Raised Toilet Seat Height Calculator: How Many Inches Do You Need?
A raised toilet seat should add enough height that your feet are flat on the floor and your hips sit a little higher than your knees. The Joint Replacement Resource Centre gives a two-measurement method, and this calculator does the subtraction. Measure your toilet, find a seat where you sit comfortably, measure that, and enter both below.
How to Take the Two Measurements
- Toilet height. Measure from the floor to the top of the toilet bowl, not the seat or lid.
- Ideal seated height. Sit on a bed or chair where your feet are flat on the floor and your hips are about 2 inches above your knees, wearing the shoes you wear to the bathroom. Measure from the floor to the top of the seat.
- Subtract. The raised seat's height is your ideal seated height minus the toilet height. The handout's example is 19 inches minus 15 inches, which means a 4-inch seat.
The Joint Replacement Resource Centre says that if your knees are higher than your hips it is much harder to get off the toilet, and that if your hips and knees are level, a 2 to 3 inch seat may work. MedlinePlus says raising the toilet seat height can help prevent falls.
Check the bowl shape too. Round and elongated bowls need different seats. Ask a doctor, physical therapist or occupational therapist if you are unsure, especially after a hip or knee replacement.
Raised Seat Height Questions
What Height Do the Seats in Your Guide Add?
The Bemis Assurance adds 3 inches, the Vive and Carex 3.5, the AquaSense 4 and the HealthSmart 5, according to the makers' pages and listings.
What If I Need More Than 5 Inches?
A bedside commode used over the toilet is higher. See our bedside commode guide, and ask a therapist.
Related Guides
- Best Grab Bars for Showers and Bathrooms: Five Compared on Size and Mounting
- Best Bedside Commodes: Folding, Drop-Arm and Extra-Wide Models Compared
- Best Raised Toilet Seats: Risers, Handles and Bolt-on Seats Compared