A toilet seat is just a toilet seat, right? Not quite. There are different types of toilets out there. Depending on the type of toilet you have, it’s possible to choose the right or wrong toilet seat. You might find yourself asking, “why is my round toilet seat too small?”
The toilet bowls, in particular, can vary significantly by size, with significant differences in dimensions (both length and width) and shape.
There is no standard size, and when it comes to shape, toilets in the United States are typically either elongated or round. And therein lies the most significant challenge most people face when trying to find a suitable seat. If you don’t pay attention when choosing a toilet seat, you may end up with one too small for you or your toilet.
In this article, we answer any questions you may have about the size of your toilet seat. Most importantly, can a round toilet seat be too small? And if so, what can you do about it? Read on.
Toilet Seat Sizes
A toilet seat is a detachable unit hinged to the top of a toilet bowl. This ring-like piece of plastic or wood is there, so you don’t have to sit directly on the cold ceramic toilet.
So, do toilet seats come in different sizes? Toilet seats are made in various sizes because people are different when it comes to physical size.
Having a toilet seat that fits is essential for maximum comfort. So, can a toilet seat be too small? Yes, a toilet seat can be too small in the sense that it doesn’t fit when you sit on it. It can also be too small because it doesn’t fit your toilet because the toilet has smaller or larger dimensions (length and width) than the toilet seat, or it’s a different shape (round vs. elongated, and vice versa).
Do All Round Toilet Seats Fit the Same?
From what we’ve discussed so far, it’s plain to see why there isn’t a standard-size toilet seat. There are numerous toilet types, and different toilets require different seats. When looking for a toilet seat, a little bit of due diligence will come in handy to ensure that you get the right fit — more on that later in the article.
What If Round Toilet Seat Is Too Small?
Round toilets are very common in American homes. That’s mainly because round toilets are compact enough to fit perfectly in small bathrooms. As mentioned previously in the article, there are various toilet seat sizes and dimensions, which is why there’s no standard size for toilet seats.
That’s true whether you have a round or elongated toilet. In most cases, round toilet bowls measure around 16.5 inches in length and 14 inches in width. Typically, round toilet seats measure about 16-17 inches long and 13 to 15 inches wide.
As you can see, there may be a significant difference between actual toilet size and seat size. It’s possible for a toilet seat to be too small or too big. Therefore, it’s imperative that you measure your toilet to ensure that the seat you get isn’t significantly bigger or smaller.
What Can I Do About a Small Toilet Seat?
In an ideal world, you can choose any seat for any toilet you might have, and it’ll be a perfect fit. But that’s not how the world works. If your round toilet seat is too small, the easiest thing you can do is replace it.
But you need to be sure that you find the right toilet seat size this time around, and we can help you with that.
Finding The Right Toilet Seat Size
Is your round toilet seat too small? Don’t worry; you can replace it with one that’s more appropriately sized. Finding the right toilet seat size for your round toilet doesn’t have to be a hassle. Here are a few steps you can follow to get the correct size for a round toilet seat.
1. Determine The Type of Toilet You Have
There are different toilet seat shapes and sizes. The shape of the toilet directly influences the measurement of the toilet seat. Most in-home toilets are round but can also be elongated or D-shaped. Take note of your toilet’s shape to ensure you get a suitable toilet seat.
2. Measure Your Toilet
If your round toilet seat is too small, you might want to replace it. You want to avoid making the same mistake again, so you should take precise measurements of your toilet bowl. It’s incredibly easy to take these measurements and ensure you get the right toilet seat.
How To Measure A Round Toilet Seat
Having the right size for your round toilet seat is essential for comfort. As explained in the previous section, it becomes easier to find a suitable round toilet seat once you know the dimensions of your toilet bowl. But how do you go about measuring your toilet?
To determine the size of your toilet, you will need to take down the measurements, i.e., length, width, and seat post holes.
- Length. Measure the distance from the seat holes up to the bowl’s end to obtain the length of your toilet accurately.
- Width. Measure the diameter from edge to edge. To get an accurate width figure, measure the space across the widest parts of the toilet bowl. The width of a toilet bowl is typically 14 inches for both round and elongated toilets.
- Seat Post Holes. You can also measure the space between the seat post holes to determine if your toilet is a standard size. Be sure to start from the center of each fixing hole to get an accurate measurement.
Taking these measurements will give you a set of dimensions to work with when finding a toilet seat. That way, your chances of getting small toilet seats reduce dramatically. Now all that’s left is for you to start shopping for the toilet seats.
Other Factors to Consider
Other than size, there are other factors to consider in your search for the correct toilet seat. The material comes to mind. What do you want your toilet seat to be made of? Plastic and wood are popular options. Wooden toilet seats are more traditional and come available in a range of finishes and colors.
On the other hand, plastic seats tend to be cheaper and more durable. Plastic can also be molded into a variety of shapes and styles. In most cases, the final decision boils down to personal tastes and preferences.
Wrapping Up
A round toilet seat that’s too small can be a literal pain in the backside. If your toilet seat — round or elongated — is bizarrely small and you are not heavyset, you might want to look into whether it’s actually made for adults. Small toilet seats are often meant for children and young adults.
Because they also tend to be cheaper, many people will choose smaller toilet seats to save a few bucks without realizing they are not meant for adults. If you have just moved into a new home only to find out that the current toilet seat is too small, the previous tenant might have made this mistake. The only way to solve this problem is to take measurements and get a fitting replacement.
