Round vs Elongated Toilet: Which Is Best for You?

Shopping for a toilet seems like an easy enough task. They all do basically the same thing and it’s not like there’s tons of variety out there, right? Wrong.

Today’s toilets offer more choice than ever, from comfort heights to sleek tankless versions. “Design trends evolve over time and bathroom fixtures are no exception,” says Leah Tuttleman, an interior designer at Re-Bath bathroom remodeling.

And then there’s bowl size. Do you choose an elongated toilet or a round one? Even if you’re sticking with a basic white commode, answer this key question before walking out of the store or hitting that online checkout button. Each has its benefits depending on your needs and wants.

Tuttleman explains below why the shape of your toilet matters.

Space-saving Toilets: The Round Option

This is your classic toilet, commonly found in older homes and small powder rooms. According to Tuttleman, “Round bowls are generally smaller in size, making them a good choice if space is limited.” Think: kids bathrooms, apartments and half-baths.

Another perk is the price. “Generally speaking, round bowls are less expensive,” Tuttleman says.

Round bowls come in standard height (about 15 to 16 inches) and ADA-compliant comfort height (17 to 19 inches). “It’s a good idea to test different heights to determine which is best for you,” Tuttleman says.

Even with a smaller profile, the round bowl toilets come in standard rough-in sizes (with the distance from the wall to the floor drain). It’s all a matter of preference. Round bowls have been around a long time, offering a classic and compact look.

Dimensions of a round toilet

Round toilet bowls measure about 16 1/2 in. From the middle of the mounting bolts to the front of the rim. If your toilet fits this description, buy a round toilet seat.

Comfort-Focused Toilets: The Elongated Choice

Elongated bowls are considered comfort-focused toilets due to their natural body-shaping fit. For this reason, they’re often preferred by taller, larger, or limited-mobility users.
Elongated-bowl toilets come in more styles and colors with more options than round bowls. Not only that, elongated bowls “are considered more modern and add a sleek look to the bathroom,” Tuttleman says. They’re available in standard rough-in sizes and multiple heights, just like round.

Because elongated toilets are two inches deeper than round ones, it’s important to consider the footprint and overall size of your space. “Make sure you’ve got the measurements right so that whatever you choose fits well in your bathroom.” You don’t want the door hitting the front of the toilet.

Dimensions of an elongated toilet

Elongated bowls measure about 18-1/2-in from the middle of the mounting bolts to the front of the rim. If your toilet fits this description, buy an elongated toilet seat.

Toilet Size Comparison: Round vs. Elongated Dimensions

When planning a bathroom layout, choosing between round and elongated toilet bowls comes down to the space you have available and the comfort you want. Here’s a clear breakdown of their key measurements and how they affect installation in compact areas:

Round toilet dimensions

• Bowl length: Approximately 16½ inches (measured from the center of the mounting bolts to the front of the rim)
• Overall projection: Typically 25–28 inches from the finished wall

Elongated toilet dimensions

• Bowl length: Approximately 18½ inches (a full 2 inches longer than round models)
• Overall projection: Typically 27–30 inches from the finished wall

Space considerations

• Round bowls are ideal for bathrooms under 30 square feet; their shorter profile provides extra clearance and can make tight quarters feel less cramped.
• Elongated bowls offer additional seating comfort and are often preferred in larger bathrooms, but require at least 2 inches more depth.

These dimensions will enable you to have the right size of the furniture and also the clearance that is particularly crucial in any small bathroom.

Choosing the Ideal Toilet Shape

So, which toilet seat shape is for you?

Tuttleman says this decision often comes down to personal preference, but here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing between a round and elongated bowl.

• Space: Round toilets take up less space than elongated ones.
• Comfort: Elongated bowls are longer and give you more room up front.
• Variety: Because elongated bowls are more popular, they come in more colors and styles.
• Price: Round bowls are generally cheaper than elongated versions.
• Style: Elongated bowls offer modern styling, but some people like a classic look.

Current Trends in Toilet Design

The current market provides an array of toilets that provide the benefits of both round and elongated shapes. “There is a trend toward one-piece toilets with compact elongated bowls,” states Tuttleman. “These models provide the comfort of an elongated bowl but occupy less space as compared to other elongated models.”

Also, smart toilets and high efficiency models have become commonplace in the latest washroom refurbishment projects, including touchless flushing heated seats and bidet and washlet with round and elongated toilet bowls.

What About Bidets?

Bidets are having a moment, but not everyone can rip up their bathroom to install a standalone model. Luckily, you don’t have to. “Both round and elongated bowl shapes are typically compatible with bidet attachments” Tuttleman says.

Typically, these attachments are easy to install. But before you buy, you check compatibility with your toilet manufacturer to make sure it’ll fit.

FAQs

Can I replace a round toilet with an elongated one?

Yes, but do it with the condition that you will have enough space for the plants to grow. Round toilets protrude into the room by about 2-3 inches more than elongated ones do. It is always wise to take time when changing this decision, especially if the bathroom is small and the extra inches will count.

Are elongated toilets more expensive than round ones?

Generally yes. Elongated toilets are relatively expensive by about 10-20% in comparison to the round ones. Nevertheless, there is always a difference in the price range depending on the brand, additional features and quality of the products. The comfort might be a better option for many users in terms of the price difference.

Which toilet shape is better for children?

Round toilets are often preferred for children’s bathrooms since their smaller frames don’t require the extra space of an elongated bowl. The compact size makes it easier for young children to sit properly without feeling unstable.

About the Experts

• Leah Tuttleman is an interior interior designer at Re-Bath and has been involved in residential and commercial design for more than 25 years. She is an American Society of Interior Designers member specializing in bathroom remodels. Her recommendation assists homeowners with making pragmatic, design-oriented decisions.

Sources 

• Home Depot: “Toilet Buying Guide.” 
• Steven Bailey Plumbing: “The Ultimate Toilet Guide – Toilet Repair, Toilet Replace.” 
• TOTO USA: “Which Toilet Is Better for My Bathroom – Elongated vs Round?”