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A tape measure and measurement sheet on a kitchen counter, with text: How To Measure Your Kitchen and Planning Resource label, modern kitchen in the background—a helpful visual for anyone starting their kitchen remodel checklist.

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A bathroom countertop with a tape measure, a floor plan, a measurements clipboard, and the text: How To Measure Your Bathroom and Planning Resource—your essential guide for discovering how to measure a bathroom accurately and plan your renovation with confidence.

A bathroom with a tape measure, a planning sheet, and a clipboard on the counter, featuring the text “How To Measure Your Bathroom” and “Planning Resource” overlaid—a helpful visual guide for anyone wondering how to measure a bathroom accurately.

Taking a few basic measurements before your consultation helps our designers understand your space and makes your first appointment more productive.

Download Printable Measurement Guide

What You’ll Need

Gather These Items Before You Start

Tape measure
Pencil
Camera or smartphone
Printable grid paper
Dimensions or model information for fixtures you’re keeping

Sketch Your Floor Plan and Take Pictures

Start by making a simple overhead sketch of your bathroom. It does not need to be professionally drawn.

Use the grid paper included in the printable measurement guide.
Record every measurement in inches. For example, a four-foot wall should be marked as 48 inches.
Measure the full width of each wall from corner to corner.
Take a clear picture of each wall to share with your designer.
If you are planning a new tub or shower, allow approximately one-half inch on each wall for drywall when estimating the available space.

Why it matters: Photos help your designer see trim, fixtures, wall conditions and other details that may be difficult to capture in a drawing.

Mark Windows, Doorways and Other Obstructions

Add anything that could affect the placement of a vanity, tub, shower, toilet or storage cabinet.

Measure the height and width of each window and doorway.
Include the frame or molding in each measurement.
Measure from the nearest corner to the outside edge of each window or door frame.
Mark vents, radiators, access panels and other permanent obstructions.

Helpful reminder: Note which direction the bathroom door opens so your designer can account for the full door swing.

Mark Anything You’re Keeping

If any existing fixtures or features will remain, add them to your sketch and record their dimensions.

Measure the height, width and depth of any fixture you plan to keep.
Mark the current location of the toilet, vanity, tub and shower.
Include mirrors, storage cabinets or other wall-mounted items that will remain.
Bring model information for fixtures whenever it is available.

Planning around existing fixtures? Accurate dimensions help your designer understand what must stay and how the new layout can work around it.

Mark Plumbing Locations

Existing plumbing can affect the location and cost of vanities, sinks, toilets, tubs and showers.

Measure plumbing locations from the center of the pipe or fixture to the nearest wall.
Note whether the vanity sink drain runs into the floor or the wall.
Mark the locations of visible water-supply lines.
Show the approximate center points of the toilet, sink, tub and shower drain.

Can’t see a plumbing connection? Mark the center of the existing fixture and note that the connection is hidden.

Mark Electrical Outlets and Switches

Show the location of electrical outlets, switches and visible electrical connections.

Measure from the center of each outlet or switch to the nearest wall.
Mark outlets used for grooming tools or countertop appliances.
Note electrical connections for vanity lights, wall sconces, exhaust fans or illuminated mirrors.

Note the Ceiling Height

Ceiling height can affect shower enclosures, tall storage, lighting and ventilation.

Measure the ceiling height in two to four locations throughout the room.
Note any sloped ceilings, bulkheads or areas where the ceiling height changes.
Mark the location of exhaust fans, ceiling lights and other overhead obstructions.

Why take several ceiling measurements? Floors and ceilings are not always perfectly level, especially in older homes.

Double-Check Your Measurements

Review your sketch and make sure the individual measurements add up to the total length of each wall.

Confirm that every wall has a total measurement.
Check that windows, doors, fixtures, plumbing and obstructions are included.
Make sure every measurement is recorded in inches.
Bring your sketch, photographs and fixture information to your consultation.

Keeping Your Existing Flooring? Measure the footprint of your current vanity before it is removed. These dimensions help your designer recommend a new vanity that covers the same finished-floor area whenever possible.

Example Floor Plan

See What a Completed Measurement Sketch Looks Like

Your drawing does not need to look perfect. This example shows the type of information that helps your designer understand wall lengths, fixture locations, openings and available floor space.

The printable guide also includes blank grid paper and spaces to record fixture dimensions, ceiling heights, notes and project exceptions.

Example bathroom floor-plan sketch showing wall dimensions, vanity, toilet, shower and doorway locations

Bathroom Measurement FAQ

Questions Homeowners Often Ask

Do my initial bathroom measurements need to be exact?

No. Your sketch and measurements provide a starting point for the first design conversation. A Von Tobel professional will confirm the final dimensions before products are ordered or the design is finalized.

Do I need to measure my existing tub or shower?

Yes, especially if the existing tub or shower will remain or if you want to replace it with a similarly sized product. Record the width, depth and height, along with the locations of the plumbing fixtures and drain.

What if I want to convert a tub into a walk-in shower?

Measure the full tub area and note the plumbing and drain locations. Bring photos as well. Your designer can help you understand which shower configurations may work within the available space.

Do I need to measure the plumbing locations?

Approximate plumbing locations are helpful because moving water lines and drains can affect project scope and cost. Measure from the fixture or visible pipe center to the nearest wall whenever possible.

What should I measure if I want to replace my vanity?

Measure the current vanity’s width, height and depth. Also note the sink and plumbing locations, nearby door or drawer clearances and the distance to the toilet, tub or shower.

What if I am keeping my current bathroom flooring?

Measure the footprint of the existing vanity. That information helps your designer look for a replacement that covers the same area and reduces the chance of exposing unfinished flooring.

Can someone from Von Tobel confirm my measurements?

Yes. Your initial measurements help begin the planning process, and a professional measurement can be completed before your bathroom design is finalized.

Ready for the next step?

You Don’t Need to Have Everything Figured Out.

Bring your sketch, photos, measurements and questions, and one of our bathroom designers will help you take it from there.

Request A Design Consultation

How To Measure Your Bathroom for a Remodel: A Step-by-Step Guide