How to Measure a Toilet Seat the Correct Way?

If your toilet seat is broken and you need to purchase a new one, make sure to select the correct size by measuring your toilet seat properly. This article will show you the correct way to measure a toilet seat.

Toilet seats are available in standard sizes, but measuring them before buying is a good idea. Measurement becomes a little difficult if the seat is old or you are looking for a special one.

However, while measuring it and picking the best replacement, you should have no trouble in any situation.

Method 1. Take Basic Toilet Measurements

Measuring the Length of the Seat

Measure the distance between the bolts of the seat and its front by using a measuring tape. Take this measurement across the center of the bowl. The measuring tape should be aligned with the bolt’s centers for precise measurement.

If required, the plastic covers can be snapped up to see the bolts. If you cannot pull apart the covers with your finger, you can use a screwdriver. Imagine the seat as a clock.

Find the length from each side’s center or measure from 12 to 6 o’clock. Note this measurement and keep it with you while buying a toilet, especially when your existing seat is non-standard or old.

Measure Distance Between the Bolts

If the covering hides the bolts, first pull it by using your fingers or screwdriver. Now measure the distance between the centers of the mounting bolt. This measurement is known as bolt spread.

American Standard toilet seats have a 14 cm bolt spread. However, many models are available with an 18 – 25 cm bolt spread.

If the toilet dimensions are not standard, you must order a new seat from the manufacturer. In Europe, 15 – 17 cm is the standard bold spread.

Toilet Width Measurement

To determine the best fitting replacement seat, find the width. Put the measuring tape’s one end on the left side of the seat’s center and place it on its right side.

The tape must be in the center and find the length between the sides of the seat. If you imagine it like a clock, you have to measure from nine to three o’clock.

All the seats come with the standard toilet size, but different brands have slight differences. If you have to replace the seat, finding the width measurement will help a lot.

Method 2. Specialty Toilet Seat Measuring

Measure the Distance Between the 2 Bolts

Find the length between the centers of the bolt holes. Measure it as accurately as possible. A bolt spread is very important to find when buying a specialty toilet seat.

If your bolt spread is not American or European standard, it must be ordered from the manufacturer.

Measure Toilet Bowl’s Length and Width

Keep the measuring tape’s one end at the center of the bolt and the other at the bowl’s front. Note the measurement between bolt holes and the bowl’s front side tip.

Find its width by measuring the distance between its side and center. In the case of standard water closet dimensions, the width is not necessary to find. Only length and measurement of bolt spread are important.

But, if you measure the width, you will get a precise measurement. In the case of a non-standard toilet or specialty seat, finding its width will be beneficial.

Finding the Distance Between the Bolts and The Tank

Find the length of the distance between the bolts and the tank if you want to purchase a specialty seat. For seat warmers, specialty seats, bidet attachments, and raised seat distance between bolts and tank is required to measure.

Before buying specialty seats, get information about their features and the lowest distance for your desired toilet. Don’t waste money on buying the wrong product.

Purchasing a Snap-on Attachment, Measure the Current Seat

Different attachments include raised and easy-to-get seats for kids and people with disabilities. Find the length and width of your current seat and pick the product with corresponding dimensions.

You cannot guess the shape of the toilet by looking at it; measurement is necessary to fit the specialty seats tightly. Some attachments are fastened onto the seats, some are mounted, and some are appended with the mounting bolts.

If required, measure the length, width, and bolt spread. The toilet must have enough space and adjacent fixtures and walls if there are handles or arm sets with your seats.

Method 3. Selecting a Replacement Seat

Buy Round Seat if the Length of the Bowl is 42cm

American toilet seat sizes are standard. A toilet is round if it’s between 41 – 43 cm. Buy a round seat from any local hardware store, and it will be perfect.

The differences are visible by the naked eye if you compare round vs. elongated toilet seats. But, measurement should be done to avoid financial loss by buying the wrong product.

If the Length of the Bowl is 47 cm, Purchase Elongated Seat

American standard size of elongated commodes is 46 – 50 cm. You can easily recognize elongated seats. However, it’s a good idea to take measurements of its length, width, and bolt spread.

For European Toilet, Select Seat Corresponding to Bowl Shape

The most commonly used toilets in Europe are D – shaped, rounded, or pointed. You can easily recognize these shapes with the naked eye. The standard length is 43 cm for each shape.

Identification of D – Shaped seats is easy because its name shows that the toilet will be like the letter D. The pointed seat shape is egg-shaped, and its length is 6.4 mm more than round seats. And, round seats are perfectly like a circle.

If Your Toilet is non – Standard, Determine its Manufacturer and Model

Though the toilet sizes of your modern seats are standardized, you will know that the dimensions of your old seats are different. The older seats can be bought online or from hardware stores.

Some latest models also have non-standard sizes. You can find them online. The model and the toilet manufacturer can be found by lifting the tank lid.

You will find there the model number and the brand name. If it’s not written on the tank’s lid, it will be somewhere inside the tank.

How to Install Toilet Seat?

After choosing and buying the new toilet seat, the next step is its installation.

Removing the Old Toilet Seat

Use a screwdriver to open the seat bolt caps and loosen the bolts. If it’s impossible to lose it, hold the nut on the base of the toilet bowl. When the bolts are removed, pick it up from the base.

Get ready for the Surface for New Seat

Use a multi-purpose cleaner to clean the toilet bowl and newly visible holes.

Installing the New Seat

With the holes, align the seat bolts and push them. Lightly, the nuts should be attached from the underside. Keep the seat on the bowl and tighten the nuts. Put caps on the bolts, and installation is complete.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

Are Standard-Sized Toilet Seats Available?

Seats of toilets are not manufactured in standard sizes. However, you can easily find a replacement for it.

How Can I Recognize that My Toilet is Round or Elongated?

Your toilet bowl is elongated if the seat length is 18 to 19.5 inches. However, if the length is 17 to 17.75 inches, your toilet bowl is round. You can easily notice that the shape of the elongated bowl is egg-like.

Is Replacing a Toilet Seat an Easy Task?

Replacing or installing a toilet seat is simple. Replacing your old commode, damaged toilet, or you want to update the existing style, you will need some necessary tools.

What is the Procedure to Measure the Toilet Bowl for The Toilet Seat?

Measure the distance between the bolts and the front tip of the toilet to find its length. This size should be 16.5 inches if you have a round seat. And the measure will be 18 – 18.5 inches for an elongated toilet.

How to Understand Which Toilet I Need?

Find the depth of your existing toilet by measuring the toilet bowl’s front tip to the tank back. If your current toilet depth is fine, choose the new seat with a similar depth.

Final Thoughts

In this article, you have learned how to measure a toilet seat the correct way. Measuring and installing toilet seats are tasks that anyone can do.

Still, if you undergo a clogged toilet or have difficulty installing the replacement, you can call an expert. Before buying the toilet seat, make sure its size is correct, so you do not waste your money by purchasing the wrong toilet.