When you’re shopping for a new toilet or tackling a bathroom remodel, there’s one crucial measurement you don’t want to overlook: the toilet rough-in. It might not sound glamorous, but getting this number right is key to making sure your toilet fits—and works—just the way it should.
Understanding the Toilet Rough-In
The rough-in refers to the distance from the finished wall (not the baseboard!) behind the toilet to the center of the drainpipe or mounting bolts on the floor. In most homes, this distance is a standard 12 inches, but it’s not uncommon to see 10-inch or 14-inch rough-ins, especially in older or custom-built homes.
Why Does the Rough-In Matter?
If you buy a toilet that doesn’t match your rough-in size, you could run into a few frustrating problems. The toilet might not fit properly, could sit too far from the wall. Or worse, it might not even install at all. While there are offset flanges and other workarounds available, it’s always easier (and often cheaper) to choose a toilet that matches your existing rough-in.
How Do I Know Rough-In Distance?
For a detailed explanation, check out this article: How to Measure Toilet Rough-In
Measuring your rough-in is simple, and it only takes a few minutes:
- Locate the bolts that hold the toilet bowl to the floor (also called closet bolts).
- Measure from the finished wall straight back to the center of one of the bolts.
- That measurement—usually 10″, 12″, or 14″—is your toilet rough-in.
Pro tip: If you’re measuring in a bathroom with drywall that hasn’t been installed yet, be sure to account for the finished wall thickness when measuring.
“Measure the distance from the back of the bathroom’s finished wall to the center (not base) of the toilet drain pipe/flange. If the toilet is still installed, measure the distance between the back finished wall and the center of one of the toilet’s mounting bolts.” – TOTO USA, Toilet Rough-ins and the Cleverness of TOTO’s Unifit Rough-in
Final Thoughts
The rough-in might be easy to overlook. It’s also one of the most important specs to get right when selecting a new toilet. At PlumbersStock, we carry a wide range of toilets for every rough-in size. We even have compact options for tight spaces and high-efficiency models for eco-conscious homes.
Still not sure what size you need? Reach out to our team, and we’ll help you find the perfect fit for your bathroom.
Resources:
Video: How to Rough-In a Toilet
About the Author
Nathan is a product expert and has worked for PlumbersStock since 2012. Like many in the company, he's a graduate of Southern Utah University. He enjoys spending time with his family, the gym, being in the mountains, reading, movies, music, watching sports, and playing CoD online with his little brother.
