Short answer: choose comfort height if you are tall, over 60, or have knee, hip or back trouble. Choose standard height for children and shorter adults. “Comfort height”, “chair height”, “Right Height” and “Universal Height” are brand names for the same thing.
| Height | Floor to top of seat | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 15–16 in. | Children, shorter adults |
| Comfort or chair height | 17–19 in. | Most adults, seniors, tall people |
| Extra tall | 21–22 in. | Very tall users, recovery from hip or knee surgery |
Popular comfort height toilets: Kohler Highline (Comfort Height), Convenient Height 20-inch Extra Tall.
Shopping for an older adult? See our guide to the best toilets for seniors.
What is a Comfort Height Toilet?
A comfort height toilet is specially designed for people with physical challenges who may find using a standard height toilet strenuous. Comfort height toilets are ADA-compliant making them very suitable for the handicapped, elderly and disabled. They are also affordable and pretty easy to install. The main downside is that the higher seat is less comfortable for children and shorter adults, whose feet may not rest flat on the floor. A small footstool solves this.
There are two types of comfort height toilet, the one-piece, and the two-piece. With the one-piece, the tank and the bowl are connected as one piece. It is usually shipped as one large package. For the two-piece, the tank and the bowl are separate and shipped separately. You could try to fix the two-piece by yourself if you have the know-how. You, however, will have to make sure there is no leakage after installation.
What is a Standard Height Toilet?
A standard height toilet is what you probably have in your home right now. It measures about 15 inches in height from floor to seat and looks more or less like the comfort height toilet. The huge difference between the two is the floor to seat height.
Comparison Chart : Comfort Height Vs Standard Toilet
| Features | Comfort Height | Standard Toilet |
|---|---|---|
| Other Names | Chair Height Toilet | Regular Height |
| Toilet Height | 16" to 18" (Without Seat) 17" to 19" (With Seat) | 14" to 15" (Without Seat) 15" to 16" (With Seat) |
| Pros | ||
| Cons | ||
| Pricing | Same or slightly higher | Same or slightly lower |
| Recommended For | People with disabilities, Elderly and Tall people | Short people, Children |
Comfort Height Vs Standard Toilet : Detailed Comparison
Let’s closely look at the detailed comparison between the two to help you understand how each works better.
1. Use
Comfort height toilets are specially designed for people with disabilities, elderly and tall people. These groups of people cannot bend down low to be comfortable enough in a regular toilet. A comfort height toilet is also commonly referred to as the Americans Disability Act toilet, meaning the toilet that conforms to the American disability act that states that toilets to be used by the physically challenged should be between 17 and 19 inches from the floor to the seat. This height allows the physically challenged to sit and stand without strain. Also, they are able to rest their feet flat on the floor comfortably.
Standard height toilets suit households with children and shorter adults.
2. Height
As mentioned previously, a comfort height toilet, also known as chair height toilet conforms to the ADA and measures between 17 and 19 inches from the floor to the seat whereas standard toilets have a height of about 15 inches from the floor to seat. What height to choose will be determined by the needs of those in your household.
3. Cost
Height has little effect on price. Most manufacturers sell the same model in both heights, and the comfort height version costs the same or slightly more. The flush system, a one-piece or two-piece design and the brand change the price far more than height does. If you want a good quality toilet, consider brands like Kohler, Toto, and American standard. I find Kohler comfort height toilets to be affordable yet super comfortable.
If you are looking for budget toilets, checkout these best toilets under $200.
4. Appearance
Both standard and comfort height toilets are available in different designs, styles and come in a variety of colors. However, the most common toilet color found in most homes is white.
Both of these toilets can either be one-piece or two-piece. One piece is more expensive but looks very stylish and modern and is very easy to clean and maintain. Two-piece, on the other hand, looks more conservative in terms of style and is very affordable.
5. Installation
Installation for both the standard and the comfort height is more or less the same way. A confident DIYer can install either one; hire a plumber if you are unsure.
FAQs
Q1: Who needs a Comfort Height Toilet?
A comfort height toilet is best suited for people with mobility challenges. People who need a toilet seat that is higher for easy seating and standing. These people include the elderly, disabled, and very tall people.
Q2: What is the Best Comfort Height Toilet?
For most homes, the Kohler Highline Comfort Height. It is water-efficient, widely stocked and its replacement parts are easy to find. For more options, see our guide to the best toilets for seniors.
Q3: What are the ADA Guidelines for Comfort Height Toilets?
According to the American Disability Act, a comfort height toilet should have a height of between 17 and 19 inches from floor to seat. This is 3-4 inches taller than the standard height toilet.
The ADA applies to public and commercial restrooms, not private homes. It also sets clearances around the toilet and grab bar positions; see ada.gov for the full requirements. At home, the 17 to 19 inch seat height is the part worth copying.
If the toilet is to be used by physically challenged kids, the height should be between 11 and 17 inches
Q4: Who makes the tallest Comfort Height Toilet?
I would say the Convenient Height Company. Their 20-inch Extra Tall Toilet is about the tallest height for comfort toilets. This model is not only comfortable for the elderly, disabled, and handicapped but also water-efficient. The dual flushing system uses only 1.28 GPF to flush out the solid waste. It has a handle that is easy to use when flushing and makes no noise compared to most other models. Lastly, it is built for longevity. The entire unit is lined with a corrosion-resistant material.
Q5: How to make a Standard Height Toilet Taller?
Replace your current toilet seat with a comfort height seat. Alternatively, use a toilet step raiser beneath your toilet seat or a toilet frame over your toilet seat. You could also just buy an elevated toilet seat altogether.
Q6: What is the Best Height for a Toilet?
The best height for a toilet depends on the demands of the user. If the household has no physically challenged people or elderly, the best height would be 15 inches as this would suit even the kids. However, 17 to 19 inches would be the best height for seniors and people with mobility challenges.
Q7: What are the 3 heights of toilets?
Standard (15–16 in.), comfort or chair height (17–19 in.) and extra tall (21–22 in.), measured from the floor to the top of the seat.
Q8: Is chair height the same as comfort height?
Yes. Kohler says Comfort Height, American Standard says Right Height, TOTO says Universal Height.
Q9: How do you measure toilet height?
From the finished floor to the top of the seat. The rim alone is about an inch lower.
Final Thoughts
So back to the elephant in the room, comfort height vs standard toilet, which is better?
Honestly, I can’t pick one over the other since they both serve different uses. But what I can tell you is, choose a comfort height toilet seat if you or one of your household members is elderly, handicapped, disabled, or too tall to be comfortable in a standard height seat. If none of your family members fall into either of these categories and you have kids pick a standard height toilet. Both of these are comfortable when rightly used.
My advice is to go for a quality product. Since you will be using your toilet for years to come, be willing to spend some good chunk of your bucks to get a good quality, high performing, and most importantly comfortable toilet. It will make all the difference when doing your thing in there. 🙂
