You might think that choosing a toilet seat to replace your existing broken or outdated one is straight forward, and you are right because it is. However before you make your purchase, there are a few measurements we would advise taking to help you avoid ordering the wrong size and making sure that you can make the most of any features available for your toilet seat. In this guide, we'll show you exactly how to measure for a toilet seat, including key dimensions you need, the different toilet seat shapes and features available, and tips for finding the perfect fit for your bathroom.
Why Measuring Your Toilet Seat Matters
Measuring your existing toilet seat before you purchase a new one matters for a variety of reasons. You might not realise that toilet seats come in a variety of shapes and sizes, even a small difference in the measurements can result in the seat not fitting properly. A poorly fitting toilet seat can slide when sat on, feel uncomfortable or leave gaps around the toilet pan.
By taking accurate measurements before you buy, you can avoid the hassle of returns and replacements, find a toilet seat that fits securely, improve comfort and appearance in your bathroom, and ensure compatibility with soft close hinges and fittings.
What You Need Before Measuring a Toilet Seat
Before you start, there are just a few simple tools you can use to make the process easier and more accurate.
You will need:
- A tape measure
- A notepad or phone to record measurements
- Access to the toilet seat fixing points
To get the most accurate results, we recommend you measure the toilet pan itself rather than the existing seat. Old toilet seats may have shifted over time or may not be the original size for the toilet.
Another thing to help can be to give the toilet a good clean before you start measuring so that you can clearly access the fixing holes and edges of the pan.
How to Measure for a Toilet Seat
There are 3 key measurements that you should take when sizing up for a new toilet seat: width, length and the distance between the fixing holes.
Step 1: Measure the Width of the Toilet Pan
Using a tape measure, measure the widest part of the toilet pan from one outer edge to the other. This is usually around the middle of the toilet bowl, but we recommend measuring from a few of different points just to be on the safe side.
Once you've found your largest measurement, take your note pad or phone and write this measurement down to make sure you don't forget and have to measure again. Write this measurement down in millimetres, as most toilet seat sizes in the UK are listed in mm.
Step 2: Measure the Length of the Toilet Bowl
Next, measure the length of the toilet bowl by measuring from the centre point between the fixing holes at the back of the toilet to the very front edge of the toilet pan.
This measurement will determine whether you need a shorter or longer toilet seat and ensures there will be no gaps at the front for a comfortable and neater fit.
Step 3: Measure the Distance Between the Fixing Holes
The fixing holes are where the toilet seat attaches to the pan. To get the most accurate measurement, we recommend removing your toilet seat to locate the exact position of the holes. Measure the distance between the centres of the two fixing holes to make sure your new toilet seat will fit perfectly into them.
Most UK toilets have a standard fixing hole distance, however it is always best to play it safe and double check because some modern or designer toilets may vary.
Understanding Different Toilet Seat Shapes
Toilet seats are available in a range of shapes, identifying the shape you require is just as important as making sure you take accurate measurements.
Round Toilet Seats
Round toilet seats have a curved front and are commonly found in traditional bathrooms or smaller cloakrooms. They are usually more compact in size.
D-Shaped Toilet Seats
D-shaped toilet seats have a straighter back and a curved front, creating a modern appearance. These are popular in contemporary bathrooms and you will find this style of toilet seat on majority of modern toilets.
Square Toilet Seats
Square toilet seats feature straighter edges and a more angular design. While stylish, they often require precise measurements because universal seats may not fit correctly.
If you are unsure about the shape, comparing your toilet pan to product images online can help identify the closest match.
How to Identify Your Toilet Brand or Model
Although knowing your toilet brand or model is not a necessity, it can make finding a compatible replacement seat much more straightforward. Some toilet manufacturers produce uniquely shaped seats for their models. If you can identify the brand, you may be able to order an exact replacement without worrying about compatibility issues.
Check the following places for manufacturer information:
- Underneath the existing toilet seat
- Along the inside or back of the toilet pan
- On original paperwork or product manuals
How to Choose the Right Replacement Toilet Seat
Once you have your measurements, you can use this information to compare to the measurements in product listings to ensure that they all match before ordering. However there are some other features you might want to consider.
Soft Close vs Standard Toilet Seats
Soft close toilet seats use special hinges to prevent your seat from slamming when you close it, making them quieter and safer from families as this can prevent fingers from being trapped. Standard seats are usually more affordable and simpler to install.
Quick Release Toilet Seats
Quick release toilet seats are designed to detach easily from the hinges, making cleaning hassle free. With the press of a button or a quick lift mechanism, you can remove the seat completely to clean hard to reach areas around the hinges and toilet pan.
When buying a quick release toilet seat, check that the hinge system is compatible with your toilet and confirm whether it uses top fix or bottom fix fittings.
Material Options
You will also have the option to choose from different materials. These include:
- Plastic - lightweight and affordable
- MDF or wood - durable with a premium feel
- Thermoset - scratch-resistant and hard-wearing
Colour and Style Considerations
While white remains the most popular toilet seat colour, modern bathrooms may also feature black, grey or wooden finishes to match the overall style of their bathroom.
Final Tips for Buying the Perfect Toilet Seat
Before placing your order, make sure to double-check all measurements against the product specifications provided by the manufacturer or retailer.
Remember to:
- Measure the toilet pan, not the old seat
- Confirm the fixing hole distance
- Match the correct seat shape
- Check whether fittings are included
If you cannot find an exact match, many universal toilet seats are designed to fit a wide range of standard UK toilets. However, for unusual shapes or designer toilets, a brand specific replacement is usually the best option.
With the correct measurements and a little preparation, finding the perfect toilet seat can be quick, simple and stress-free. If you're still not feeling confident, our team of experts are available to help you with your purchase where they can. Feel free to contact us by telephone at 01524 841087 or live chat Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm, for non-urgent enquiries you can contact us by email at admin@ukbathroomstore.co.uk and we will reply to you as soon as possible.
