If you’re in the middle of a bathroom remodel, you might be wondering what size bathroom sink to get for your vanity. It can be quite confusing!
When considering what type of bathroom sink for a vanity, allow at least 4-6 inches of countertop space on either side of the sink. You should be able to measure 12 inches from the back wall to the center of the sink. Although there are standard sink-to-vanity rations, for a custom look, take into account sink type, bathroom size, and personal preference.
In this post, I’ll help you figure out the correct size sink for your vanity, vanity for your bathroom and how to measure it all to work this out. But if you’re ready to shop the best sinks on the market, click the button below:
How to Measure for a Bathroom Sink?
Measuring for a bathroom sink will depend on the type of sink you are installing in your vanity. If you are installing a brand new vanity, you will have plenty of types of sinks to choose from, but if you are using your pre-existing vanity, you may be restricted by the sink that came before.
Sink dimensions are worked out on height, width, length and depth. Therefore, to purchase the correct sink for your vanity, you will need to take all these measurements.
The height of a sink is the total exterior height, top to bottom.
The width is measured side to side
Sink length is measured front to back
The depth is then the interior of the sink bowl from the lowest point to the top of the bowl or the overflow hole if the sink has one.
But you’ll also need to think about the type of sink you’re getting, whether it’s a vessel sink, drop-in sink, integrated sink or pedestal sink. I’ll get into special considerations for each specific sink type later in the post.
Common Sizes for Bathroom Sinks
Most rectangular bathroom sinks are 19 to 24 inches wide.
They are 16-23 inches in length.
And 5-8 inches in depth measured from the lowest point to the rim of the basin.
Round sinks have a typical diameter of 16 to 20 inches.
General Bathroom Sink Sizes for Vanity Cabinets
When it comes to determining the size of your sink for your vanity, you can follow the general guideline: Leave at least 4-6 inches of countertop space on either side of the sink.
Also, the sink should sit 12 inches from the wall measured to its center point, leaving around 2 inches of countertop in front of the rim.
Follow this size guide for general recommendations.
The table lays out a simple guide to a sink to vanity ratio, but remember you will still need to consider the shape and type of sink you are installing. (More on that coming up soon in this post.)
| Cabinet Width | Cabinet Depth (Standard) | Max Sink Size (with at least 4 inches of counter space per side) | Max Sink Size (With NO counter space) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24" | 21" | 16" | 22" |
| 30" | 21" | 22" | 28" |
| 36" | 21" | 28" | 33" |
| 48" | 21" | n/a | 34" |
| 60" | 21" | n/a | 34” or 19” x 2 for double sinks |
| 72" | 21" | n/a | 34” or 19” x 2 for double sinks |
What Size Bathroom Sink Do I Need for a 24-inch Vanity?
If your vanity is 24-inches wide, look for a sink no more than 16-inches long to get at least four inches of counter space per side. The maximum sink length (or diameter) you can get is 22 inches, but this will leave no usable counter space.
What Size Bathroom Sink Do I Need for a 30-inch Vanity?
If your vanity is 30-inches wide, look for a sink no more than 22-inches long to get at least four inches of counter space per side. The maximum sink length (or diameter) you can get is 28 inches, but this will leave no usable counter space.
What Size Bathroom Sink Do I Need for a 36-inch Vanity?
If your vanity is 36-inches wide, look for a sink no more than 28-inches long to get at least four inches of counter space per side. The maximum sink length (or diameter) you can get is 33 inches, but this will leave no usable counter space.
What Size Bathroom Sink Do I Need for a 48-inch Vanity?
If your vanity is 48-inches wide, you probably don’t need to worry about getting a sink that’s too long or with too large a diameter. A 34 inch sink can easily fit your vanity, leaving 7 inches of countertop space per side. This will probably be the longest size sink you’ll find.
What Size Bathroom Sink Do I Need for a 60-inch Vanity?
If your vanity is 60-inches wide, you can either put in a single sink up to 34 inches long, or you can put in double sinks, each up to 19-inches long.
What Size Bathroom Sink Do I Need for a 72-inch Vanity?
If your vanity is 60-inches wide, you can either put in a single sink up to 34 inches long, or you can put in double sinks, each up to 19-inches long.
Other Considerations
When selecting your new bathroom sink, you should also ponder the answers to these questions:
- What will you use the sink for? (Bathing pets or babies?)
- How big is your bathroom vanity? and
- What type of sink will you install?
Working out these aspects first will guide you to choosing the right size sink for your home.
What Will You Use the Sink For?
Is your sink for general handwashing and toothbrushing or will you need to do the occasional washing laundry by hand in there?
Do you need to bathe a baby or a puppy in your sink?
Who will use it: Grownups or little ones? Anyone with a disability or anyone especially tall or short?
Get clear on your purpose for your sink before you consider the various sink types. Also, think through how much countertop space you’ll need for your purpose. For example, if you’re bathing a baby in the sink, you’ll probably want lots of countertop space for easy access to soaps, shampoo, toys and towels.
How Big Is Your Bathroom Vanity?
If you already have a bathroom vanity, you’ll need to take into account its size. While there are standard sink-to-vanity ratios you can use, there’s nothing that says you can’t follow your own whims and aesthetics instead.
Maybe you like the look of an oversized sink. Or maybe you want the smallest sink you can possibly find to maximize counter space or to help a small bathroom look bigger.
What Type of Sink Will You Install?
The type of sink you choose will impact the amount of space it takes up on your vanity countertop. Let’s take a look at four basic types, plus one oddball:
Vessel Sinks
A vessel sink rests atop a vanity and, depending on the shape, can take up significant countertop space. Though swoon-worthy, the vessel sink is the least stable of the sink types; you wouldn’t want to bathe a baby in it or have young children grabbing it. Since a vessel sink sits atop the vanity cabinet, it doesn’t take up space inside the vanity that you could use for storage.
Drop-In Sinks
These are probably the most common types of sinks. Drop-In sinks are placed into your vanity countertop and have a lip that takes up an inch of counter space around the circumference. You’ll need to consider this when aiming to maintain your minimum of 4-6 inches of countertop space on either side of the sink. If you go for this style versus another, you may need to purchase a sink that is an inch or two smaller.
Undermount & Integrated Sinks
An undermount sink has no lip, which grants you that extra counter space and means you can go a little larger. The same would apply to integrated sinks which are built into the countertop as one piece.
Pedestal Sinks
This is a stand-alone sink that doesn’t fit in any vanity at all. This sink style can be great in a very small bathroom, and you can now find contemporary versions of the pedestal sink, if vintage doesn’t suit you.
Read my post Classic to Contemporary: 17 Bathroom Sink Styles to learn which sink style will work best for your bathroom.
How to Measure for a Bathroom Sink
Different bathroom sinks require different measurement techniques. Read on to find out how to measure for your sink type.
How to Measure for a Drop-In Sink
If your old vanity had a drop-in sink, then depending on the vanity’s material, you’ll need to look at replacing your old sink with one of the same size and shape.
For example, if your vanity countertop is made from marble or stone, you will battle to cut a larger hole for a bigger sink. You may be able to more easily cut other countertop materials but you may not want the hassle of enlarging or reshaping the hole in your counter.
The easiest way to measure for a new sink is to take the dimensions of the old sink and choose one that’s the exact same size. Don’t forget to measure the width, length and height of your sink.
If you have purchased a new vanity with a big gaping hole, you’ll be looking for a drop-in sink. To figure out the size of the sink, take the measurements of the vanity hole from side to side and back to front.
You’ll also need to measure from the hole to the first shelf inside the vanity to ensure the sink you purchase is not too deep and can drop into the cabinet without hitting anything beneath it.
Your vanity should also come with a space for faucets and these will be your next challenge to match up perfectly with your chosen sink. (Check out my blog about vanities, sinks and faucets to help you navigate this next task.)
How to Measure for an Undermount Sink
The measuring method for an undermount sink will not be vastly different from a drop-in sink, as you’ll still require the exact dimensions. Because undermount sinks sit below the counter with no lip, it is vital to get the measurements of the vanity cabinet’s hole precise so that the sink can sit snuggly below the counter without falling right through!
How to Measure for an Integrated Sink
Integrated sinks are a lot easier because they’re carved from the same slab of material as the countertop. You’ll, therefore, only need to measure the dimensions of your actual vanity.
These measurements must include the length and width as the integrated sink and counter will sit on top of your vanity.
Also, be sure to measure the height of the integrated sink and the available height inside your vanity cabinet or you may land up losing a shelf if the sink is too deep.
How to Measure for a Vessel Sink
With vessel sinks sitting on top of your vanity, you won’t need to worry about their height inside your vanity cabinet. However, you should consider the height of your vanity, plus the height of your sink, as this can result in the sink sitting too high and being in an uncomfortable position for hand washing. If you are choosing a vessel sink, it’s best to go for a lower vanity unit so that the top of the vessel sink can sit about 36 inches high from the ground.
Of course, you will still need to do the regular width and length measurements to make sure the vessel sink will sit comfortably on your vanity countertop. Measure the sink you are considering at its widest points to know how much of your counter space will be used up by the sink. (Even if it tapers to the bottom, the widest points mark the space the sink will consume.)
How to Measure for Double Sinks
Healthy marriages are made on double sinks. If your bathroom grants you the luxury of a he/she sink situation, don’t hesitate to go for this option. Your vanity will need to be at least 60 inches in width to accommodate double sinks. Usually, with double sinks, you’ll look for two smaller sinks around 19 inches wide each.
In terms of measuring for a double sink, not much changes other than you should make sure the distance available between the centers of the two sinks is about 30 inches.
Need a New Bathroom Vanity? How Big Should It Be?
If you’re purchasing a new bathroom vanity, the size you can get will be determined by the size of your bathroom.
You’d be wise to check the local building code bathroom requirements in your area. However, according to the international standard, there needs to be a minimum of 21 inches in front of your vanity, although 30 inches is preferable. Typically, bathroom vanities are 21 – 24 inches deep.
You will also need to know how wide to go with your vanity. Here you need to measure the space available and make sure you have enough room between the vanity and other bathroom fixtures.
Read 8 Tips to Pick the Perfect Bathroom Vanity to get all of our most helpful resources on the topic.
So What Size Bathroom Sink Do You Need?
With the number of types, shapes and sizes of sinks out there, it might all feel a little overwhelming. However, if you follow the simple steps of starting with a vanity cabinet that is the correct size for your bathroom, this will dictate the rest and it will all easily fall into place with a measuring tape and some stylish decisions.
Note: To save big on an expensive bathroom remodel, be sure to download the Save Big $$$ Cheat Sheet. These genius designer hacks that can literally save you thousands of dollars.
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