Bathroom Vanity Height
Bathroom vanities are 30–32 in (76–81 cm) tall in the traditional standard and 34–36 in (86–91 cm) at "comfort height", measured from the floor to the top of the countertop. Comfort height is now the most common choice for adults; the lower height suits a children's bathroom. In Europe, 85 cm is the usual height.
Vanity heights
| Vanity | Height to the top | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional | 30–32 in (76–81 cm) | Children, shared family bathrooms |
| Comfort height | 34–36 in (86–91 cm) | Most adults |
| European standard | 85 cm (80–90 cm) | Most adults |
| Vessel sink | Counter at about 30 in, rim at 34–36 in | Bowls that sit on top |
| Accessible (ADA) | 34 in (86.5 cm) maximum | Wheelchair users |
| Wall-hung | Any height you choose | Mount the top at 32–36 in |
The height includes the countertop. A vanity cabinet is about 1 1/2 in (4 cm) lower than the finished height: a 34 1/2 in cabinet with a 1 1/2 in top gives a 36 in vanity.
Vanity depth and width
| Dimension | Standard | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Depth | 21 in (53 cm) | 16–24 in (41–61 cm) |
| Depth, narrow bathroom | 18 in (46 cm) | 16–18 in |
| Widths, single sink | 24, 30, 36 in | 60, 80, 100 cm |
| Widths, double sink | 60, 72 in | 120–150 cm |
| Toe kick | 3–4 in high (8–10 cm) |
A double-sink vanity needs at least 60 in (150 cm) to give each person room; 48 in works for two small sinks but feels cramped.
For every width and depth, single, double and ADA, see bathroom vanity dimensions.
Sink and clearance rules
Bathroom design guidelines put the centre of a sink at least 15 in (38 cm) from a side wall or a tall cabinet, and two sinks at least 30 in (76 cm) apart, centre to centre. US codes also ask for at least 21 in (53 cm) of clear floor in front of the vanity; 30 in is more comfortable.
The drain usually comes out of the wall 16–20 in (40–50 cm) above the floor, right behind the cabinet. Plan the back of the vanity for it: leave the back open, cut an opening in the back panel, or make the drawers shorter so they clear the trap.
Choosing the height
Pick comfort height if adults use the bathroom most: at 36 in the sink is close to kitchen counter height and the back strains less. Pick 30–32 in for children, or for a vessel sink that would otherwise end up too high. If you are not sure, build to 34 in: it is the accessible maximum and a fair compromise for everyone.
Building a vanity
A vanity is a base cabinet with a cut-out for the plumbing and, usually, a deeper toe kick. Our vanity plan sizes every part from the width, depth and height you type:
Use moisture-resistant board in a bathroom: plywood, moisture-resistant (MR) MDF or melamine with every edge banded, so water cannot reach the core.
Frequently asked questions
What is the standard bathroom vanity height?
30–32 in (76–81 cm) for a traditional vanity and 34–36 in (86–91 cm) for a comfort-height one, measured to the top of the countertop. Most new vanities are comfort height.
What is comfort height for a vanity?
34 to 36 in (86–91 cm), close to kitchen counter height, so adults bend less at the sink.
How tall should a vanity be for a vessel sink?
Lower than usual, so the rim of the bowl ends up at 34–36 in. For a 5–6 in tall vessel, the counter should be about 30 in (76 cm).
How deep is a standard bathroom vanity?
21 in (53 cm) is standard; narrow vanities are 16–18 in (41–46 cm) deep. In Europe 45–50 cm is common.
What height is an ADA vanity?
The counter or sink rim may be no higher than 34 in (86.5 cm), with knee clearance at least 27 in (68.5 cm) high underneath.
What is the average bathroom vanity height?
About 32–36 in. Older homes average 30–32 in; most new vanities are comfort height, 34–36 in to the top of the counter.
What is the standard bathroom cabinet height?
A bathroom base cabinet is the vanity: 30–32 in standard or 34–36 in comfort height with the countertop. A wall cabinet or medicine cabinet usually hangs with its bottom 18–20 in above the vanity top, which puts its middle near eye level, about 60–64 in from the floor.