How Tall is an Extra Tall Toilet? The Complete Guide on Toilet Heights

Hey there! If you‘re looking to upgrade or replace your toilet, one important decision is choosing the right height. As an expert in home renovations with years of experience, I‘m here to provide a comprehensive guide on toilet heights so you can find your perfect fit.

Standard toilets typically range from 15-17 inches, while tall, comfort height toilets are 17 inches or higher. Those extra inches make a big difference when it comes to comfort and ease of use. In this guide, I‘ll cover all the key details about toilet heights so you can determine which is best for your needs.

What is Considered a Tall Toilet?

First, let‘s go over the different toilet height categories:

**Standard Toilet Height:** 15-16.5 inches

**Tall Toilet Height:** 16-17 inches

**Comfort Height Toilet:** 17-18 inches

**Extra Tall Toilet Height:** 18-19 inches

**ADA Toilet Height:** 17-19 inches

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requires public toilet seat heights to be 17-19 inches for accessibility. For residential use, comfort height and extra tall toilets 17 inches and above are considered tall.

The Benefits of Choosing a Tall Toilet

Here are the biggest advantages I‘ve seen from installing toilets with a taller seat height:

1. Increased Comfort and Ease of Use

The extra 2-4 inches of a tall toilet make it much more comfortable for most adult users. Sitting down and standing up is easier, without as much bending and straining.

2. Ideal for Taller Individuals

Standard 15-16 inch toilets can be very uncomfortable for taller people. The additional height of a tall toilet better accommodates their height and proportions.

3. Reduced Joint and Muscle Strain

Repeatedly bending knees and hips to sit on a low toilet seat can cause pain and tightness in those joints over time. A taller seat puts less strain on your joints.

4. Helps Prevent Falls and Injuries

It‘s easier to steadily lower yourself onto a taller seat and safely stand back up. This greatly reduces the chance of falls or instability.

5. Better Circulation in Legs

The more upright posture of a tall toilet promotes better blood flow in your legs compared to a low seat where your thighs are compressed.

6. Simplifies Mobility for Disabled Users

A comfort or extra tall height matches ADA guidelines for accessible toilet use by those with disabilities or mobility limitations.

7. Ideal for the Elderly

Seniors and those with age-related mobility challenges especially benefit from a taller toilet height that reduces bending and strain.

8. Kids Can Use Adult Toilets Earlier

Children can start comfortably using the main family toilet 1-2 years sooner with a tall seat vs. a standard low one.

As you can see, there are many persuasive reasons to consider choosing a toilet with a taller seat height!

Average Toilet Seat Heights

Within each toilet height category, you’ll find models at varying specific increments. Here are some of the most common toilet seat heights available:

• Standard Toilet Height

  • 15 inches
  • 16 inches

• Tall Toilet Height

  • 16.5 inches
  • 17 inches

• Comfort Toilet Height

  • 17.5 inches
  • 18 inches

• Extra Tall Toilet Height

  • 18.5 inches
  • 19 inches

I recommend taking careful measurements of your existing toilet to know exactly which new height will fit best. Test sitting at different measured heights to find your ideal fit.

Tallest Toilet Height Available

The absolute tallest toilet height you can purchase is typically 19 inches. This matches the maximum height for ADA compliant, handicap-accessible public toilets.

Residential toilets are also available in 19 inch models if you want to maximize seat height. Some examples include:

• Toto MS964214CEF#01 (19")
• Kohler Highline Classic (19")
• American Standard Cadet Right Height (19")

If you require an even taller toilet over 19 inches, you can:

• Custom order an extra tall toilet

• Use a toilet seat riser on top of an existing toilet

• Have your plumber adjust the flange height

Just keep in mind that residential toilets above 19 inches may not meet plumbing codes in some areas.

Measuring Toilet Bowl Height vs. Seat Height

When shopping for a new toilet, you‘ll see two different height measurements:

• Toilet bowl height: From floor to top of bowl

• Toilet seat height: From floor to top of seat

The seat height is the more important factor, as it affects how high off the floor you sit. But bowl height also comes into play for comfortable use. Here are some typical measurements:

Toilet Bowl Heights

• Standard: 14-15 inches
• Tall: 15-16 inches
• Comfort: 16-17 inches
• Extra Tall: 17-18 inches

Toilet Seat Heights

• Standard: 15-17 inches
• Tall: 16-17 inches
• Comfort: 17-18 inches
• Extra Tall: 18-19 inches

In general, always look for the tallest bowl height paired with your desired seat height. This provides the most clearance.

Chair Height vs. Comfort Height Toilets

You may also see toilet height categorized as either:

• Chair height: 16-17 inches

• Comfort height: 17-18 inches

The chair height is based on the height of a typical chair. Comfort height offers 2 more inches for easier access.

Here‘s an example toilet height comparison:

Standard toilet: 15 inches

Chair height toilet: 16.5 inches

Comfort toilet: 17.5 inches

Extra tall toilet: 19 inches

I recommend choosing a comfort height or extra tall toilet whenever possible for the most comfortable experience.

Factors To Consider When Choosing a Toilet Height

Here are the key things I advise my clients to think about when selecting the ideal toilet height:

• User height and needs – Consider senior citizens, disabilities, injuries, mobility issues, etc. that factor into what height works best.

• Toilet location – A lower height may be better for small powder rooms, while a taller height is likely preferred in a main bathroom.

• ADA compliance – For commercial buildings, ADA requires 17-19 inch toilet heights for handicap accessibility.

• Building codes – Some residential plumbing codes limit toilet height, usually to under 18 inches. Check your local regulations.

• Personal testing – Try sitting on a stool at different heights to choose what feels most comfortable for your proportions.

Considering these factors will help you select the perfect toilet height for your particular space and needs.

Do Tall Toilets Use More Water?

Here‘s some good news – a toilet‘s height does not affect the water usage amount. The water consumption depends solely on the flush mechanism and tank size, not the bowl height.

In general, today‘s toilets have these flush options:

• 1.6 gpf (gallons per flush) – Now the standard minimum for new toilets

• 1.28 gpf – Low-flow models that reduce water use by 20%

• Dual Flush – Offers a lower 1-1.28 gpf light flush and higher 1.6 gpf full flush as needed

So you can definitely choose a water-efficient tall or extra tall toilet. The height doesn‘t limit your options there!

Tips for Installing a Tall Toilet

When replacing an existing toilet with a taller model, there are a few key steps I recommend:

• Carefully measure for clearance between the new tank/bowl location and your wall.

• Replace the supply line with a longer stainless steel model if needed.

• Ensure the floor flange lines up with the toilet outlet height.

• Adjust flange height or have a plumber raise the waste stack height if required.

• Update wax ring seal between toilet and flange.

• Follow manufacturer instructions closely for install.

It may take some adjusting, but it‘s definitely possible to retrofit a taller toilet in your bathroom with proper planning!

Where to Shop for Extra Tall Toilets

Many home improvement stores now carry a good selection of tall and comfort height toilets. For even more size options, I recommend checking out toilet manufacturers directly:

• Toto – Offers several 18-19" extra tall toilet models in their catalog

• Kohler – Carries a range of Highline, Wellworth, and Highcliff toilets up to 19"

• American Standard – Choices like the iconic Cadet Right Height are available in 17" and 19"

• Delta – Makes the Prelude series of toilets in 17" comfort and 19" ADA heights

Be sure to compare dimensions to find the perfect match for your height needs!

Do I Personally Need a Tall Toilet?

Here are some signs that switching to a tall toilet could be beneficial for you:

• You are taller and don‘t fit well on a standard 15-16" high toilet

• You have arthritis or other conditions that make bending knees difficult

• You experience discomfort or pain when using your current low toilet

• You have trouble standing up from a lower seat height

• You want an easier, more comfortable toilet experience overall

If any of these factors apply to your situation, upgrading to a tall, comfort height or extra tall toilet can make a huge positive difference in your bathroom. Those few extra inches of height go a long way for comfort and accessibility.

The Bottom Line

I hope this detailed toilet height guide provides you with all the information you need to find your perfect fit. Standard toilets are 15-17" high, while tall toilets start at 17" and go up to 19". There are so many benefits to taller seat heights, especially for seniors and people with mobility challenges.

Carefully measure your existing toilet, assess your needs, and try test sitting to decide what height works best for you. With the wide range of tall toilet options now available, you can definitely find an extra tall model that suits your requirements and creates a more comfortable, accessible bathroom experience.

Let me know if you have any other toilet height questions! I‘m always happy to help.