How do I tell if my toilet is round or elongated?
Measure from the two bolts that hold the seat down to the front edge of the bowl. About 16.5 inches means a round (standard) bowl. About 18.5 inches means an elongated bowl. A freestanding rail like ours works with both, because it stands on the floor around the toilet instead of bolting to it.
| Measurement | Typical size |
|---|---|
| Round bowl, seat bolts to front edge | About 16.5 in |
| Elongated bowl, seat bolts to front edge | About 18.5 in |
| Bowl or seat at its widest | 14 to 15.5 in |
| Standard seat height, floor to top of seat | About 15 in |
| Comfort-height seat | 17 to 19 in |
| Height a raised toilet seat adds | About 3 to 5 in |
What should I measure before buying a toilet safety rail?
Take three measurements and write them down with the date. Compare them with the rail's armrest spacing, its outside frame width and its armrest height range, which are on the product listing.
- The bowl at its widest. Measure straight across the widest part of the bowl or seat. The armrests need a little space on each side of it, so you're checking that the bowl fits inside the frame.
- The clear floor width. Measure the space the frame will stand in: wall to vanity, wall to tub, or wall to wall in a narrow alcove. Measure at floor level, where the feet go. Baseboards and pipes count.
- The seat height. Measure from the floor to the top of the seat, with any raised seat in place.
How high above the seat will the armrests be?
Most people push up best when the armrests are at forearm height while seated, with relaxed shoulders. Measure from the seat to the person's elbow while they sit upright, then enter both numbers below. The example shows a standard toilet.
The checker uses the Abrielder rail's armrest height range of 25.4 to 31.3 inches from the floor. The example values are typical, not yours. It's a guide, not a guarantee. For width, compare your floor measurement with the frame dimensions on the Amazon listing.
When is a toilet safety rail not the right choice?
- The alcove is too narrow for the frame to stand flat on all four feet. A wall-mounted grab bar may suit the space better.
- The person needs help with balance while standing, not only with sitting and rising. Ask an occupational therapist about a toilet frame with a seat, or a commode.
- The floor is uneven or very soft. The suction-cup feet need a flat, firm, clean surface.
Armrests adjust in 7 heights. Four suction-cup feet. No tools, no drilling, folds flat.
Written by Arman Markar, founder of Abrielder. General information only, not medical advice.
Next: how to set up a toilet safety rail at the right height →