Toilet Projection Guide: How to Choose the Right Size Toilet

Toilet Projection Guide: How to Choose the Right Size Toilet

Toilet Projection Guide: How to Choose the Right Size Toilet

What Does Toilet Projection Mean and How Much Space Do You Need?

When customers choose a new toilet, they naturally look at the style first.

Round or square? Rimless? Close coupled? Wall hung? Roca or another brand?

But there is one measurement that can make the difference between a toilet fitting beautifully and your knees practically touching the bathroom door:

toilet projection.

Projection simply means how far the toilet extends out into the room.

In a large family bathroom, an extra few centimetres might make very little difference. In a cloakroom, en-suite or compact bathroom, however, those centimetres can be incredibly valuable.

In this Allbits guide, we'll explain how toilet projection is measured, what counts as a short-projection toilet, how different toilet styles affect the finished measurement and what you should check before ordering.

What Is Toilet Projection?

Toilet projection is the measurement from the rear of the toilet installation to the furthest point at the front of the pan.

In simple terms:

How far does the toilet stick out from the wall?

For a close-coupled toilet, this normally means measuring from the rear of the cistern to the front edge of the pan.

For a back-to-wall toilet, you'll need to consider the pan plus any furniture or boxing containing the concealed cistern.

For a wall-hung toilet, consider the visible pan projection plus the finished depth of the wall containing the frame and concealed cistern.

💡 Big Al's Expert Tip

Don't compare toilet projection by looking at photographs. Two toilets can look almost identical online while differing by 50mm or more in depth. In a small cloakroom, 50mm can make a surprisingly big difference.

Why Does Toilet Projection Matter?

Because bathrooms are rarely empty rectangles.

Your toilet may need to share space with:

The toilet needs enough room around it for comfortable everyday use.

A toilet that projects too far can:

  • Restrict movement
  • Interfere with a door
  • Make access to a shower awkward
  • Reduce space around the basin
  • Make a cloakroom feel cramped
  • Leave insufficient comfortable space in front

So projection should be checked before falling in love with a particular model.

Yes, I'm trying to prevent toilet-related heartbreak. 😂

What Is a Short-Projection Toilet?

A short-projection or compact toilet is specifically designed to extend less distance into the room.

There isn't one universal measurement at which every manufacturer suddenly calls a toilet "short projection".

As a general buying guide, however:

Approximate Projection General Description
Under 600mm Very compact / short projection
Around 600–650mm Compact
Around 650–700mm Typical standard range
Over 700mm Larger projection

These are guidelines only, not official size categories.

Always use the exact dimensions supplied for the individual toilet.

How Much Difference Does 50mm Really Make?

This is where customers sometimes underestimate measurements.

50mm is only 5cm.

It doesn't sound much.

But imagine a small cloakroom where the distance between the toilet and opposite wall is already limited.

Reducing the toilet projection from:

650mm → 600mm

gives you an extra:

50mm of usable space.

That's 50mm more:

  • Knee room
  • Walking space
  • Door clearance
  • Visual space

In a tiny room, that can be the difference between:

"That's nice and compact."

and:

"Why is the toilet taking over the entire room?" 😂

How to Measure for Toilet Projection

This is actually very simple.

Step 1 – Find the Finished Rear Position

Identify where the back of the finished toilet installation will sit.

For a close-coupled WC, this will normally be close to the wall.

For a concealed cistern installation, use the finished face of the furniture or boxed wall.

Step 2 – Measure Forward

Measure horizontally from that point into the room.

Step 3 – Mark the Toilet Projection

Use masking tape on the floor to mark where the front of the proposed toilet will finish.

Step 4 – Test the Space

Now check:

  • Can the door open?
  • Can you stand comfortably?
  • Is there enough room around the basin?
  • Can you enter the shower?
  • Is furniture accessible?
  • Does the room feel cramped?

💡 Big Al's Expert Tip

Masking tape is one of the cheapest bathroom-planning tools you'll ever buy. Mark the toilet footprint on the floor before ordering. You can immediately see how much space the WC will occupy.

Don't Forget the Toilet Width

Projection isn't the only important measurement.

You should also check:

  • Overall width
  • Pan height
  • Cistern width
  • Overall height
  • Waste position

A very short toilet that's unusually wide might still be unsuitable for a narrow cloakroom.

Always consider the whole footprint.

Toilet Projection and Door Clearance

This catches people out surprisingly often.

Check which direction your bathroom door opens.

An inward-opening door may clash with:

  • Front of toilet
  • Side of pan
  • Basin
  • Vanity unit

If space is extremely limited, changing the door arrangement may sometimes improve the layout—but that's something to consider during the overall bathroom design rather than after you've bought the toilet.

Close-Coupled Toilet Projection

A close-coupled toilet includes the pan and visible cistern as one overall installation.

They're available in a huge variety of projections.

Modern compact versions can be surprisingly space efficient.

The Allbits range currently includes dedicated compact and short-projection close-coupled toilets alongside standard models.

Close coupled can therefore be an excellent option for:

  • Cloakrooms
  • En-suites
  • Family bathrooms
  • Straightforward replacements

Browse Allbits Close-Coupled Toilets:

https://allbits.co.uk/collections/close-coupled-toilets

Wall-Hung Toilet Projection

Wall-hung toilets can create a fantastic sense of space because the floor remains visible underneath the pan.

However, there's a little trap here.

Don't look only at the pan projection.

Behind it, you still need:

  • WC frame
  • Concealed cistern
  • Wall construction
  • Tiles or wall finish

If the frame is being built in front of an existing wall, that construction adds depth.

So the real measurement should be:

Existing wall → finished concealed wall → front of toilet.

A compact wall-hung pan can still be an excellent space-saving choice, but compare the finished installation, not simply the ceramic dimensions.

Browse Allbits Wall-Hung Toilets:

https://allbits.co.uk/collections/wall-hung-toilets

Back-to-Wall Toilet Projection

The same principle applies here.

A back-to-wall pan may look extremely compact on its specification sheet, but the concealed cistern has to live somewhere.

If you're using a WC furniture unit, calculate:

Furniture depth + pan projection from furniture face

to understand how far the complete arrangement extends into the bathroom.

Back-to-wall toilets are particularly useful when combining the WC with bathroom furniture because the cistern can be hidden neatly within the unit.

Browse Allbits Back-to-Wall Toilets:

https://allbits.co.uk/collections/back-to-wall-toilets

Read our guide:

Back-to-Wall Toilets Explained

Does Rimless Affect Projection?

Not necessarily.

Rimless describes the internal bowl and flushing design.

Projection describes the physical depth of the toilet.

You can therefore have:

  • Compact rimless toilet
  • Standard-projection rimless toilet
  • Wall-hung rimless toilet
  • Comfort-height rimless toilet
  • Back-to-wall rimless toilet

Don't assume that because a toilet has modern rimless technology it must also be compact.

Always check both specifications.

Read:

Rimless Toilets Explained: Are They Worth It?

Does Comfort Height Affect Projection?

Again, these are separate measurements.

A comfort-height toilet is taller.

It isn't automatically deeper.

For example, Allbits carries comfort-height toilets with different projections, so customers wanting additional height should still compare the front-to-back measurement carefully.

Read:

Comfort Height Toilets Explained: Are They Right for You?

What Is the Best Toilet Projection for a Small Bathroom?

There isn't one magic number.

The right projection depends on the room.

But for a compact:

  • Cloakroom
  • En-suite
  • Under-stairs WC
  • Small family bathroom

I'd start by looking at toilets around 600mm projection or below, then compare the complete dimensions and plumbing requirements.

Sometimes saving even 20–30mm can improve the layout.

Roca Compact Toilets

This is another area where our Roca range fits beautifully into the Toilet Buying Hub.

Allbits currently stocks compact Roca options across several WC styles, so customers don't necessarily have to choose between a recognised brand and a space-saving design.

When comparing Roca toilets, look at:

  • Overall projection
  • Open or closed back
  • Rimless technology
  • Pan height
  • Cistern dimensions
  • Seat included
  • Flush specification

Big Al Recommends: Compact Toilets from Allbits

🏆 Best Roca Compact Close-Coupled Choice

Roca Ona Rimless Compact Close-Coupled Closed-Back Pan

The Roca Ona Compact is specifically designed as a compact close-coupled option.

It combines:

  • Roca styling
  • Compact format
  • Rimless bowl
  • Closed-back construction
  • Contemporary soft curves

A closed-back design also helps conceal the plumbing, creating a cleaner appearance in a small bathroom.

View the Roca Ona Compact range at Allbits:

Browse the Allbits Toilet Collection and search Roca Ona Compact.

https://allbits.co.uk/collections/toilets

🏆 Best Roca Compact Round Choice

Roca The Gap Round Rimless Compact Closed-Back Close-Coupled Pan

Roca The Gap is particularly useful because the collection gives customers a modern, recognisable design with compact options.

The Round version softens the appearance of the WC, which can work particularly well in a smaller bathroom where sharp corners may make the room feel busier.

Best for:

  • En-suites
  • Modern cloakrooms
  • Compact family bathrooms
  • Customers wanting Roca quality
  • Customers wanting rimless technology

Browse the Roca The Gap options:

https://allbits.co.uk/collections/toilets

🏆 Best Dedicated Short-Projection Choice

Imex Ivan Rimless Short Projection Close-Coupled Pan

The Imex Ivan is specifically designed as a short-projection toilet, making it an obvious product to consider where every centimetre matters.

It combines:

  • Short-projection design
  • Rimless bowl
  • Open-back construction
  • Close-coupled installation
  • Contemporary styling

The open-back design can also make existing plumbing easier to accommodate in some replacement installations.

View the Imex Ivan range:

https://allbits.co.uk/collections/toilets

🏆 Best Budget Compact Choice

Imex Ivo Compact Close-Coupled WC

For customers working with both a small bathroom and a budget, the Imex Ivo Compact is another useful Allbits option.

It gives customers a purpose-designed compact WC without automatically moving into premium pricing.

Best for:

  • Cloakrooms
  • Rental properties
  • En-suites
  • Budget-conscious renovations
  • Compact bathrooms

Browse:

https://allbits.co.uk/collections/toilets

Round or Square Toilet for a Small Bathroom?

This isn't just about appearance.

Round Toilet

A rounded front can:

  • Feel softer in a small space
  • Reduce prominent corners
  • Work well in traditional and contemporary bathrooms

Square Toilet

A square or D-shaped pan can:

  • Coordinate with angular furniture
  • Complement square basins and brassware
  • Create a strong contemporary look

Neither shape is automatically smaller.

Check the dimensions.

A compact square toilet may project less than a larger round one and vice versa.

Open Back or Closed Back in a Small Bathroom?

Both have advantages.

Open Back

Advantages:

  • Easier access to some plumbing
  • Can simplify replacement installations
  • Often competitively priced

Closed Back

Advantages:

  • Conceals more pipework
  • Cleaner external appearance
  • Fewer awkward areas around the rear
  • Can make a small bathroom look less cluttered

If you're completely renovating the room, closed back can create a particularly tidy result.

If you're replacing an old WC while keeping existing plumbing, open back may give your installer more flexibility.

Toilet Projection for a Cloakroom

Cloakrooms are where this measurement really matters.

Before choosing the toilet, measure:

Room Depth

Wall to opposite wall.

Door Swing

Particularly if the door opens inward.

Basin Projection

Small cloakroom basins can still occupy valuable space.

Clear Space in Front

Make sure the toilet is comfortable to approach and use.

Pipework

Moving the soil connection just to gain a few centimetres may add considerable installation work.

A genuinely compact WC can sometimes solve the problem without changing the plumbing layout.

Toilet Projection for an En-Suite

En-suites often have more layout pressure than family bathrooms because you're fitting several items into a narrow room.

Typical competing products include:

Saving 50mm on the WC and another 50mm on the vanity can potentially give you 100mm of extra movement space.

That's why individual product dimensions matter so much in compact bathroom design.

What About the Space in Front of the Toilet?

Don't plan purely around whether the toilet physically fits.

It also needs to be comfortable to use.

Allow sensible clear space in front of the pan and consider:

  • Opposite wall
  • Bath
  • Shower screen
  • Vanity unit
  • Door
  • Radiator

For projects where minimum clearances, accessibility requirements or Building Regulations apply, seek appropriate professional design and installation advice rather than relying on a generic measurement.

Should I Choose the Shortest Toilet Possible?

Not necessarily.

This is important.

The goal isn't:

"Find the smallest toilet on Earth."

The goal is:

"Find a toilet that fits comfortably and suits the people using it."

A slightly larger toilet may provide:

  • More comfortable seating
  • Better proportions for taller users
  • Preferred styling
  • Easier plumbing compatibility
  • Comfort-height options

If you've got plenty of room, there's no reason to compromise simply to save 30mm.

Short projection matters when space is actually limited.

Before You Buy Checklist

Before ordering your toilet:

  • Measure the total room depth

  • Measure the available toilet width

  • Check the maximum suitable projection

  • Mark the toilet footprint with masking tape

  • Check the bathroom door swing

  • Check vanity-unit clearance

  • Check shower-screen clearance

  • Check radiator or towel-rail clearance

  • Check the soil-pipe position

  • Check the water-supply position

  • Decide between close coupled, back to wall or wall hung

  • For concealed installations, include the finished wall/furniture depth

  • Check the pan height

  • Consider comfort height if required

  • Consider rimless technology

  • Check whether the seat is included

  • Check whether the cistern is included

  • Confirm the exact dimensions of the specific product before ordering

Common Toilet Measuring Mistakes

Measuring the Old Pan Only

If the new cistern or installation differs, the overall projection may change.

Ignoring the Cistern

Projection is about the complete finished installation.

Forgetting Concealed Wall Depth

A wall-hung pan may be compact, but the frame and boxing occupy space too.

Forgetting WC Furniture

Back-to-wall furniture adds depth.

Ignoring the Door

The classic small-bathroom mistake.

Assuming "Compact" Means the Same Thing Across Brands

It doesn't.

Compare actual millimetres.

Measuring Before Tiles or Furniture Are Installed

Finished surfaces can slightly alter available dimensions.

Forgetting the Soil Pipe

And once again, our old friend returns... 😂

A 550mm toilet is no bargain if installing it requires expensive alterations to your existing waste pipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Does Toilet Projection Mean?

Toilet projection is how far the complete toilet extends from its rear installation point into the bathroom.

What Is a Short-Projection Toilet?

A short-projection toilet is designed to occupy less front-to-back space than a typical WC.

There is no single universal measurement, so always check the actual dimensions.

Is 600mm a Compact Toilet?

A toilet around 600mm projection would generally be considered relatively compact and can be useful in cloakrooms and en-suites.

Is 650mm a Normal Toilet Projection?

Many standard toilets fall around this general area, although dimensions vary widely between products.

What's the Smallest Toilet I Can Buy?

There are toilets below 600mm projection, particularly compact close-coupled and wall-hung designs.

However, don't choose solely by the smallest number. Check comfort, plumbing and the complete installation.

Are Wall-Hung Toilets Shorter?

The visible ceramic pan can be compact, but you must include the concealed frame and finished wall depth when assessing the total room space used.

Are Back-to-Wall Toilets Space Saving?

They can be, particularly when integrated into compact bathroom furniture, but include the furniture or boxed-wall depth in your calculation.

Does Rimless Mean Short Projection?

No.

Rimless describes the bowl design, not the toilet's overall dimensions.

Does Comfort Height Make a Toilet Longer?

Not automatically.

Height and projection are separate measurements.

Which Toilet Is Best for a Small Cloakroom?

Look for a compact or short-projection model that works with your existing plumbing and still leaves comfortable usable space.

How Do I Know if a Toilet Will Fit?

Check:

  • Width
  • Projection
  • Height
  • Soil-pipe position
  • Water connection
  • Door clearance
  • Furniture clearance
  • Space in front

Then mark the footprint on the floor before ordering.

Final Thoughts

Toilet projection might not be the most exciting bathroom topic we've ever discussed...

...although given how much time we're now spending discussing toilets, I'm beginning to lose perspective. 😂

But it's one of the most important measurements when buying a WC.

For large bathrooms, a few centimetres may not matter.

For cloakrooms, en-suites and compact bathrooms, they can completely change how comfortable the room feels.

Remember:

Measure the room.

Check the projection.

Consider the complete installation.

Mark it on the floor.

Then choose the toilet.

Not the other way round.

Explore compact, close-coupled, wall-hung and back-to-wall toilets from Allbits Plumbing Supplies:

https://allbits.co.uk/collections/toilets

Related Allbits Buying Guides