Plumbing Fixture Clearances (IPC 405.3.1)

The bathroom rough-in check, in four numbers: 15 in from a fixture centerline to any side wall, partition, vanity, or other obstruction; 30 in center to center between adjacent fixtures with no partition between them; 21 in of clearance in FRONT to any wall, fixture, or DOOR; and a floor-mounted water-closet compartment not less than 30 x 60 in. The number that decides a layout before anything is drawn is the derived one: a row of n fixtures needs 2 x 15 + (n-1) x 30 of wall-to-wall width, so two want 60 in and three want 90 -- a 5 ft wall holds two and not three, which is where half-bath layouts come apart. Measure from the CENTERLINE, and remember a door swinging into the 21 in is an obstruction just as a wall is. These are the plumbing FLOOR, not an accessible layout -- ANSI A117.1 and ADA want substantially more. Minimums are editable for local amendments.

Run the calculator

Formula and source

pass requires centerline-to-obstruction >= 15 in on each side, adjacent fixture centers >= 30 in apart where no partition separates them, clearance in front >= 21 in, and a floor-mounted water-closet compartment >= 30 in wide by >= 60 in deep. Minimum wall-to-wall width for a row of n fixtures = 2 x 15 + (n - 1) x 30.

IPC 405.3.1, Clearance of plumbing fixtures - a water closet, urinal, lavatory, or bidet not set closer than 15 in from its center to any side wall, partition, vanity, or other obstruction; adjacent fixtures not closer than 30 in center to center where partitions or other obstructions do not separate them; not less than 21 in of clearance in front to any wall, fixture, or door; water-closet compartments not less than 30 in wide and 60 in deep for floor-mounted closets.

Audience

This tile is built for plumbers and the adjacent professions in the Plumbing and Gas group. The interactive calculator runs entirely in your browser. No account, no fee, no advertising, no tracking.

Related tools

Posture

Rough Logic answers the math question the working professional asks on the job. The site is a calm, fast, ad-free, account-free, ever-free reference. It does not interpret code. It does not replace the licensed professional. It does not store your inputs. The Authority Having Jurisdiction governs all installations and inspections.