How To Tell If Toilet Seat Is Round Or Elongated

Whether you’re switching out your toilet seat because it’s old and worn, or because you want something more comfortable, or because you have recently learned of the life-changing experience of the bidet, one of the fundamental things you need to know is how to tell if toilet seat is round or elongated. You don’t want to be buying the wrong one!

Traditionally, residential toilets were round in shape but, more recently, an elongated shape has become more popular giving a more modern look to bathrooms. Round toilets are still installed though – especially in smaller spaces where their slightly smaller dimensions can help save space in a tight room.

How To Tell If Toilet Seat Is Round Or Elongated

You can determine if a toilet seat is round or elongated by taking one simple measurement.

Measure the length of the toilet bowl from the center of the toilet seat bolt holes at the back of the toilet, to the front edge of the toilet bowl.

Round toilet bowls measure at about 16.5 inches. Elongated toilet bowls measure about 18.5 inches.

That’s it. It doesn’t matter what the exact measurement it; toilet seats aren’t sold based on exact measurement, they’re sold based on the shape. Once you know whether you have a round or elongated toilet, you’re set.

Can I Install An Elongated Toilet Seat On A Round Toilet?

An elongated toilet seat will technically fit on a round toilet, but the fit and comfort may be compromised. An elongated toilet seat will likely overhang a round toilet which may be fine unless the rim of the toilet is visible within the opening of the toilet seat. If this is the case, then it may be uncomfortable especially for male users.

The best way to determine if this will work is to measure the toilet seat opening to determine if overhang will occur.

Can I Install A Round Toilet Seat On An Elongated Toilet?

While you can install a round toilet seat on an elongated toilet, it isn’t recommended. A round toilet seat will not fully cover the toilet bowl rim of an elongated toilet leaving the rim exposed. This certainly isn’t an issue with the functioning of the toilet seat, but it does affect the aesthetics of the design so will not look quite right.