There are two types of measurement to consider when we talk about toilet height.

1. The height from the floor to the top of the toilet bowl rim
2. The height from the floor to the top of the toilet seat

Most toilet seats will add approximately 2 inches to the overall height of the seated position. So it’s important to check that you are thinking of the height as measured from the correct point.

To clarify a comfort seat will be 16.5 inches from the floor to the top of the ceramic bowl. The toilet seat will be an additional 1.5-2.5 inches. So in total, combined, the overall seating height will measure up to 19 inches from the floor to the top of the toilet seat.

Is A Comfort Height Toilet Right For You

There is no definitive answer here, it’s more about the practicalities of having a toilet seat larger than the conventional height.

When to Consider a Comfort Height Toilet

1. If you are 5′ 6″ or taller
2. If you suffer from mobility problems such as arthritis or other conditions that make seating and rising challenging
3. If you don’t have children in the house and prefer to sit in a more elevated position
4. Installing a comfort height toilet can also offer you water efficiency, and therefore save money when compared to an old toilet with an oversized water tank.

When to Use a Standard Height Toilet

1. Any household with small children should continue using standard-height toilets
2. If you or your family members are of average height or shorter

FAQ’s Standard Height vs Comfort Height