Bathtub Sizes in Australia: Standard, Small, Corner and Freestanding

There's no single standard, but two lengths dominate Australian bathrooms: around 1525mm and around 1675mm. These sizes trace back to imperial measurements of roughly five feet and five-and-a-half feet, which is why so many ranges and existing bathrooms are built around them.
Some examples from Caroma's range show how size, depth and capacity vary:

• Bao Bon 1500mm back-to-corner bath: 1500 × 750 × 600 mm, with a water capacity of 278 litres.
• Caroma Cube Island bath: 1675 × 750 × 460 mm, with a water capacity of 380 litres.
• Caroma Luna 1675 island bath: 270 litres.

These examples show that two baths of the same length can hold very different volumes, depending on their depth and internal shape. When comparing baths, look at the internal dimensions and capacity as well as the outside length.

Browse our 1500mm to 1700mm baths and 1600mm baths to compare common sizes.

The type of bath changes how its size works in your bathroom.

Built-in baths
Built-in baths sit in a recess or against walls on one or more sides. The recess length must match the bath closely, so measure the space carefully and check the manufacturer's recommended recess dimensions before ordering. Built-in baths are the most space-efficient option and suit family bathrooms where a bath sits under a shower.

Back-to-wall baths
Back-to-wall baths have a freestanding look but a flat side that sits against the wall. They take up less floor space than a fully freestanding bath, and there's no gap behind them to clean.

Freestanding baths
Freestanding baths are commonly 1500 to 1800mm long. Beyond the bath's own footprint, allow space around it for cleaning and access, and for a floor-mounted bath mixer if you're using one. For a larger statement bath, browse our baths over 1700mm.

If space is tight, small and corner baths let you keep a bath without overwhelming the room.

Small baths. Compact baths start at around 1200mm long. They suit small bathrooms, ensuites, and households that mainly use the bath for children. Browse our small baths, including 1200mm baths, 1400mm baths and other baths under 1500mm.

Shower baths. A shower bath is wider at one end to give more room for standing under the shower. It's a good choice where a bath and shower must share one space.

Corner baths. Corner baths fit into a corner, using two walls. Sizes vary widely by shape, so measure both walls and the diagonal space into the room. Check that the bath's shape leaves enough clear floor space in front of it.

Measure the space, the access path and the plumbing before you choose a bath.

1. Measure the available space. For a built-in bath, measure the recess length and width at several points, because walls aren't always square. For a freestanding bath, measure the floor area and mark out the bath's footprint plus clearance.
2. Check the access path. Make sure the bath will fit through doorways, hallways and stairwells, and allow for turning corners. This is easy to overlook with large freestanding baths.
3. Locate the waste. Note where the existing waste is, and whether you want an end or centre waste. Moving the waste adds plumbing work.
4. Plan the taps. Decide on wall-mounted, deck-mounted or floor-mounted bath mixers, because each needs different plumbing and space.
   5. Consider the bather. Taller users may want a longer bath, or one with a reclined back. If you can, sit in a bath of the same size before buying.

Capacity tells you how much water a bath holds, and it affects both floor load and hot water use.

How many litres does a bath hold? It depends on the size and depth. The Caroma examples above range from 270 to 380 litres, and larger baths can hold over 400 litres.

Floor load. One litre of water weighs about 1 kg, so a full 270-litre bath holds about 270 kg of water. Add the weight of the bath and the bather, and a large bath can weigh several hundred kilograms when in use. For a bath on an upper floor or a timber-framed floor, ask your builder or engineer to confirm the floor can support it.

Hot water. A bigger bath needs more hot water to fill. Check your hot water system can fill the bath you're choosing, especially if others may shower at the same time.

When you've worked out the size that fits, browse our full range of bathtubs, or shop the look below.