What is universal toilet height?

Author: Prof. Howard Kuhn  |  Last update: Friday, November 28, 2025

Universal Height refers to a toilet or integrated unit's seated height as measured from the floor to the top of the seat. While most universal height toilets are between 17″-19″, some companies, like TOTO, use the term to describe any toilet with a seated height of 16.5″ or taller.

What is the difference between standard and universal toilet height?

ADA-compliant chair height is a minimum of 17 inches and a maximum of 19 inches from the finished floor to the top of the toilet seat. Standard height toilets are typically 14 to 15 inches in height.

What is the height of a toilet for seniors?

For most users, a comfort height toilet, which ranges from 420-460mm (17-19 inches), is often preferred. This higher elevation is particularly beneficial for seniors or those with knee and back problems.

What is the height of a standard toilet?

While a standard toilet may sit at anywhere between 380mm to 460mm (around 15 to 18 inches) off the ground, taller people may want to aim for the upper end of this range for better comfort.

How tall is a luxury height toilet?

Most standard height toilets are 15 inches high, but manufacturers do make taller toilets that range from 16.5 to 19 inches tall. The higher height was initially made for the American Disabilities Act (ADA), that mandates ADA approved bathrooms toilet seat height are a minimum of 17 inches or taller.

TOTO Drake Two-Piece Elongated 1.28 GPF Universal Height TORNADO FLUSH Toilet with review

What is a universal toilet?

The Universal Toilet is a flexible toilet design useable by both individuals with disabilities and the general population that removes the social stigma of handicapped facilities. For users with disabilities, even a dedicated handicapped toilet requires maneuvering, especially when in a wheelchair.

What is the best height toilet to buy?

Standard height toilets have rims that are 14 to 15 inches from the floor and should work well for shorter people. If you're taller, consider chair height toilets that have a toilet seat height of 17 inches or more.

Do toilets come in different heights?

Toilet heights range from 10 inches tall to more than 20 inches, depending on the application.

What is the height of a Kohler Comfort height toilet?

The 16.5" bowl height of the Highline Comfort Height toilet bowl is the same height as a standard chair to provide maximum comfort.

Does Medicare pay for taller toilets for seniors?

Medicare won't cover raised toilet seats. These toilet seat risers are considered convenience items. Fortunately, these items are easy to find and inexpensive. These seats assist with using and getting up from the toilet more easily.

Is a round or elongated toilet better for seniors?

Elongated bowls are also considered more 'hygienic' in that the larger surface area of the bowl makes is easier for men and children to use with less mess. The longer bowl size is also a requirement for ADA use, and the longer/wider bowl is generally easier to use for those with mobility issues.

What is the shortest height for a toilet?

Toilet height is measured from the floor to the top of the seat. Most often, toilets fall somewhere between 15" and 19", with standard toilets coming in under 17". Chair-height toilets measure 17" or more.

What are the disadvantages of a comfort height toilet?

Cons of Comfort Height Toilet
  • Not Ideal for Shorter Individuals and Children: The taller height can make it challenging for kids and adults who are shorter (under 5'4”).
  • Space Requirements: Comfort height toilets may not fit in tight spaces due to their larger size.

What is special about a TOTO toilet?

The brand's toilets come with innovative water-saving features, which help to conserve water while still maintaining their effectiveness. TOTO was the first company to introduce the dual flushing system, which saves up to 35% of water compared to traditional single-flush toilets.

How to make a toilet higher?

Set-on Riser: These toilet risers sit directly on the toilet bowl, raising the seat height for users. They are typically easy to install but are less stable than other options. Clamp-on Riser: As the name suggests, these risers clamp onto the existing toilet seat, adding height without permanent installation.

Is a 19 inch toilet too high?

A 19-inch or taller toilet would be considered “extra large” and would be most suited for a person over 6 feet tall or those with accessibility concerns. You should also take into consideration any special needs of people who may be using your home.

Can a toilet be moved a few inches?

Not all homes come with a toilet in the perfect location. Some have it too close to the counter, too far from the wall, or otherwise mislocated. Moving a toilet — even just a few inches — can drastically improve the form and function of a bathroom.

Is TOTO better than Kohler?

Who is better TOTO or Kohler? TOTO surpasses Kohler in several aspects, making it the superior choice for bathroom fixtures. TOTO products are known for their cutting-edge technology, offering innovative features like water-saving mechanisms and advanced bidet functionality.

What is the best toilet seat height for seniors?

What toilet height is best for seniors? Seniors and disabled users will have an easier time sitting and standing up from a comfort height toilet, which measures 17 to 19 inches from the ground to the seat.

What is the most reliable brand of toilet?

The overall best toilet is the Toto Drake Cotton, thanks to its powerful flushing action, comfortable height, and advanced ceramic coating. For a more modern look, the Swiss Madison St. Tropez is an efficient option with a clean design, and it's available in four attractive finishes.

What is standard or universal height toilet?

While most universal height toilets are between 17″-19″, some companies, like TOTO, use the term to describe any toilet with a seated height of 16.5″ or taller. In comparison, a standard height toilet is between 15 and 17″ tall.

Will any toilet handle fit any toilet?

While some replacement toilet handles have a universal fit capability, others are designed specifically for toilets with front-, side-, or angle-mounting positions.

What is a lazy toilet?

The best way to describe this toilet is “lazy,” because it seems lethargic and slow in its flushing and like something isn't quite right in the flushing process. It might even take a few flushes to get whatever's in the bowl to leave the toilet.

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