Short answer: Most bathtubs we sell hold about 15 inches of water, the median of 447 listings that state a depth. A 60 x 30 tub tops out at 14 inches. For 18 inches or more, look at freestanding tubs and large 78 x 48 tubs. Our deepest full-length tub in stock gives 20 4/5 inches to the overflow.
A tub's overall height doesn't tell you how deep the water gets. Water stops at the overflow, so the number to compare is water depth to the overflow, often listed as soaking depth.
The two numbers can be far apart. The Magnus 67" Extra Deep Asher lists 23 4/5 inches to the top of the tub and 20 4/5 inches to the overflow. The Magnus 72" Conroe lists 19 inches to the top and 15 1/8 inches to the overflow. In this guide, we use the overflow number whenever a listing gives both.
These numbers come from our live listings that state a depth, on the day this guide was written.
| Size | Listings | Shallowest | Median | Deepest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 x 30 | 15 | 13.5" | 13.9" | 14" |
| 60 x 32 | 29 | 13" | 14" | 16" |
| 60 x 36 | 29 | 14.5" | 15" | 16" |
| 60 x 42 | 14 | 16" | 16" | 16" |
| 60 x 60 corner | 37 | 14" | 15" | 17.1" |
| 72 x 36 | 32 | 14.75" | 15.1" | 16" |
| 72 x 42 | 37 | 14.6" | 15.4" | 17" |
| 72 x 54 | 9 | 17" | 17.4" | 17.4" |
| 78 x 48 | 9 | 18" | 18.4" | 18.4" |
In a drop-in tub, going longer and wider is the most reliable way to gain depth. For more on footprints, see our bathtub sizes chart.
Shop more in Acrylic Freestanding Tubs and Freestanding Bathtubs.
The Atlantis Whirlpool Charleston 48 x 78 comes in soaking, air, whirlpool and combination versions, with a soaking depth of up to 18 3/8 inches. The Indulgence 41 x 70 oval lists 18 inches. Atlantis tubs are made to order, so ask us about timing before you plan your install. See Two-Person Jetted Tubs.
Alcove tubs in our listings reach 16 inches, and corner tubs reach about 17 inches. See Alcove Bathtubs and Corner Tubs.
Compact, upright soaking tubs work differently. Our Japanese soaking tubs guide covers those.
Water weighs about 8.34 pounds per gallon, so a tub that holds 108 gallons when full carries about 900 pounds of water, plus the tub and the bather. The Extra Deep Asher lists 108 gallons when full and a 117-pound tub. Check the gallons on your listing and have a contractor confirm your floor.
Compare the tub's gallons with your water heater's size before you buy. A plumber can tell you if your system can keep up.
A deep tub usually has a higher rim. Check the listing's height against what's comfortable for you. If stepping over a rim is a concern, see our walk-in tub buying guide.
Many freestanding tubs have no faucet holes, so plan for a floor-mounted tub filler. See how to install a freestanding tub faucet.
Among our listings, the median is about 15 inches of water. A 60 x 30 tub is about 14 inches.
Not among our 60 x 30 listings, which reach 14 inches. If you have 60 inches of length and can use a freestanding tub, the Magnus 60" Pelsey gives 19 inches. A 60 x 42 drop-in gives 16 inches.
The Magnus 67" Extra Deep Asher gives 20 4/5 inches to the overflow.
The Magnus 67" Extra Wide/Extra Deep line gives 18 3/4 to 19 inches, and Atlantis 78 x 48 tubs reach up to 18 3/8 inches. See Two-Person & Extra-Wide Bathtubs.
How we counted: 447 of 562 live bathtub listings state a depth we could use. We left out the Anzzi Prima 67", whose listing shows two different depths. Check the current listing before you order.
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