How to Design a 3/4 Bathroom: Sizes and Layout Ideas
Small but mighty, a ¾ bathroom gives you all the essentials in a compact design that works perfectly for guests or everyday use.
A three-quarter bathroom is one of the most efficient ways to add function and flexibility to a home. It provides all the essentials without taking up much space, making it a favorite for guest use or as a secondary bathroom. With the right design, it can quickly become one of the most-used bathrooms in the house.
What is a Three-Quarter Bathroom?
A three-quarter bathroom includes three of the four main bathroom fixtures. Most often, this means a sink, toilet, and shower. In some layouts, the shower is swapped for a bathtub instead.
This bathroom type is compact and efficient, which makes it especially useful for guest bedrooms or guest suites. Many homeowners also add a ¾ bath as a second or third bathroom to increase convenience and flexibility. In accessible homes, a roll-in shower is often preferable to a bathtub, which is why many accessible bathrooms are designed as ¾ baths.
If you already have a full bathroom in your home, adding a ¾ bath can boost both functionality and property value.
Typical Sizes for 3/4 Bathrooms
Most ¾ bathrooms fall in the range of about 40 sq ft (just under 4 m²), though the layout and shape can vary. Rectangular rooms are the most common, but a square-shaped bathroom also works well in compact homes.
| Layout Style | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rectangular (three-in-a-row) | 5 x 8 ft (1.5 x 2.4 m) | Fixtures are placed along one wall for efficient plumbing |
| Rectangular (split entry) | 5 x 10 ft (1.5 x 3 m) | Divided into two zones with a pocket door for privacy |
| Square with corner shower | 5.5 x 5.5 ft (1.7 x 1.7 m) or larger | Corner shower with sink and toilet on adjacent walls, very space-saving |
Common Layouts
Three-in-a-row
One of the simplest and most popular designs is the three-in-a-row layout. In this configuration, all the fixtures sit along one wall—first the sink, then the toilet, and finally the shower. This layout works especially well in narrow rectangular spaces and is cost-effective since the plumbing runs in a straight line.
Split entry
If your bathroom is slightly longer, a split entry layout can be a smart option. Here, the vanity and sink sit in one section, while a pocket door leads to the toilet and shower. This separation makes the bathroom more versatile, as two people can use it at the same time without sacrificing privacy.
Corner shower
For square rooms, a corner shower layout is a great choice. Placing the shower in a corner frees up wall space for the sink and toilet and creates a practical, balanced design.
Key Shower Dimensions
Because the shower usually takes up the most space in a ¾ bathroom, planning it correctly is essential. The minimum interior size for a shower is 30 x 30 inches (76 x 76 cm), though a larger size is always more comfortable.
Shower doors also affect how the space feels. Outward-swinging doors need at least 24 inches (60 cm) of clearance, which can be tricky in smaller bathrooms. Sliding or inward-folding shower doors are an excellent alternative. Not only do they save valuable floor space, but they also make the room feel more open when the shower is not in use.
Create Your Bathroom with RoomSketcher
Ready to see your bathroom ideas come to life? With RoomSketcher, you can plan, visualize, and perfect your 3/4 bathroom before making any costly decisions.
- Draw your floor plan in minutes
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