There’s nothing we do more often than help customers make sense of sauna dimensions and find the right fit for their home. While we’re always excited to talk about this stuff one-on-one, we figured it was time to put together an in-depth guide to the common sauna sizes.
There are really just three things you need to think about when it comes to sizing a sauna:
- How much space do you have for the unit?
- How many people do you want to be able to use it at once?
- What’s your budget for the sauna?
Answering these questions makes it far easier to narrow down the right fit for your space. You also have to think about the type of sauna you want, though, as some styles are more “space-friendly” than others.
Our advice is to connect with our experts at Premium Saunas for personalized support today. We know our sauna catalog inside and out, and can help you find the perfect model in minutes. Take all the stress out of sauna sizing today!
Key Takeaways
- Sauna sizes range from 39" x 26" for a 1-person cabin to 88" x 91" for an 8-person model.
- Ceiling height is rarely a factor since most indoor models are less than 86 inches.
- Measure the floor space you have available first to narrow down what sauna dimensions you even have room for.
- Infrared saunas have more interior space since they don’t have a large electric heater or ventilation system.
- Premium Saunas can help you pick the right size sauna for your space if you reach out.
Sauna Size Chart: Quick Guide to Sauna Dimensions
|
Sauna Size |
Typical Interior (W × D) |
Floor Space Needed |
Best For |
|
39" x 36" |
12-15 sq ft |
Solo sessions, small rooms |
|
|
42" x 42" to 50" x 42" |
15-20 sq ft |
Couples, home wellness |
|
|
53" x 42" to 59" x 50" |
20-30 sq ft |
Small families, friends |
|
|
70" x 53" to 77" x 66" |
30-42 sq ft |
Families, outdoor setups |
|
|
73" x 53" to 80" x 77" |
35-50 sq ft |
Groups, backyard builds |
|
|
84" x 71" to 93" x 86" |
50-65 sq ft |
Entertaining, shared use |
|
|
82" x 70" to 88" x 91" |
50-70 sq ft |
Large groups, commercial |
So What Size Sauna Do I Need For My Home?
The easiest way to narrow down the right sauna for your home is to get more specific about how many people are going to use it at any given time.
Be realistic. While there may come a time when you’ll have 4-5 friends over who all want to use the sauna at once, that may only happen once a year. At that point, you need to ask yourself: is it worth dedicating an entire room or a chunk of my basement to a massive sauna if I typically use it alone or with one other person?
The capacity rating tells you how many adults can sit in your sauna at once. But it doesn’t tell you how big the actual physical footprint is. Sauna dimensions can actually vary quite a bit within a capacity. That’s why the golden rule is to check the specifications for sauna sizes.
1-Person Saunas
These saunas are obviously meant for a single person. Even then, they can be quite tight - you won’t have room to lie down or do any sort of yoga while you immerse yourself in the session. Interior dimensions are often around 39" x 36". That’s the footprint of a typical shower stall.
Every 1-person sauna we stock is infrared and plugs right into a standard 120V outlet. No need to hire an electrician for wiring. Super easy to get started, and way more affordable than you might have thought (less than $1,900!). Plan on about 12-15 square feet.
2-Person Saunas
This is enough space for you to really stretch out on your own or invite another person in to keep you company in the sauna. Interiors range from 42" x 42" to 50" x 42".
This is around the footprint of a BIG shower stall. Probably closer to what you have in your master bathroom. Maybe even just a little bigger. Allocate around 15-20 square feet of space.
Saunas at this size - whether they’re electric or infrared - still tend to plug into a 120V outlet. Prices are around the same as a 1-person sauna, too. This is still very accessible.
3-Person Saunas
You’ll notice quite a jump in width when you move up to a sauna for three people. The interior of a 3-person sauna typically comes in between 53" x 42" and 59" x 50". You’ll need to dedicate as much as 30 square feet of space for one of these saunas.
Most models we carry are still compatible with a 120V outlet, although we do have some hybrid models that will require a 240V dedicated circuit. You will have to hire an electrician in that case, so plan accordingly. But, these are still very easy to fit in most interior spaces.
4-Person Saunas
70" x 53" to 77" x 66" are the typical interior sauna dimensions for a 4-person unit. We sell a lot of these, even for people who plan on using the unit just with their spouse, because you just get so much more room inside to get comfy.
The options tend to shift a little once you start looking at 4-person saunas. You’ll begin seeing a lot more traditional models and more outdoor saunas. Because fitting a 4-person sauna indoors starts to become a little trickier with a footprint of around 30-42 square feet. You’re looking at a basement, garage, or the better part of a spare bedroom for these sauna sizes.
5-Person Saunas
The interior of a 5-person sauna will range from 73" x 53" to 80" x 77". Budget at least 35 square feet for the footprint - in some cases, as much as 50 square feet. These are big. That’s why you’ll see fewer and fewer indoor models and more outdoor units. These are almost all going to run on a 240V outlet.
6-Person Saunas
A 6-person sauna is a behemoth. These are pretty much exclusively kept outdoors, in basements/garages, or in commercial settings. You can enjoy group settings with a roomy 73" x 53" to 80" x 77" of interior space, but you need to accommodate a footprint of up to 65 square feet.
Most models are traditional saunas, although we do carry some large 6-person infrared saunas. Some units even come equipped with a separate changing room, which is a really cool touch!
8-Person Saunas
The largest sauna sizes we carry fit up to 8 people - comfortably, that is. Maybe you could squeeze a few more smaller individuals in there. At any rate, interior dimensions are between 82" x 70" to 88" x 91", which really isn’t much bigger than a 6-person sauna.
These are almost always found in commercial settings, be it a wellness center, spa, gym, or resort. However, we have sold plenty to homeowners with big families trying to make sure everyone can enjoy the benefits of sauna therapy.
The Simplest Way to Narrow Down Sauna Dimensions: How Much Space Do You Have?
Our advice on sauna sizes is to start with where you plan on putting it and work backward.
Are you envisioning something out on the patio? Awesome. Measure the exact amount of space you’re willing to dedicate to the sauna. Same goes for anyone trying to put a sauna in the garage, a basement, a bathroom, or a closet.
You have to account for clearance as well. Subtract 6-8 inches from each measurement to account for ventilation clearance and access to all four walls. What you’ll be left with is your maximum allowable exterior footprint. Then you can start to compare that number to the spec sheets for whatever saunas you have in mind.
Ceiling height hasn’t really been discussed to this point in our guide to sauna dimensions. That’s intentional, as it’s rarely the limiting factor. You should have plenty of head height to work with inside your home or outdoors. Saunas don’t get more than 86” tall.
One tip if you’re tight on space is to consider a corner sauna. These can help you make the most of limited room. They sit against two walls and use the diagonal more effectively.
Understanding Interior Space Differences in Different Styles
We’ve seen sauna sizes differ up to 20 square feet at the same capacity depending on the style. Here’s how each of the popular types uses its interior space.
Infrared Saunas
These are the most space-efficient option per person because the carbon or ceramic infrared panels mount flat on interior walls. You’re not dedicating precious floor space to a big heater unit with an integrated rock tray.
Traditional Saunas
A good chunk of floor space is lost to the electric heater - and even more gets sacrificed for a wood-burning sauna stove.
The traditional sauna heater takes up around 2-4 square feet of space. We know that doesn’t sound like much, but it really is when it comes to smaller-sized units that don’t have a massive interior footprint to begin with.
Plus, outdoor units (as many traditional saunas are) need insulated walls and roof overhangs. The exterior sauna dimensions end up well past the interior dimensions.
Barrel Saunas
A barrel sauna is really unique. As the name suggests, it’s shaped like a barrel as opposed to the more modern cabin style. It doesn’t just look stunning, though. It maximizes heat efficiency inside the unit since the warmth just keeps circulating evenly around the curves.
These saunas are actually measured by diameter and length rather than width and depth. The round cross-section means the usable flat floor is way narrower than the exterior diameter suggests, too.
Put it this way: a 6.6-foot-diameter barrel like the True North Schooner yields roughly 4-4.5 feet of flat floor across the center. Length determines capacity: 6-foot barrels fit 2-4 people, while 9-10 foot barrels can comfortably seat up to 8.
These are almost exclusively outdoor units.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the smallest sauna you can buy?
A 1-person infrared sauna will take up as much space as a shower stall with interior dimensions of roughly 39" x 36" and as little a footprint as 12 square feet. You can fit them in a bathroom, large closet, or anywhere in between.
What is the typical size of an indoor sauna?
Our best-selling sizes are 3-person and 4-person saunas. These are more than enough for most people who partake in sauna sessions with just 1-2 other people. They’re practical for indoor and outdoor spaces alike, and prices aren’t too expensive at this size.
What’s the typical ceiling height of a sauna?
Interior heights range from about 75 inches for compact infrared models to 86 inches for larger traditional cabins. Given the fact that most homes have a ceiling of roughly 96 inches, ceiling height is almost never a deciding factor for sauna sizes.
How do I account for clearance around my sauna?
You need at least 3-4 inches of space on the sides and back for airflow. The front of the unit needs room for the door to open all the way, too - we’ve seen this mistake made all too often. This is typically 24-30 inches.
Do different types of saunas have different footprints?
Yes. An infrared sauna is more space-efficient than its traditional counterpart given the way heating panels are positioned compared to an electric heater.
I want to lie down in my sauna - how big should I go?
You need at least 72 inches of interior bench length for an average adult to lie flat. That typically means a 6-person or larger model. Most 5-person saunas offer bench widths that allow reclining at an angle but not lying fully horizontal. Some of the infrared saunas we carry allow you to remove benches for yoga and stretching if that’s what you’re interested in.
Get a Personalized Size Recommendation at Premium Saunas
We hope you feel confident in all things sauna dimensions at this point. There’s a lot that goes into picking the perfect model for your home or business. So why take any chances? Leave it to the experts at Premium Saunas.
Our customer service team is a click or call away ready to help you weigh your options. Just tell us where you plan on putting your sauna and how much room you have to work with. You can also tell us what matters to you in the sauna experience and what budget you’re working with.
From there, we’ll be able to pinpoint the perfect sauna models for you to choose from. You gain access to the best brands at the lowest prices online, guaranteed - with free shipping to boot!
Take the next step today and bring the benefits of sauna therapy into your space.
