How to measure your toilet seat height
Put the seat down and measure from the floor straight up to the top of the seat at the front edge. Write the number down in centimetres or inches. If the floor is uneven, measure at the front of the bowl where your feet will be.
- Measure with the seat down, not the lid.
- Measure to the top of the seat, where you sit.
- Check the bowl shape (round or elongated) before buying a raised seat.
Where the target heights come from
The US Access Board guide to the ADA Standards gives an accessible seat height of 17 to 19 inches, measured to the top of the seat, and notes that toilets in dwelling units may sit lower, within 15 to 19 inches. Germany's DIN 18040-2 for barrier-free housing gives 46 to 48 cm including the seat, and French accessibility rules use 45 to 50 cm.
These are reference ranges for accessible toilets. The right height for one person depends on leg length, hip or knee conditions and how they stand up. If a therapist has recommended a height, use the custom option.
Raised seat, riser or toilet frame?
A raised toilet seat sits on the bowl and adds height; a riser goes under the seat; a toilet safety frame adds armrests to push up from. Height alone does not solve every problem: if standing up is hard because of weak arms or balance, armrests or grab bars often help as much as extra height.
- Too high: feet may not rest flat on the floor.
- Too low: standing up takes more effort from knees and hips.
- Shared bathrooms: a removable raised seat keeps the toilet usable for others.
Questions
What is the best toilet height for seniors?
There is no single best height. Accessibility references use 17 to 19 inches (43 to 48 cm) in the US, 46 to 48 cm in Germany and 45 to 50 cm in France, measured to the top of the seat. The right height lets the person sit with feet flat and stand up without strain.
How much does a raised toilet seat add?
Raised seats are sold in fixed heights, commonly a few inches. Measure your current seat height, subtract it from your target and choose a seat whose stated height is in that range. The calculator does the subtraction for you.
How do I measure toilet seat height?
Put the seat down and measure from the floor to the top of the seat at the front. That is the height you sit at, and it is the number accessibility references use.
Should I get a raised seat or a toilet frame?
If sitting down and standing up are hard because the toilet is low, extra height helps. If the problem is pushing up or balance, armrests from a toilet safety frame or grab bars may help more. Many people use both; an occupational therapist can advise.