Many people who are in the market for a new washing machine, don’t realize the importance of measuring the space in their laundry room so they can purchase the appropriate size washer. But even after you know the dimensions of your laundry area, finding the right washer can be confusing.
This article will educate you on the standard sizes and dimensions for all washing machines, including compact, side-by-side, front-loaders, and top-loaders. It will point out the little, important, things to keep in mind (like how to account for the space needed for hoses and venting behind your machine!).
Once you know everything about dimensions and sizes, you’ll be ready to browse our entire stock of washing machines and search by type, capacity, and washing machine dimensions. Coast makes the process as easy as possible.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- How Much Space Do I Need for a Washer and Dryer?
- What Are the Washer Dimensions for a Standard Washing Machine?
- What Are the Washer Dimensions for a Compact Washing Machine?
- What Are the Washer Dimensions for Stackable Washer and Dryer?
- Ideal Dimensions for an Apartment-Size Washer
- Washer Size Chart
- Other Helpful Tips for Sizing Your Washer
- FAQs About Washer Dimensions & Sizes
How Much Space Do I Need for a Washer and Dryer?
Knowing how much space you have in your laundry room is essential before purchasing a new washer or dryer. The size of your new appliances will determine the space needed for your washer and dryer, here are some general recommendations.
For a standard side-by-side set, consider the following:
- Allow for a minimum length of 5 feet or 60”
- Add 6” to your depth to account for venting and hoses
- Make sure you account for a minimum 20" clearance – this is true for both the top loader and front loader lids
- Your washer and dryer need at least 1” on each side and between them to reduce vibration
What Are the Washer Dimensions for a Standard Washing Machine?
Standard washer and dryer dimensions are as follows:
- Width: 27 to 28” wide
- Height: Height can vary
- Depth: 30 to 35” deep
- Space between: It's also essential to plan for 6” of space between the washing machine and the wall to allow for venting and hoses.
- Lid clearance: Don't forget to factor in that necessary clearance of 20” for your washing machine lid, whether front-loading or top-loading.
What Are the Washer Dimensions for a Compact Washing Machine?
The standard compact washing machine dimensions are as follows:
- Width: Usually 24” wide
- Height: Can vary from 33-36”
- Depth: Can vary from 24-26”
Many people who are looking for an apartment size washing machine purchase compact appliances.
If you plan on stacking your compact washer and dryer, you must have room for a height range of 66-72.” However, the washer and dryer size, including width and depth, will remain the same.
What Are the Washer Dimensions for Stackable Washer and Dryers?
If you plan on stacking your washing machine and dryer, stackable washer dryer dimensions will be as follows:
- Width: Relatively consistent, around 27”
- Height: Ranging from 77-80”
- Depth: Between 30-34”
A full size stackable washer and dryer will be on the higher side of the height and depth.
While the stacked washer dryer dimensions depend on the specific model you choose, the above measurements are pretty standard and give you a good idea on space requirements you’ll need.
Ideal Dimensions for Apartment-Size Washer
A smaller side-by-side set is a good choice if you want an apartment size washer but like the traditional style. Look for washing machines with a:
- Height of around 34”
- Width of around 48”
- Depth of around 24-25”
If your apartment laundry space lacks the width for a side-by-side setup, you may need to consider an apartment size washer dryer stackable set. A stackable apartment size washer dryer set reduces the width but increases the height and depth.
- Width: 27”
- Height: 77-80”
- Depth: 30-34”
Washer Size Chart
There are 3 main types of washing machines, top-loading, front-loading, and compact. The standard washing machine size varies with each type. The washing machine sizes chart below shows the common dimension ranges:
| Washer type | Width | Height | Depth |
|
Top-loading |
27 to 28" |
41" to 44" |
26" to 28" |
|
Front-loading |
28" to 30" |
40" to 42" |
32" to 34" |
|
Compact |
24" |
34" |
24" |
Keep in mind, stackable washer and dryer dimensions are going to add height to your existing dimensions.
Other Helpful Tips for Sizing Your Washer
While measuring your current washing machine may seem like the best idea for figuring out the dimensions of your new machine, it’s not an entirely accurate representation of your needs. You may end up changing the style of your machine, which means the old measurements aren’t going to tell you everything you need to know.
It’s important to keep the following things in mind:
- The height, width, and depth of your space (not necessarily of your existing washing machine)
- Your washing machine will need 6" of space behind it for hoses and venting
- Your washing machine and dryer need 1 inch on both sides and between them to avoid vibration
- Add at least 20" to your top loader's height or your front loader's depth to account for the opened lid.
FAQs About Washer Dimensions & Sizes
Are all washers 27” wide?
While the standard washer size has a width of 27," some washing machine models are narrower, while others are larger. We offer washing machines with widths ranging from 22-30."
What are the dimensions of a top load washer?
The typical dimensions of a top load washing machine are:
- 27-28" X 41-44" X 26-28" (W X H X D)
However, this does not include the additional 6" necessary for hoses and venting at the back of the washing machine, or the 1" that’s needed for clearance between and on the sides of the washer and dryer. You also want to be sure to account for the open lid, as it can add up to 20" of height space or to the space needed in front of a front-load machine.
How far does a washer and dryer stick out from the wall?
The depth of the washing machine and dryer will tell you how deep they are, but you also need to add 6" to that measurement for hoses and venting at the back of the machines. This total dimension will tell you how far your washer will stick out from the wall.
How much space should be between the washer and wall?
You must have at least 6" of space behind the washing machine to allow for venting and hoses. Make sure to include that when considering washer sizes.
Are all washing machines the same depth?
We have washing machines ranging in depth from 20-36," although standard depth is 32-34." For example, an apartment size washer and dryer set would likely have a shorter depth than the standard depth.
What is the average depth of a washing machine?
Washer dryer dimensions vary, but the average depth of a washing machine ranges between 32-34.” Compact washing machines will have a shorter depth while large-capacity washers will have a more significant depth.
The information here will make it a little easier to understand the different types of washing machines and their dimensions. One of the most common mistakes people make when purchasing a new washer and dryer is forgetting to account for the hoses and venting in the back and the space needed to the open lid. Now, you’re prepared. You know exactly how much space you need for your new washer or dryer.
Browse our full selection of washing machines and use our search feature to filter by type, brand, and size. You'll find everything from compact washing machines to high-capacity washers up to 8 cubic feet.
Whichever washing machine you purchase, you can rest assured that you'll get the best price possible with our competitive pricing and exclusive promotions. And if a new washer isn't a planned expense, Coast Appliances offers flexible, convenient financing. Our team will even deliver your new appliance directly to your home and remove your existing washer.
