What Size Is the Average Bathroom?

Martin Barraud/OJO Images/Getty Images

A typical bathroom is about 40 square feet, which is big enough to accommodate a standard bathtub, sink, and toilet. At least 10 more square feet are needed if a standalone shower is included. Most North American houses built before 1980 had bathrooms that were 40 square feet or less.

A bathroom can be installed in a space smaller than 40 square feet by:

  • Using smaller-than-standard fixtures
  • Installing a shower but leaving out the tub
  • Using a pocket door instead of a swinging door.

More recently built houses have larger bathrooms and more bathrooms than older homes. A typical 2,000-square-foot home will have a large master bathroom, a smaller second bathroom, and a powder room, for a total of two and a half bathrooms.