Washer and dryer dimensions: Find the right fit for your space

When shopping for a washer or dryer, you want a machine that matches your lifestyle, laundry habits, and long-term needs. Above all, you want something that fits your space.

Washer and dryer dimensions vary more than most people realize, and this creates an easy trap where you buy a unit you love, only to discover that it doesn’t fit through the hallway or your laundry space.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about washer and dryer measurements and how to maximize your space with different appliance configurations.

Why washer and dryer dimensions matter

Dimensions determine whether the washer and dryer units will slide into place, how well they ventilate, how easy they are to access, and whether there’s enough clearance for doors to open fully. As such, if you don’t account for height, depth, and width accurately, including clearance for hoses, vents, and cords, you could run into problems with overheating, blocked airflow, or cramped usage.

One of the most common mistakes is measuring only the appliance and not the surrounding space, such as the area behind the unit or the pathway leading to the laundry room. Another is forgetting to include clearance for doors, especially on front-load machines that need room to swing open. Some homeowners even overlook vertical space when stacking units or placing them under cabinets, leading to tight fits or blocked access to controls. 

Taking a few extra minutes to measure properly can save you time, money, and a lot of frustration in the long run.

What are standard washer and dryer dimensions?

Standard washer and dryer dimensions are generally 27 inches wide and 38 to 42 inches high. However, how much laundry a washer or dryer can hold is just as important as the size of the appliance. For instance, two washers with the same width and height can have very different drum sizes. That’s why it’s essential to understand the dimensions of a washing machine, both in terms of external size and internal capacity. 

Standard washer size

Washers typically come in two main styles: front load and top load. Front load washers are generally more compact vertically but deeper front to back. Most front load washer dimensions are around 27 inches wide, 38 to 39 inches tall, and 32 to 34 inches deep. On the other hand, top load washers are taller, standing at about 42 to 44 inches high. They are also around 27 inches wide but are shallower at 27 to 28 inches deep..

Standard dryer dimensions

Dryers are either electric or gas. Both types share similar dimensions, but the main difference lies in the depth. Electric dryers are usually 29 to 33 inches deep, while gas dryers are slightly deeper at 30 to 34 inches. 

Regardless of the type, we recommend leaving at least 1 inch of space on each side of the dryer and 4 to 6 inches behind for vent hoses, cords, or gas lines. Then, make sure there's enough room in front to open the dryer door all the way.

Common configurations and how they differ

Washer and dryer dimensions vary depending on how they are configured. Understanding these differences can help you make the most of your space.

A side-by-side setup places the washer and dryer next to each other, which makes it easy to load and unload laundry and gives you access to the top of both machines for folding or storage. On the other hand, stacked setups place the dryer on top of the washer to save space, making it ideal for apartments where floor space is limited. Compact units are smaller versions of standard machines and are designed for tight areas. They may be stacked, placed side-by-side, or combined into a single appliance, depending on the model.

Your layout choice affects how much space you’ll need for the washer and dryer, including height, width, and door clearance. You’ll also need to consider nearby cabinets and access to hookups. Side-by-side units require more horizontal space, while stacked setups need more vertical clearance. Compact configurations take up less space, but also offer a smaller capacity. 

Stackable washer and dryer dimensions

Stacking a washer and dryer vertically frees up floor space without sacrificing the ability to do full-size loads. There are two types of stackable setups: front load units that are stacked separately, and laundry centers that come as a single fixed unit.

Front load stackable units

When fully stacked, front load full-size units stand between 77 and 80 inches tall. For proper ventilation, leave at least six inches of space behind the unit for vent hoses and power connections. If you’re installing in a closet or a tight alcove, make sure to allow at least one inch of clearance on each side to prevent overheating and to ensure the doors open freely.

Stacked laundry centers

Laundry centers are usually 74 to 76 inches tall, 23 to 28 inches wide, and 26 to 33 inches deep. They’re convenient in apartments, RVs, or homes where laundry space is carved out of a hallway or bathroom. However, while they save space, they offer smaller drum capacities and fewer features than standalone machines.

Compact and apartment-size washer and dryer dimensions

Compact and apartment-size washers and dryers are designed with tight spaces in mind. They are 24 inches wide, 33 to 36 inches tall, and 24 to 26 inches deep. That’s several inches narrower than standard machines, which usually range from 27 to 28 inches wide. This smaller footprint makes compact units ideal for closets, under-counter installations, or small homes where space is minimal. 

However, in terms of capacity, a standard washer can handle over 4.5 cubic feet of laundry, but compact versions usually top out around 2.5 to 2.7 cubic feet. Some models are designed to be stacked vertically, while others can be tucked side-by-side in cabinetry or tight corners.

Large capacity washer and dryer dimensions

Large capacity washers and dryers have the same height and width as standard models, but they’re noticeably deeper to support the extra drum volume. A typical washer or dryer is 28 to 34 inches deep, but large capacity units often range from 32 to 35 inches deep, and in some cases, up to 36 inches. This added depth allows for significantly larger drum sizes.

For context, a large capacity washer holds about 5.0 to 6.2 cubic feet, and a matching dryer can hold between 7.0 and 9.0 cubic feet of space, making them especially helpful for bigger households where laundry piles up quickly. With more room inside the drum, you can wash king-size comforters, bulky blankets, up to 21 full-size bath towels, or an entire week's worth of clothes in a single cycle.

How to measure for a new washer and dryer

Deciding which washer and dryer setup works best for your space comes down to layout, available room, and your laundry needs. Along with checking the dimensions of the appliances, measure the width, height, and depth of your laundry area to ensure everything fits and functions properly. Here’s how:

• Measure the width: Use a measuring tape to check the wall-to-wall space where the washer and dryer will go. Standard units are around 27 inches wide each, so measure the total width and allow for extra clearance on both sides.
• Measure the height: Measure from the floor to the lowest point of any cabinets, shelves, or ceilings. This is especially important for stacked or top-load units.
• Measure the depth: Measure from the back wall to the front edge of the space. Also, check that there's enough space in front to open doors all the way.

Clearance and ventilation space

You’ll need at least 1 inch of space on each side of the unit to prevent overheating and allow for airflow. Behind the appliances, leave 4 to 6 inches for power cords, hoses, or vent connections. If your setup is inside a closet or cabinet, make sure there’s enough overhead space for stacked units or top-load lids to open easily. Then, leave about 4 feet in front of the unit to allow for easy loading and unloading.

Pathway to the laundry area

Check the width of doorways, hallways, and any tight turns the appliances need to pass through. Even if the washer and dryer fit in the room itself, they won’t do much good if they can’t get through the door. Make sure you have enough space to maneuver them, ideally a few inches wider than the machine itself, and consider removing doors temporarily if necessary.

Final tips for finding the right fit

Always check the manufacturer’s specifications for the exact dimensions of the washer and dryer model you plan to buy. Even models labeled as “standard size” can vary slightly when it comes to depth, added features, or drum capacity. Verifying these measurements ensures your appliances will fit your space and chosen layout. 

Beyond the fit, also consider accessibility and future maintenance. Make sure there’s enough room to comfortably load and unload clothes, and ensure doors can open fully. It’s also a good idea to leave space around the appliances so they can be moved when needed for cleaning, hose replacements, or repairs.